Guess what happened at Salvation Army Boundless 2015?

I have heard the chit-chat and the small talk. I have overheard some powerful times of prayer. The Salvation Army Boundless experience in London is well underway. The International Congress, celebrating 150 years, is buzzing. Though, for those who are not there, you may want to hear what has already been happening. Let me offer you some insider information, hot off the press!  

Allow me to start with this: You can change the world, but the fact is, you need to first believe you can. Actually, let me take a step back. Before you even believe you CAN change the world, you need to believe it needs changing. Maybe that goes without saying. One look at the National News and you should have that box ticked off. Though, implicit by the little action of some Christians presupposes an inherent belief that the world is just fine the way it is. Well let me suggest, that the WORLD NEEDS CHANGING.

Followers of Jesus are called to reconcile the world back to Christ. Some Salvationist friends bellow out the words, 'Win the World for Jesus.' These words, in the midst of post-Christian, secular societies are confrontational and create unease, but does that make them any less relevant and poignant? To reconcile creation, to the fullness of God's plan for it, is exciting, bold and absolutely a cause worthy of a whole-life commitment.

So let me say, as I wander through the hustle and bustle of The Salvation Army Boundless International Congress 2015, let me highlight some Spirit-led moments and bit-sized thoughts for you:

1. If we do not disturb the present, we cannot reshape the future.
2. We commemorate the past, but we do not idolize it. 
3. An officer tried to lead a security guard to follow Christ. Maybe tomorrow will be more successful.
4. We must be willing to take a risk in the present. Innovation is not optional, it is mandatory.
5. Worship in a Salvation Army context, was historically described as 'raucous' (Dr. Roger Green).
6. Confession followed by repentance. I think we need some of that. Don't entertain me, challenge me. Don't tickle my ears but make them burn with the sounds of salvation.
7. Coffee is not necessary for salvation, but necessary for holiness. (Yes, I just wrote that. That's unofficial theology).
8. Random prayer meetings of 3-4 people are happening within the O2 Arena and foyer. Very surreal.
9. God can do immeasurably more than anything we ask or imagine. True. Though listen to the whole thing: 'God can do immeasurably more than anything we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us... to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!' (Ephesians 3:20-21). God can do amazing things, through his POWER within US! We are God's chosen vessel to DO the amazing things! Wow! Think on that for a moment.
10. I am inspired by the energy, the love, the dynamism, the faith and the authenticity of Salvationists I meet.
11. From the Philippines, to Scotland, to the U.S.A. to the Africas... God is stirring up The Salvation Army.
12. The Salvation Army has a destiny.
13. Jesus is coming back soon.

#boundless2015
#salvationarmy
 

A Prophetic Word for The Salvation Army

I am no prophet.

Though, I have a word on my heart, for The Salvation Army.

Let it grip your heart and inspire you in 2015.

I pray that you would let the Holy Spirit's wisdom be upon you as you read this word, and let God give you a sense of its credibility and trustworthiness.

(I probably need to say it for someone reading: My views, thoughts and opinions come from Pete Brookshaw and not from The Salvation Army).


A Prophetic Word for The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is restoring its focus. It's learning its identity again. Innovation is springing up from unlikely places. Salvation found in Jesus is becoming central once again. Holiness is getting a facelift. There is a growing, renewed faith-expectation within its officers, soldiers and friends of The Salvation Army. Some are saying, 'God has only just started with The Salvation Army!' Others are suggesting that, 'God is doing a new thing.'

See, God is the one who brings streams in the wasteland and it is in that place of wrestling with God in the desert, that God teaches tenacity and perseverance and can recalibrate a wrong direction.

One could say, the direction of The Salvation Army, at times, has been slightly askew. Maybe not by much. Though, if for 40 years you walk 1 degree off course, you understand the implications. In what way has The Salvation Army been off course? Good question. I suggest, we find ourselves off course from God's original intentions, when we care more about the status quo than we do about the transformative power of the gospel. I suggest we are off course, when we inherently embrace traditionalism as opposed to giving thanks for our tradition; when the useability or otherwise of our Corps buildings encapsulates our missional imagination; when trivial theological debates cause dissension and when contemporary church expressions of missiology wrongly redefine our salvationist identity.   

2015 is a big year for The Salvation Army. As we celebrate 150 years, would it be, that God is saying, 'Are you ready? Are you ready to embrace all I have for The Salvation Army?' It seems the Holy Spirit is stirring up Salvationists around the globe to recommit to their covenants and stay steadfast in their following of Jesus and helping the hurting and broken. In a world, that seems to 'have gone mad', the Lord is rising up a holy, loving army, that will represent to the world a Jesus who can bring peace into the midst of the madness.

Our God is boundless. No limits. Boundaries do not contain God. Now, if we have the Spirit of Jesus living inside of us, we live in a paradigm that is boundless. Many have said to me, that 2014, was something liken to walking up hill with a chain around your ankle. It was a difficult year, and yet some saw some great Godly outcomes. As we embrace 2015, we take hold of a year with boundless opportunities. We worship a God without limits. We believe for healing from a God who can heal. God has no financial debt too difficult to repay. There is no mission that is too arduous for God. There is no mountain that cannot be moved.

Get ready Salvation Army. Put on faith like a uniform. Be sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. God is about to answer unanswered prayers, and bring fulfilment to broken dreams. This is a time of favour and a time of blessing. God is using the challenges that The Salvation Army have faced in recent days to build our resilience, right some wrongs and realign our focus.

The best days are still ahead for The Salvation Army.

This year, many Salvationists will see that.
  
The word is BOUNDLESS.

_____________________

Two BIG Posts you will want to read:

• Top 100 Leadership Tips
• 50 Salvation Army Officers I Admire...