In May 2005 Salvation Army leaders from various levels of administration established three strategic priorities for the territory: 1) leadership, recruitment and development; 2) integrated mission; and 3) a regionalized approach to administration.

To address the latter two priorities, a restructuring Task Force was established to develop a seamless model of administration that would facilitate mission based on the most efficient use of resources and personnel. Co-chaired by Lt-Colonel Don Copple, dinisional commander, British Columbia Division, and Major Jim Champ, assistant chief secretary, the task force includes the chairs of the three divisional leaders’ councils (Majors Audrey Rowe, Ken Bonnar and Wilbert Abbott), THQ program leaders (Major Floyd Tidd, corps ministries, and Mary Ellen Eberlin, social services) and the regional finance controller (Arnold Adey).

“Over the past year we sought input from ministry units across the territory,” says Major Champ. “We invited corps officers, local officers, lay leaders, executive directors and senior staff of our social institutions to participate in a survey to help us determine their support needs from all levels of administration. We also conducted 18 focus groups with representatives from ministry units across the territory, which provided further insight into the kinds of administrative support needed.

“The desire of the task force is to respond to these expressed needs,” continues Major Champ. “We want to ensure that we develop a model of administration that assists Salvationists in fulfilling the mission of The Salvation Army.”

The task force has submitted its report to Cabinet. They are currently reviewing this proposal for possible implementation in June 2007. No decisions about administrative structure will be made until Cabinet ensures the mission effectiveness of the proposal.

“We want to encourage a more relational approach to administrative support,” says Major Champ. “The goal is to maximize our financial and personnel resources to facilitate integrated mission in our territory.”