For the Salvation Army the loss of people, whether they be officers, soldiers, adherents or attenders, is a particular worry. The number of officers resigning or retiring far outweighs the number of cadets in training. The number of corps closing outweighs new expressions of Army presence. Even where there are active corps problems are arising in providing officer cover. It is a spiral of decline. The key issue is how this decline can be arrested. Achieving this may provide the springboard for renewal and growth.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory a start has been made to revitalise its structure. The number of Divisions is reducing from 20 to 14 with the various expressions of mission better integrated and improved administrative and management systems introduced. The hope is that the changes will enable the Army to engage in its mission with renewed vigour. Those of a more cynical disposition wonder if this is an example of rearranging the deckchairs on the sinking ship.
The test will be what happens on the ground. The Army is well-thought of by the general population. People are generous with donations where bands play in public and where the War Cry is sold. It is respected for its work with the homeless and impoverished. Sadly though it is also regarded by some as homophobic in that gay people, particularly those in a relationship, cannot become or remain as officers unless they lie. It is a position the Army must review. There are Salvationists who cling to a literalist fundamentalist approach to the interpretation of scripture and who are likely to press hard for no change to the status quo.
This issue apart, how should Salvationists engage with individuals? What should be done to build the Army? Are these matters being considered at local level?
To be continued......
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