DOCSLIB.ORG

A Study of Salvation Army Corps Officers' Spiritual Renewal As a Means

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Study of Salvation Army Corps Officers' Spiritual Renewal As a Means ABSTRACT HEALTHIER OFFICERS, HEALTHIER CORPS: A STUDY OF SALVATION ARMY CORPS OFFICERS’ SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AS A MEANS OF CONGREGATIONAL RENEWAL by Grant Sandercock-Brown The Salvation Army Australian Eastern Territory has many unhealthy and declining congregations, a significant percentage of which have leaders who are struggling with congregational ministry because of the complexity of the task, because of the multiplicity of expectations, and because of their place in their own spiritual journey. In this study I sought to test if the application of systems theory thinking and practices could help corps officers understand their role and primary responsibilities in the context of self-differentiation and thus improve their spiritual well-being and the health of their corps. I assessed the corps and the corps officers at the commencement of the study. Corps officers then attended a retreat to explore the concept and implications of self- differentiation. I assessed the well-being of the corps officer and the health of the corps a second time five months later to measure the impact of an improvement in well-being from adopting a systems approach to ministry. The positive impact of the retreat on the participants led to some significant findings, particularly as regards the improvement in the spiritual well-being of the participants. These findings have implications for congregational ministry in a Salvation Army context and for congregational ministry in general. DISSERTATION APPROVAL This is to certify that the dissertation entitled HEALTHIER OFFICERS, HEALTHIER CORPS: A STUDY OF SALVATION ARMY CORPS OFFICERS’ SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AS A MEANS OF CONGREGATIONAL RENEWAL presented by Grant Sandercock-Brown has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for the DOCTOR OF MINISTRY degree at Asbury Theological Seminary April 25, 2012 Mentor Date April 25, 2012 Internal Reader Date April 25, 2012 Representative, Doctor of Ministry Program Date April 25, 2012 Dean of the Beeson Center Date HEALTHIER OFFICERS, HEALTHIER CORPS: A STUDY OF SALVATION ARMY CORPS OFFICERS’ SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AS A MEANS OF CONGREGATIONAL RENEWAL A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry by Grant Sandercock-Brown May 2012 © 2012 Grant Sandercock-Brown ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................... viii LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... ix ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................x CHAPTER 1 PROBLEM ....................................................................................................1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................1 Purpose .....................................................................................................................3 Research Questions ..................................................................................................6 Research Question #1 ..................................................................................6 Research Question #2 ..................................................................................6 Research Question #3 ..................................................................................6 Definition of Terms..................................................................................................6 Ministry Intervention ...............................................................................................8 Context .....................................................................................................................9 Australia .......................................................................................................9 The Salvation Army ...................................................................................10 Leadership Structures.................................................................................11 Methodology ..........................................................................................................11 Participants .................................................................................................12 Instrumentation ..........................................................................................12 Variables ....................................................................................................12 Data Collection ..........................................................................................13 iii Data Analysis .............................................................................................13 Generalizability ..........................................................................................13 Theological Foundation .........................................................................................14 Overview ................................................................................................................21 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE .............................................................................................23 Introduction ............................................................................................................23 Theological Framework .........................................................................................26 Remaining in Christ ...................................................................................27 Fruit That Will Last ...................................................................................33 Spiritual Disciplines ...................................................................................39 Corps Ministry in the Salvation Army .......................................................44 Systems Theory ......................................................................................................53 Bowen’s Theory .........................................................................................53 Self-Differentiation ....................................................................................62 Congregation as Family System ................................................................67 Leadership in a System ..............................................................................69 Church Health ........................................................................................................78 