How do you know if you’re called to be a Salvation Army officer?

I believe everyone is created for a purpose and that each one of us is unique in our own gifts and abilities. I believe all who are in a relationship with Jesus Christ are called to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). The calling of a Salvation Army officer (pastor) is a call to full-time surrender and sacrifice of the flesh in order to serve your community with all your time and efforts. I believe you hear that call through your daily devotions, quiet time with the Lord and actions in your life as you go about serving and loving one another. 

Captain Jonathan Howell
Lutz, Florida  

I’m afraid to go outside during this pandemic, but I really want to help those in need. What should I do?

Paul encourages us in Philippians 2:4 (ESV), “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” In this difficult time, we are all struggling to know not only what but how we should be doing to help others. Physical needs are important, but there are plenty of other needs that people have during this time. Check in every day with friends and church family. Send a message of encouragement and let them know you care about them. Call an elderly neighbor and see how they are doing. They may just need someone to talk to! Consider starting a virtual prayer group and Bible study with friends to keep each other accountable. I also encourage you to take this time to deepen your relationship with God. Set goals for yourself daily and intentionally draw closer to Him through prayer and reading the Word!

Lieutenant Hilary Jones
Rochester, New York

I care a lot about what others think of me. Is that a bad thing?

Funnily enough, when we understand that our true identity lies in Christ, this answer is two-fold. It’s definitely not a bad thing to care about what other people think of us. Actually, Romans 12:18 tells us that we need to get on with all people the best we can, and I believe a great space to live this out is through social media platforms. Facebook and the ‘gram can be great avenues to encourage others—but for the right reasons. However, sometimes the values of wider society are going to clash with the values of the Kingdom. So, in the same way that it’s important to be liked for the right reasons, it’s also OK to be disliked for the right reasons. It’s all a question of identity. It’s important to understand that when we make the decision to follow Christ, the Bible tells us that our primary identity is as a child of God. In other words, it’s not what others think of us that matters, but who God says we are.

Captain Mat Badger
Wellington, New Zealand

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. 

An officer in The Salvation Army is an ordained minister of Christian faith. They dedicate their lives, skills and service completely to God. Submit your question to an officer at peermag.org/contribute