What sort of an Army? (5)

… an Army that not only provides a social service but involves itself in integrated social ministry.

I found myself leafing through a book of SA ceremonies recently and came across the concept and idea of spiritual covenants. The one I was particularly looking at was relating to personal spiritual renewal but it triggered the whole idea of covenanted living and where that covenant can take us – and what it can lead us into.

William Booth at the most pivotal time of his life declared ‘God shall have all there is of William Booth’. Those nine words were a profound covenant between the former pawnbroker’s assistant and future General of the Salvation Army and our God. Those nine words took him from wayside preacher to social reformer with the salvation of mankind as his driving force.

The two issues need to go hand in hand – our community and social provision needs to have at every stage of it’s development and presentation the truth of the gospel: Jesus’ love is for all and in serving the poorest we serve Him.

Provision of social and community service has been and will remain to be a hallmark of Salvation Army ministry – where we need to focus is this: where is the integration of that practical provision and the clear and true gospel message?

Would anyone who comes as a recipient of our service provision be unaware of the reason behind that provision? How do people ‘hear’ the gospel when they arrive for mother and toddlers, lunch club, after school activity, night shelter etc ?

In other traditions the question may be asked: ‘What is the appropriate liturgy for this setting?’, we may ask ‘Where is the process from ‘entry point’ to introduction to Christ?’.

Booth’s personal spiritual covenant became and integrated and intentional part of his life – and we know the results. Our holistic ministry must be equally integrated, intentional and definitely covenantal.