The Leader’s Spiritual Well-Being—The Missing Characteristic .............84 Church Health in This Study......................................................................86 Spiritual Well-Being ..................................................................................88 Corps Officership in a Corps System.........................................................93 Research Design.....................................................................................................95 Summary ................................................................................................................98 iv CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................101 Problem and Purpose ...........................................................................................101 Research Questions ..............................................................................................102 Research Question #1 ..............................................................................103 Research Question #2 ..............................................................................103 Research Question #3 ..............................................................................104 Population and Participants..................................................................................104 Design of the Study ..............................................................................................106 Instrumentation ........................................................................................108 Spiritual Well-Being Scale .....................................................................108 Beeson Church Health Questionnaire .....................................................109 Participants’ Personal Response .............................................................109 Variables ..................................................................................................110 Reliability and Validity ............................................................................110 Data Collection ....................................................................................................112 Step 1—Prior Planning ............................................................................113 Step 2—Participants.................................................................................113 Step 3—Congregational Health ...............................................................114 Step 4—Retreat ........................................................................................114 Step 5—Individual Spiritual Health.........................................................115 Step 6—Congregational Health ...............................................................115 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................115
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Army of Salvation
    COMMUNITY IN MISSION By Phil Needham Original cover art by Jeff Gabriel Community in Mission Phil Needham 2016 Frontier Press All rights reserved. Except for fair dealing permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this book may be reproduced by any means without the permission of the publisher. Unless otherwise marked Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (AV) taken from Authorized Version of the Bible and are in public domain. Scripture quotations marked (GNB) taken from the Good News Bible © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/ HarperCollins Publishers Ltd UK, Good News Bible© American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992. Used with permission. Scripture quotations marked (JB) taken from The Jerusalem Bible, copyright © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. Reprinted by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NAS) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NEB) taken from the New English Bible, copyright © Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press 1961, 1970. All rights reserved. Needham, Phil Community in Mission September 2016 Copyright © The Salvation Army USA Western Territory ISBN 978-0-9968473-6-0 Printed in the United States of America on recycled paper First published 1987 by Salvation Books The Salvation Army International Headquarters, London, England This volume contains additional material.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
    SA-100.ISC/ October 2014 Introduction to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Independent Study Course Materials The Salvation Army Southern Territory Emergency Disaster Services Version: SA-100.ISC October 2014 The information contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for compliance with specific established legal standards and requirements. This publication deals with complex matters that may vary greatly based upon specific facts involved in any particular situation. The material in this publication should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized legal or professional advice in connection with any particular matter. The material in this publication should not be construed as legal advice and the user is solely responsible for any use or application of the material in this book. Although The Salvation Army believes that the information included in this publication has been obtained from reliable sources, The Salvation Army makes no representation or warranty whatsoever regarding the completeness, accura- cy, currency or adequacy of any information, facts, views, opinions, statements and recommendations contained in this publication, and The Salvation Army disclaims all legal responsibility for any inju- ry, loss or damage arising from the use of this publication. The Salvation Army-Southern Territory Bobbi Geery, Course Manager 1424 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org For questions or comments concerning the course materi- als, please send an email to: [email protected]. The development of this course was funded in part through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Introduction To The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Independent Study Course Introduction Welcome Hello, my name is Major Rob Vincent and on behalf of the entire The Salvation Army family, I want to thank you for your interest in being a disaster worker.
    [Show full text]
  • A Publication of the Salvation Army
