Friday, December 12, 2014

50 Salvation Army Officers I Admire


Salvation Army Officers are a unique bunch. The 2014 yearbook highlights that there are 17,105 active Salvation Army Officers in the world and 9,252 retired officers.

For some unknown reason, I have found myself absolutely inspired by Salvation Army Officers around the globe in recent days. What a diverse, passionate group of Jesus-followers, each with varying personalities and giftings, each called to live out the Officer's Covenant.

I want to highlight 50 Salvation Army Officers I admire. Now, this list is far from exhaustive, nor scientific, nor in any particular order and undoubtedly missing spouses and friends and colleagues. In fact, to tell you the truth, the list merely popped in my head one by one. Now, If I completed a list two weeks later, the list would be different. It of course, doesn't account for everyone and nor does it account for the plethora of amazing Salvationists the world-over who give The Salvation Army its flavour and contribute to a global Kingdom impact. I'm sure you understand this.

Here we are, 50 Salvation Army Officers I admire:
  1. Captain Scott Ellery for his ability to bring Scripture alive through drama.
  2. Major Vicki McMahon for her willingness to take in a young child and care for her for years to come.
  3. Captain Aaron Stobie because of his capacity to plant missional congregations like it's a new Bono soundtrack.
  4. Steve Simms (Captain?) because he advocates for the priesthood of all believers.
  5. Commissioner Tracy Tidd because she facebooks me encouragement, even when she is dealing with national administrative tasks.
  6. Commissioner Jim Knaggs, who spoke into my life even when I smelt like a cadet.
  7. Lieutenant Simon Mapleback because he showed me spiritual gifts I hadn't thought much about a few years back.
  8. Major David Eldridge, who has done more for the social services sector than I will ever do in three lifetimes.
  9. Captain Lance Jeffrey who is a man of integrity and has a pastoral touch I really admire.
  10. My mum (well, she's a newly enrolled soldier - I can break the rules; it's my blog), because she found the courage and faith to make a commitment to the soldier's covenant.
  11. General Eva Burrows (Rtd), who still takes an interest in me and my local corps whenever I bump into her. Please note, I try not to literally bump into her these days...
  12. General William Booth, who, along with Catherine and the power of the Holy Spirit birthed a movement that is still impacting the world today.
  13. Lt. Col. Chris Reid who invests in the next generation of officers.
  14. Commissioner James Condon. What a graceful leader in the midst of challenging organisational demands.
  15. Lieutenant Michael Nally. Perseverance and focus on Jesus.
  16. Captain Craig Farrell for standing up for children in detention centres.
  17. Captain Mal Davies who has more literature in Army publications than I've had vegemite sandwiches.
  18. Colonel Janet Munn for posting up Scriptures on social media like it's the air I breathe.
  19. Major Stephen Court because of his discipline, accountability and holiness that keeps him and others focused on Christ.
  20. Cadet David Mackertich, who has a dream for global, cross-cultural impact. Let it happen Lord.
  21. Majors Gary and Julie Grant, who led an amazing Corps (Salvos 3064) and somehow, by the grace of God, Jo and I were privileged enough to take the baton for the next leg of the race.
  22. Major Rob Evans, who makes leadership look like Carlton winning the 1995 AFL premiership (i.e. a breeze).
  23. Lieutenant Meg who exemplifies compassion for Jesus. 
  24. Major Jennifer Mundy who spoke truth into my life as a cadet. An introverted dynamic servant.
  25. Major Marney Turner, who turns adversity into prayer meetings and demonic strongholds into plaster funhouses. In Jesus' name!
  26. Major Gregory Morgan who lives and breathes a missional life.
  27. Captain Kim Haworth who loves Jesus. And I love Jesus when I see that in Kim!
  28. Captain Steve Haworth who has perfected the pastoral craft of, 'So what I hear you saying is...'
  29. Lieutenant Tracy Marks. You better believe it; the way you live out your relationship with God is inspiring.
  30. Captain Adam Couchman, who writes theological stuff that makes you want to be a couchman. 
  31. Captain Stuart McGifford who exemplifies hard work, grace and intellectual rigour that motivates the people.
  32. Lieutenant Matt Kean. A straight-shooter with a prophetic edge. 
  33. Lieutenant Amy Stobie - Loves her family and therefore inspires me to love mine more!
  34. Cadet Erin Main who just wants to help people and bring about God's kingdom on earth.
  35. General John Gowans who challenged stale thinking with innovation, passion and leadership prowess.
  36. Major Gary Hart, who makes the minute book feel like a good Roald Dahl novel.
  37. Major Graham Roberts who takes biblical truth and infuses it into people's lives. Ok, that sounded a little creepy.
  38. Grace Choi (Are you a captain now?) because you can see Jesus when she smiles.
  39. Lieutenant Olivia Munn for holiness taught and lived.
  40. Lieutenant Adrian Hamond who is the big bloke with a big heart and big dreams. Change the world mate.
  41. Major Alan Laurens (rtd), who has spoken more prophetic words over people, than I've had cheeseburgers.... and I've had a lot of cheeseburgers.
  42. Captain Kevin Lumb who allowed me to preach and lead even when I had many sharp edges.
  43. Major Brendan Nottle who is a Melbourne icon because of his service and leadership to the disadvantaged. 
  44. Sandra Maunder (are you Colonel now?!), who took a chance on Jo and I when she was a Candidates Secretary. She then fled to Pakistan to escape.
  45. Major Kaye Reeves who shows support in what we do in our local corps.
  46. Captain Peer Cathcart, who finds solutions for every problem.
  47. Major Joyleen Stewart who let me run a youth group. No children were permanently injured during this time.
  48. Shaun Featherston for... wait? Are you still not an officer yet?
  49. Major Brian Pratt, who from a distance exudes compassion and kingdom-focus.
  50. My wife, Jo. Captain Brookshaw. Graphic designer. Worship Leader. Mother. Preacher. Leader. Amazing wife. What more could I say?
I admire more than 50 Salvation Army Officers. Just I knew you wouldn't read past 20, so I shortened the list.

God - Do a great work through the officers, soldiers, employees, friends and family of The Salvation Army. Collectively we can continue to transform lives, make disciples, care for people and reform society; in Jesus' name.

5 comments:

  1. I read past twenty. Just saying. Blessing to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cathie! I could've easily have listed off more great Salvation Army Officers. Maybe God is shifting our mindset to one of appreciation and honour?

      Delete
  2. I read all of them. This has really encouraged me today. Thanks. It is easy to get frustrated and discouraged and this is a great reminder that we are a global movement with wonderful people leading within it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome to hear some encouragement coming your way Sarah! :)
      We know full well there are moments Salvation Army leaders make mistakes, forget about us, become a little too bureaucratic, etc, but it's good to stop occassionally and give thanks for the great Salvation Army Officers we have.
      God bless you!

      Delete
  3. A great list
    You have started me thinking about those officers who I admire and who have impacted my life...I love the fact that you included your mum there too

    ReplyDelete

Popular ALL TIME Posts

PeterBrookshaw.Com

Translate