Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis
Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries

Introducing Our New Leaders
As Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis assume leadership of the Canada and Bermuda Territory, Salvationists look forward to meeting them personally and experiencing their leadership in the days to come.

A second-generation Salvationist, William Francis was born and raised in Troy, N.Y. Upon completion of his undergraduate work at Houghton College, a Christian liberal arts institution in New York, he attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, graduating with a master of divinity degree in 1969. Marilyn Francis, a first-generation Salvationist, met her husband and The Salvation Army while attending Houghton College. She graduated in 1965 with a bachelor of music degree and earned a master of arts in leadership and ministry from Greenville College, Illinois, in 2003. In December 1965, they were married at Houghton College.

Before officership, William Francis was employed as a field representative for The Salvation Army in New Jersey. Marilyn Francis was a voice instructor at Asbury College and a junior high school music teacher.

In 1971, William and Marilyn entered the School for Officer Training in the U.S.A. Eastern Territory. During their officership, they have served as corps officers, divisional youth leaders and divisional leaders, and held various THQ appointments. From 1992 to 1997, they served at the U.S.A. Eastern Territory’s School for Officer Training, as principal and director of special services.

Commissioner William Francis has conducted many tours to the Holy Land. His book, The Stones Cry Out, takes a fresh look, through the eyes of modern archeology and biblical research, at 18 locations of Jesus' ministry throughout the land of Israel. He is also the author of Celebrate the Feasts of the Lord and a contributing author for Living Portraits Speaking Still: A Collection of Bible Studies.

Throughout their lives the commissioners have been zealous advocates for Christian higher education. Until his appointment to IHQ, Commissioner William Francis served as a trustee of Greenville College and a member of the president’s advisory board at Houghton College. The Houghton College Alumni Association named William and Marilyn Francis as Alumni of the Year for 1996. In May 2002, Houghton College conferred on Commissioner William Francis an honorary doctor of divinity degree.

Since April 1, 2003, Commissioner William Francis has been serving as the international secretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone, giving oversight to 11 territories. Commissioner Marilyn Francis has been responsible for women’s ministries throughout the zone.

The commissioners have one son, Captain William Francis, currently serving as a corps officer in the U.S.A. Eastern Territory, and a daughter, Susan. They also have one grandchild, Marshall Derence.

Below is a recent interview from Salvationist Magazine

New territorial leaders Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis share their vision for leadership

Salvationist: What is your God-given mission? What two or three things are most important to you as you seek to fulfil that mission?

Commissioner William Francis: As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I share with fellow believers a common mission. Jesus said to his followers in the Great Commission: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The only main verb in this statement is to make disciples, and that must be the central focus of my mission.

Coupled with the Great Commission is the Great Commandment: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31). God calls me to proclaim the good news to individuals and to campaign for their well-being. John Wesley observed, “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social religion, no holiness but social holiness.” As a servant-leader, I am called to have a sensitive, discerning social conscience.

The aspect of servant-leadership that is most important to me is first to maintain a dynamic, ever-growing relationship with Christ. My daily prayer is that I never forget that I am a servant of the King of kings. If I lose sight of this, I fail not only myself, but those whom I have been entrusted to lead.

The second aspect of servant-leadership is to daily-indeed, every moment-define reality and seek the mind of Christ in every situation. I pray each day that God will help me to understand what “is” and give me the strength to accomplish what “can be.”

Commissioner Marilyn Francis: My heart’s desire is to be at the centre of God’s will. I want to share the love of Jesus Christ to all those I meet in the same manner as our Lord himself, keeping the focus of all that I do on Heaven, the home of all believers. Heaven for me started when I was seven years old. Ever since, I have longed to sing around the throne of the living God. Someday, with the angels, I will sing. Until then, I’ll keep fighting in the “trenches” and by his grace strive to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

How do you feel the Canada and Bermuda Territory “fits” within the larger international Salvation Army picture?

MF: The Canada and Bermuda Territory brings a unique “flavour” to the Americas and Caribbean Zone. Every time I had the joy of ministering in this great territory, the expression of love for God was intense and sincere. Especially dear were those times in Newfoundland and Labrador where vibrant Salvationists sang with gusto! The presence of the Holy Spirit during those meetings-from youth councils to congress and commissioning-was felt and we were all blessed with a fresh anointing.

Other precious moments include our visit to Belleville Citadel in April 2006, where we enjoyed a wonderful seder meal, sunrise service and Easter celebration. I must also mention those Canadians who have been part of the U.S.A. Eastern Territory’s Old Orchard Beach camp meetings. This territory also offers the Army world the finest in musical expression with the Canadian Staff Band. I’ll never forget the Festival of Gospel Song in 1985 when they included our son, Billy Francis, on the program.
In every way, this territory is a mighty force for God and for good through our arm of the Church, The Salvation Army.