    A Publication of The Salvation Army Word & Deed Mission Statement: The purpose of the journal is to encourage and disseminate the thinking of Salvationists and other Christian colleagues on matters broadly related to the theology and ministry of The Salvation Army The journal provides a means to understand topics central to the mission of The Salvation Army inte­ grating the Army's theology and ministry in response to Christ's command to love God and our neighbor. Salvation Army Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Editorial Address: Manuscripts, requests for style sheets, and other correspondence should be addressed to Major Ed Forster at The Salvation Army, National Headquarters, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314. Phone: (703) 684-5500. Fax: (703) 302-8623. Email: [email protected]. Editorial Policy: Contributions related to the mission of the journal will be encouraged, and at times there will be a general call for papers related to specific subjects. The Salvation Army is not responsible for every view which may be expressed in this journal. Manuscripts should be approximately 12-15 pages, including endnotes. Please submit the following: 1) three hard copies of the manuscript with the author's name (with rank and appointment if an officer) on the cover page only. This ensures objec­ tivity during the evaluation process.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal of Aggressive Christianity
    JOURNAL OF AGGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY Issue 93, October - November 2014 Copyright © 2014 Journal of Aggressive Christianity Journal of Aggressive Christianity, Issue 93, October - November 2014 2 In This Issue JOURNAL OF AGGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY Issue 93, October - November 2014 Editorial Introduction page 3 Major Stephen Court Volunteers page 4 Commissioner Wesley Harris Suffering in William Booth’s Ecclesiology page 6 Captain Andy Miller III Why Living Like Jesus Means Justice For Women page 18 Major Danielle Strickland Dear Salvation Army: 4 Sins No One is Talking About page 21 Captain Scott Strissel Blessing in Fellowship page 25 Major Robert Evans Scripture Art page 26 Captain Catherine Fitzgerald Cracked Pots: Give Us Sincere Hearts page 28 Jonathan Evans The Blight of liberal Theology page 37 Lieutenant Matt Kean Communicating the Gospel in a Post Modern World page 39 Soldier Aaron White Journal of Aggressive Christianity, Issue 93, October - November 2014 3 Editorial Introduction by Major Stephen Court, Editor Welcome to JAC93 – the 93rd issue of Journal of Aggressive Christianity. What a blessing it promises to those who read and share and apply its lessons. Savour the testimony, reflect on the teaching, respond to the exhortation. It could change eternity. We’re grateful, as always, for the contributors who come this issue from six territories and include some officers (lieutenants, captains, majors, and commissioner) and other soldiers writing on justice and theology and mission and integrity and strategy and covenant and the Bible – all great subjects for study and application. Here is JAC93: Commissioner Wesley Harris: Volunteers. The Commissioner starts at the birth of The Salvation Army and fast forwards through a century and more of blessings provided by volunteers helping The Salvation Army and provided to volunteers helping The Salvation Army.
    [Show full text]
  • SPS353 Booklet-Pgs12&1 CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
    CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK 1. Soldiers of Christ George Marshall 3.36 2. Under Two Flags Bramwell Coles 4.08 3. Mighty to Save George Marshall 2.49 4. Departed Heroes Bramwell Coles 6.54 5. The Liberator George Marshall 3.14 6. One by One John Pattison 3.02 7. The Flag of Freedom Bramwell Coles 3.00 8. In the Firing Line Bramwell Coles 3.50 9. Pressing Onward Erik Leidzén 5.03 10. The Wellingtonian Harold Scotney 3.22 11. Fighting for the Lord Emil Söderström 3.24 12. The Red Shield Henry C. Goffin 3.18 13. Regeneration Bert T. Langworthy 3.03 14. The Redcliffe March D. G. Hollis 3.25 15. Beaumont George Dickens 3.31 All tracks © SP&S SPS 353 CD SPS353 Booklet-Pgs12&1 CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND In addition to the ISB120 celebrations, double-CD Origins, St Magnus - The Music of The International Staff Band continues Kenneth Downie and Fire in the Blood. The Salvation Army’s early history makes From those beginnings, the present-day ISB to be involved in major brass banding Stephen Cobb’s initial reputation was secured mention of several ‘staff bands’ dating back has evolved. Throughout its history the band events, including Brass in Concert, gala as a cornet soloist, both at Hendon and within as far as 1880, but it was on 7 October 1891 has maintained the highest musical and concerts following the National Brass Band The International Staff Band, having come that the ‘International Headquarters Staff spiritual standards and has been proud to be Championships of Great Britain and other from a family of talented bandmasters and soloists.
    [Show full text]
  • History of the Salvation Army Early Beginnings the Salvation Army Is
    History of the Salvation Army Early Beginnings The Salvation Army is an international organization, which began humbly in 1865 under the guidance of a radical Methodist minister named William Booth. More than 130 years later, The Salvation Army now stretches across the globe with churches and missions on every continent except Antarctica. With its international headquarters in London, England, The Salvation Army is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ministering whenever and wherever there is need. The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth, an ordained Methodist minister. Aided by his wife Catherine, Booth formed an evangelical group dedicated to preaching among the “unchurched” people living in the midst of appalling poverty in London’s East End. Booth abandoned the conventional concept of church and a pulpit, instead taking is message to the people. His fervor led to disagreement with church leaders in London, who preferred traditional methods. As a result, he withdrew from the church and traveled throughout England, conducting evangelistic meetings. In 1865, William Booth was invited to hold a series of Evangelistic meetings in the East of London. He set up a tent in a Quaker graveyard, and his services became an instant success. This proved to be the end of his wanderings as an independent traveling evangelist. His renown as a religious leader spread throughout London, and he attracted followers who were dedicated to fighting for the souls of men and women. Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers and drunkards were among Booth’s first converts to Christianity. To congregations that were desperately poor, he preached hope and salvation.
