JAC Online

Involvement
by Commissioner Wesley Harris

 

  

THERE were numerous evangelistic efforts to evangelise the east end of London during the mid nineteenth-century. Many of them were short-lived but what became known as the Christian Mission flourished and developed into the world-wide Salvation Army.  Among many reasons for this would have been that William Booth mobilised his followers rather than depending only on the initiative of a few clerical leaders.

 

He believed that “every soldier has a part to play in ther great salvation war' and he got his people to believe it too. He didn”t want to be a one man band.  All should share responsibility and even small tasks  be seen as important.

 

Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth told me that in the early days when someone came to the mercy seat they could be given a piece of Army ribbon to wear and copies of the War Cry to sell to their friends.  Service began where and when salvation was found,  Converts were made to feel needed and put to work.  Commissions often confirmed responsibilities

 

A woman might make teafor the Home League and fairly soon be a tea sergeant.  A man might do odd jobs in the hall and become known as a quartermaster  but the aim and object was the winning of people for Jesus. Converts soon felt that they had to be at the meetings because they had responsibilities.  They were not merely pew sitters but participants and involved, part of the regiment of the redeemed and sharing in a close-knit fellowship.

 

The ministry of all believers was fundamental to the deveopment of the Army and found expression in the active and positive concept of the soldier of Jesus.  It is sad that particularly in some western countries the number of soldiers on Army rolls is declining. Yet from long experience I am convinced that around the edges of many corps there are potential soldiers – sincere Christians who are not soldiers because no-one has thought to invite them to enlist! Could not those working among young people or women or seniors be asked to provide names of those who could be approached by the corps officers or recruiting sergeants?

 

In one situation we organised a “Year of the Soldier” and, for example,  on certain days suggested people wear their uniform to work or while shopping and this was no doubt an effective witness and put our people on their mettle  Of course, some prefered to remained uncommitted in this way and their wishes were respected but there were those who wanted to be seen as full blooded salvationists and deeply incolved.  May there be many more like that for "no soldiers no Army"!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

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