WF: Canada and Bermuda has long been a flagship territory. As we have travelled, we have come to appreciate the high esteem in which the Canada and Bermuda Territory is held throughout the world. It remains a stalwart model of the Army’s motto “Heart to God and Hand to Man,” generously sharing its human and financial resources to advance the Kingdom and the Army internationally. Each of the Army’s 58 territories and commands continues to benefit from the generous support of Canada and Bermuda. We consider it an honour and privilege to serve and lead this extraordinary territory.

Describe two or three remarkable experiences over the course of your officership where you really felt God at work.

WF: Our days as corps officers in Danbury, Connecticut, were days of learning our utter dependence on God. We arrived at a corps that had been through difficult days and was facing closure. In addition to low attendance and lack of community support, the century-old building was literally falling down around us. But we give glory to God for changing apparent defeat into glorious victory. When we left five years later, God had provided a new building, full congregation and dynamic ministry throughout the city. The Lord taught us to depend on him and the power of his promise: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

We also witnessed God at work in our next appointments in divisional and territorial youth ministry. I could write a book about the lives of young people we have seen changed by the power of God. What a joy it is to now serve with soldiers, local officers, corps officers, divisional, territorial and international leaders who gave themselves fully to God while we were their youth leaders. We thank God for the privilege of being a part of the transformation God accomplished in each life.

MF: One of the most exciting opportunities where I knew God at work was the International Youth Congress in Macomb, Illinois, in 1985. Over 5,000 young people attended and were touched by a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Since that time, many have found their calling as officers. God truly worked “miracles” there.

In 1981, then-Commissioner Eva Burrows hosted an International Corps Cadet Congress in Scotland. I was appointed to lead our 10 delegates from the U.S.A. Eastern Territory. It was a joy beyond words to play the piano for the congress and teach a Bible study on the “armour of God” in Ephesians. The delegates from Norway invited me to dance with them every night. As I involved myself in their leisure activities, it provided a “bridge” to get involved in their prayer lives as well. I also remember how one night as I was accompanying a duet, both singers started weeping and sunk down on their knees. I continued to play Let’s Look at Jesus by Gowans and Larsson as the chairs were formed into a cross. The delegates started kneeling there, going to others, crying for sanctification in their lives. As their “Scotland Mom” through the following years I have been in contact with them. It continues to be a blessing to know that some of the delegates became officers.

One experience I’ll never forget was when I was invited to lead the songsters for the Holy Land Congress held in Israel in 1985. Our son had been attacked in February 1984 by a man wielding a hammer, which had done damage to his hands and head. I was going through a private pain that I could not discuss with anyone. The horror of this attack, concerns over my 11-year-old daughter, and the daily demands of Army ministry including running a territorial youth councils, all the while smiling through, made me feel “hollow” inside.

Israel became the stepping stone to my healing. In the Garden of Gethsemane, God assured me that he had been there through Billy’s attack. Jesus healed my heart and took away the burden of wondering. I left Israel restored in my physical and mental being. Since that time, my husband and I have led 19 trips to Israel and seen others’ lives changed there as well.

Share an interesting fact that makes you unique-something that people couldn’t know simply from reading your official biographical profile.

WF: Now we come to the hard questions! I enjoy playing chess. Every situation is different-you must define reality and think of as many solutions as possible for every chess move, while always seeking one goal-the moment you can say, “Checkmate!” I guess it’s something like being a territorial commander-with Satan as the opponent, of course!

The only other “secret” I share is one known only by family and my closest friends. I am passionate (some would say obsessed) about keeping records. Once I start to keep an account of anything, I never stop. For example, I have a record of every airplane trip (including the type of aircraft) that I have taken since my first trip as a teenager in 1959. I expect to add many more pages to my “little black book” during our tenure in Canada. (I only ask that this be kept a secret....)

MF: No one would know that I have four weaknesses: hotdogs, strawberries, ice cream and baseball. I can’t wait to go to a Toronto Blue Jays game, especially when the Boston Red Sox are in town. In terms of my career, opera was where I was headed until God called me to join The Salvation Army. Going from “a stage to the street corner” was never even a thought until Christ.

What would you identify as the top three priorities for Army ministry?

WF: 1) Keep your personal relationship with God active, strong and growing. The greatest need of those whom you serve is your holiness. 2) Keep your family relationships active, strong and growing. This applies equally to married and single individuals. Next to God, our positive relationship with family is essential. A happy home supports a joyful and productive ministry. 3) Keep a disciplined life. The heart of discipleship is discipline. I have never met an effective, undisciplined Christian.