    [Show full text]
  • Official Organ of the Salvation Army in Southern Africa ~ Registered at The
    THE WAR CRY Official Organ of The Salvation Army in Southern Africa ~ Registered at the Post Office as a Newspaper ~ R5.00 ~ 132th Year ~ Issue No 5833 ~ April 2015 Founder William Booth From the Editor General Humiliated and Exalted on High André Cox uttered these words when He was on Territorial Commander We all share the wonderful benefits of the Cross ‘It is finished: Bearing our our Saviour’s atoning work at Calvary. sins Jesus gave Himself to prayer. He Commissioner W. Langa Ponder and imagine on what He had to chooses a familiar place to him where International Headquarters give up in order to make this possible. He fights a battle. The enemy was out to destroy Him, but Christ kneels in 101 Queen Victoria Street, He left His heavenly perfect life and London EC4P 4GP England state of holiness to represent humanity prayer, seeking power to assure in His incarnation (Philipians 2:5-11). victory. He prays in solitude. Great Territorial Headquarters When you feel humiliated in any form lessons and strategies to learn and 119 - 121 Rissik Street, in your life remember that Christ’s apply from our Master. Read what the Johannesburg 2001 earthly life was one of continual Major Kediemetse Territorial Commander has to share humiliation. Lenah Jwili about this man of Sorrow on page 4 Editor “The hour of Crucifixion Major Kediemetse Lenah Jwili Although many followed Jesus during His approaches”. Editorial Office public ministry, He faced frequent persecution P.O. Box 1018 and rejection. Don’t despair or be amazed when The Saviour is willing to help you.
    [Show full text]
  • A Distance Education Program for the Salvation Army College for Officer Training
    Please HONOR the copyright of these documents by not retransmitting or making any additional copies in any form (Except for private personal use). We appreciate your respectful cooperation. ___________________________ Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN) P.O. Box 30183 Portland, Oregon 97294 USA Website: www.tren.com E-mail: [email protected] Phone# 1-800-334-8736 ___________________________ ATTENTION CATALOGING LIBRARIANS TREN ID# Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) MARC Record # Digital Object Identification DOI # Ministry Focus Paper Approval Sheet This ministry focus paper entitled A DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR THE SALVATION COLLEGE FOR OFFICER TRAINING Written by BRIAN M. SAUNDERS and submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry has been accepted by the Faculty of Fuller Theological Seminary upon the recommendation of the undersigned readers: _____________________________________ Kurt Fredrickson oDate Received: November 30, 2012 A DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR THE SALVATION ARMY COLLEGE FOR OFFICER TRAINING A MINISTRY FOCUS PAPER SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY BY BRIAN M. SAUNDERS NOVEMBER 2012 ABSTRACT A Distance Education Program for The Salvation Army College for Officer Training Brian M. Saunders Doctor of Ministry School of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary 2012 The goal of this paper is to develop a distance education program for The Salvation Army’s USA Western Territory. The Salvation Army’s current clergy education program, a two-year residential college located in Southern California, is somewhat limited in that it excludes those who may not be able to relocate to Los Angeles.
    [Show full text]
  • Central News Pages Feb08
    The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory News and Views from the Midwest “We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.” Eph. 4:3,4 (NLT) Volume 46, Number 8 August 2016 ARC alumni retreat proves family strong A new work - shop this by Major Arnel Ruppel Central Territory for a weekend of year, “Family fun, fellowship and restoration for Strong: the eart strong, faith strong, we both body and soul. The retreat’s Importance are family strong!” was the objectives were to give people the of a “Htheme for the 2016 Adult opportunity for rest and relaxation, Committed Rehabilitation Centers to learn something new, to connect Dad,” was (ARC) Alumni Retreat which brought again to a body of people in recovery taught by together 300 people from across the and, most importantly, to praise and age groups ascended the field of bat - Derrick White and Julie Scott of worship the Lord of tle until the final call for those over Metropolitan Division Family our salvation. 30 was given. Without hesitation, Services. The course is a precursor nearly 40 men and women advanced With guests Majors of the new father’s initiative cohort to the stage amid shouts of support Stephen and Diane program for which they recently from family and friends. “I’m coming Harper, we did just received federal funding to teach. back next year, whether you invite that opening the Beginning this fall ARCs in the me or not,” declared Major Steve. retreat with a game Chicago area will participate in this night.
