More Candidates
In the economy of officers, we need more help. Who is God calling today?
In simple arithmetic terms, we need to commission approximately 50 new Captains each year to maintain our force. Who is God calling today?
If we are to win the world for Christ, we need to take the mission to new levels and will need even more officers. Who is God calling today?
Our soldiers, local officers, employees and volunteers need leaders who are fully engaged in officership. Who is God calling today?
God needs us. Who is He calling today?
Mark 16:15 (AMP)
Mk 16:15 "And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]."
In simple arithmetic terms, we need to commission approximately 50 new Captains each year to maintain our force. Who is God calling today?
If we are to win the world for Christ, we need to take the mission to new levels and will need even more officers. Who is God calling today?
Our soldiers, local officers, employees and volunteers need leaders who are fully engaged in officership. Who is God calling today?
God needs us. Who is He calling today?
Mark 16:15 (AMP)
Mk 16:15 "And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]."
posted by Jim Knaggs | 8:44 PM
10 Comments:
There is some interesting discussion going around the blogger community that actually may tie into this need for more officers. Check out http://coolsoundingblog.blogspot.com and http://www.phillaeger.com/
The comments have been interesting. Loyal radicals and change from within. I don’t know Phil Laeger. I have heard of his music but I have respect for what he has contributed in the discussion.
I have never liked the numbers view - it makes me a little uncomfortable. Chick Yuill has quipped on a few occasions that he would not mind the appointment of TSCC ("Territorial Small Corps Closer").
If God is not calling forward and raising up individuals to serve in today's Army, should we be taking that as a message to prayerfuly consider and evaluate what is behind the numbers? Are we willing to adjust the demand side of Army economics, even if that means it appears we are "shrinking" on paper?
Just things to think about...
Or is it that people are not actively listening to hear God's calling to such ministry? I think that the "Chief" and others working in the vineyard are responsible to plant the seed. God will then provide the increase. He does, however, call us to plant, water and cultivate.
I wonder if the number 50 is God's economy or our number?
While I believe in the unique call of officership and cherish it what happened to the priesthood of all believers? In fact, I love being an officer. I worry sometimes that we see officership as the ultimate in calling.
I think our officers need to be surrounded with great locals and soldiers. Sadly, in many cases, I am not sure there is a vast supply around. Is it valid to believe that the calling of being a soldier or a local officer is just as holy as being an officer? Can't he use people who are in places for a lifetime?
just my thoughts.
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hmmm...Is it valid to believe that the calling of being a soldier or a local officer is just as holy as being an officer? good question?
It is a good question. I don't believe that any calling is more holy than another calling. I do believe God has called us to be soldiers and some He has called to be local officers and some to be officers. Anyone who says one is more holy than the other doesn't understand what a calling is. It is the leading of God, who is holy in everything He does.
Each calling has its own demands which are very different from one calling to the next. We are, however being quite philosophical here. What we need to understand is that when God leads us in a direction (calling), we must follow. The measure of the calling is irrelevant. The measure of faithfulness is paramount.
Sal2: I like your thinking here. There are different ways to look at this, and we must. The numbers thing is intimidating, as if we might not measure up if the numbers don't add up. In a post modern world, progress is seen as unnecessary.
In addition to what I originally blogged, you should know that there is not a lack of "calling forward and raising up (of) individuals to serve in today's Army." The numbers in the USA East are above what I've mentioned for the last 8-9 years, making our SFOT the largest population in TSA world.
I hold my conviction that if we are going to increase our reach at all, we need to logically increase our leadership base.
This is not a comment about local officers. We need way more of these for the fight as well, but that's for another blog on another day.
Thanks for your comments.
Interesting to know, and glad to hear it… Forgive me then.. When you mentioned that “in the economy of officers, we need more help” followed by a quantification on necessary maintenance means, I got the impression that our “supply” (SFOT enrollment) was not meeting the “demand” (existing Army appointments).
So it sounds like from a pure numbers perspective, maintaining officer numbers for our present Army was not really the concern, but rather Kingdom expansion was at the heart of your battle cry. Agreed then.. logic would dictate that additional leaders are required.
I guess my concern is still that the numbers view should always be tempered by a detailed understanding of the efficacy of our ministry efforts across the territory, as well as an unshakable standard for candidacy. Surplus or deficit, I think keeping an open mind to reorganization and shifting of resources is critical to face the ongoing challenges of ministry in this mixed up Western world in which we live. Closing or consolidating corps / ministries in some areas might allow the means for opening creative ministry opportunities in others, or even in the same community – but with a different focus.
Therefore, under that model, the necessary officer demand might go up or down over time, but that may not be a direct correlation on the expansion or reduction of God’s kingdom either way. It sounds like we are on the same page in that.
In the wake of these kinds of conversations, and those on other blogs, I have been asking myself regularly: “Are we still a preferred vehicle for God to use in expanding His Kingdom?” – whether we are “traditional” or “non-traditional” or (my favorite and I hope is still characteristic of today’s Army) “traditionally non-traditional”. It’s a humbling question. I think we are, and I hope we are continually faithful enough to be used and of effective service to God for years to come.
Sorry for the long-winded response. Blessings on you!! We will continue to pray for you and all of our territorial leadership – you have a tough job, and you do it well! Praise God!
Thanks again, Sal 2. Your thoughts are most stimulating and authentic. You remind me of conversations past when our journey crossed paths more often.
You're a welcome contributor.
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