    [Show full text]
  • Module 1, Unit 2, Lesson 1 What Is the Salvation Army?
    Module 1, Unit 2, Lesson 1 What is the Salvation Army? Guiding Principle: The ministry of The Salvation Army is widespread, both in our communities and overseas. Memory Verse: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) Leader’s Background Information: Sometimes it is hard to explain the work and ministry of The Salvation Army to adults. It can be much harder to explain the concept to children! But The Salvation Army is so much more than a church and so much more than a charity. This lesson really hones in on the military metaphor and teaches that we are fighting with more powerful weapons. We are fighting with the message of hope—the message of Jesus Christ. Guiding Principle: The ministry of The Salvation Army is widespread, both in our communities and overseas. Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) Activity What Kids Do Preparation Materials • Copies of Worksheets #1-10 on cardstock (only one set) • Box cutter Paper City: Have the cut-outs ready. • Crayons/markers Junior soldiers design a Score the necessary lines. IMPACT • Scissors papercraft city of Salvation Copy Worksheets #1-10 (only (10-15 min) • Glue sticks Army buildings. one set). • Tape • Pennies • Green Army Men Junior soldiers learn about • Yarn/String Review lesson. some of the different • Small shields from Review verse. ILLUMINATE ministries of The Salvation Worksheet #11 (10-15 min) Cut out the small shields Army, both domestically and • Tape from Worksheet #11.
    [Show full text]
  • Everything You Need to Know About the Candidate Process
    EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CANDIDATE PROCESS A WORD FROM THE DEPARTMENT A Word from the Territorial Candidates’ TERRITORIAL CANDIDATES’ SECRETARY Seeking “God’s Will” for our lives can be an overwhelming and frightening effort. We want what God wants, until it isn’t what we want. The fear that He might ask something of us that we’re not sure we could find contentment in, may keep us from being open to where He is leading. In that resistance, we miss not only opportunities to be used by God for His purposes, but we miss blessings that are inherent in obedience. The concept of “calling” is not always easy and at times can be clouded by conflicting views, beliefs and attitudes. What we can know is that God choses to use “the called according to His purposes” to reach the lost, bring comfort and care to the hurting, encouragement to the discouraged, to preach the Word and so much more. We are all called to first seek knowing the Lord and then to be a reflection of all He is to our world. When we consider calling, vocation and fulltime ministry within the church, how God calls is unique to each person, to each human heart. It is the “follow me” spoken in the language of your soul. For some it is the voice of God discerned in the awareness of great need, saying “Who will go? Whom shall We send?” and the heart cries back, “Here am I, send me!” For others it is discontent that causes the heart to look past current ministries and work to the challenges and opportunities of fulltime pastoral ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • Healing and Wholeness by Emma Knights Abstract This Article Looks At
    WBC Journal Issue 1 August 2015 Healing and Wholeness By Emma Knights Abstract This article looks at wholeness and healing within The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and considers whether the approach taken has changed within The Salvation Army since 1920. William Booth produced a memorandum in 1902 entitled: ‘Faith Healing. A memorandum for the use of Officers of The Salvation Army.’ This was republished in the 1930s but seems to have been side-lined over recent years. The author suggests that for too long healing and wholeness have been implied within The Salvation Army rather than made explicit. The article raises the suggestion that they should be seen as central to the work and ministry of The Salvation Army. *** Healing and wholeness are not new topics for The Salvation Army. Doctrine 10, one of the eleven Articles of Faith which General William Booth, as founder, confirmed in the Deed of Constitution 1878, states: “We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit, soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The latest edition of the Handbook of Doctrine (2010:196) gives a recent interpretation of Doctrine 10, saying that “the God who sanctifies us is the healing God who makes us whole” (Psalms 30:2, 103:3 are quoted). Dr G. Calvert (1997:11), a General Practitioner and participant in a 2001 Conference in Sri Lanka on ‘Health, healing and wholeness within The Salvation Army’, states: “Health, healing and wholeness have been desired outcomes of Salvation Army activity from the very beginning.” In its very early days The Salvation Army reached out to those who were on the edge of society.
    [Show full text]