MF: 1) Holiness of heart-reclaiming a strong emphasis on preaching and teaching holiness. 2) A renewed evangelical thrust-through our unique identification of being The Salvation Army, marching forward and witnessing through our uniforms and flags. 3) Youth ministry-reaching children early for Christ, increasing the junior soldier rolls and leading them through solid teaching to become uniformed adult soldiers and officers.

What do Salvationists in this territory need to know most about you?

WF: I do not come as a professional leader, but as a servant-leader, a fellow worker. God helping me, I will seek to provide biblical, visionary, enthusiastic leadership so that the Kingdom and the Army will grow. While seeking consensus, I will not lead by consensus. I am committed first and foremost to define reality. Then, with consultation and prayer, to set the goals required to meet quantifiable objectives and, with God’s help, achieve each objective in partnership with territorial and divisional leadership teams.

MF: They need to know I am here to serve them and love them unconditionally. They need to know that Jesus Christ is first in my life. They need to know that I have one goal (see Psalm 27:4). They need to know I will always be there for anyone who needs me. Just call!

How do you evaluate success in ministry?

WF: There is little in Scripture about success, but much about faithfulness. We all have experienced situations that at the time appear to be a failure, but which afterwards are confirmed as a success. Success or apparent failure is up to God. Faithfulness is our responsibility. Proverbs 3:5-6 underscores this truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

MF: Success is when I can lead someone to Christ or lead someone to obey the call of God. Success is when someone feels they can trust me and my judgment. Success is when God’s saints are growing in love toward one another, when we all work together as a team and everyone is included. Success is when I see someone in pain relieved and that person being able to roll their burden onto Christ. Success is when everyone lives in peace and senses shalom. Success is building the Church of Jesus Christ and feeling sure that The Salvation Army will be fine as a result. We can leave the rest up to God!

When do you feel most personally connected with God?

WF: When I see him work through me, whether that is in the area of administration, preaching, teaching or witnessing. I am all too aware of my inadequacies, and when miracles take place through my ministry, I give all glory to my divine partner, God.

MF: When I am reading the living Word, and when Jesus comes and I hear Him in my head and heart speak my name.

If you had the chance to be any Bible character, who would you be and why?

WF: There are so many characters that I both admire and would like to emulate. But my choice would be the Apostle Paul. I admire his never-failing allegiance to Christ from his dramatic, life-changing conversion to his suffering and imprisonment for the gospel. In the face of unparalleled adversity, Paul remained steadfast and strong with the underlying declaration: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NIV).

MF: Without a doubt I would want to be Mary, Jesus’ mother. She was chosen, compliant and obedient. Like her, I want to please God. I also admire Mary, the sister of Martha, and Mary Magdalene, who loved Jesus above all else and knew the power of his forgiveness.

What recent books have you read and what did they teach you?

WF: I usually read two books at a time. One is what I refer to as my “airplane book,” which is usually a larger volume of biography or history. I am presently halfway through the historical novel London by Edward Rutherfurd. I’m also reading my good friend Roger Green’s insightful and remarkable The Life and Ministry of William Booth. This is the first biography of the Founder that explores the influence of John Wesley on his theology and organizational methods especially as it relates to the doctrine of sanctification and the emphasis on social action.

MF: Portions of Red-hot and Righteous by Diane Winston. There is never a time when one can be too “filled” and ready. There is always room for growth and development. God is constantly helping us as he makes and re-makes all of Creation (see Ephesians 2:6).

What is your favourite way to relax?

WF: Marilyn and I enjoy relaxing in similar ways-travelling, exploring historic sites, museums, art galleries and churches. In all of these places we try to connect with the hopes, dreams and struggles of past heroes and heroines. We also enjoy reading, as well as watching a good film.

How would you characterize your leadership style?

WF: My leadership style is to first define reality and then say “thank you.” By this I mean that I must understand fully a situation before making a decision. At the same time, I must understand, respect and pay tribute to the previous administrations. Leaders must always appreciate and build on the good decisions of the past.

The next step is to seek and carefully consider as many opinions and options as possible, praying at all times for the mind of Christ in each matter. Finally-and often the most difficult step-is to act, to “put feet to our faith.” As Eric Liddell put it, “It is not knowing but doing God’s will that brings victory.” May the Lord give us wisdom to know his will and the courage to do it!

Is there a specific biblical message that God is calling us to hear in these days?

MF: I believe God is calling us to pay more attention to Heaven-to be more heavenly minded so that we all are of some earthly good. We must live for others and not be so self-focused. This requires us to listen to God’s voice. He is trying to get through to his world. We need to practise his presence.

WF: God is also calling The Salvation Army to remain faithful to his vision for his Army. While we must adapt to the age in which we minister, we must never forfeit the God-given, unique and effective ministry to which we have been called. We must remain a Salvation Army. Understanding the difference between form, which can and must change, and essence, which can never change, is the challenge of the day. The biblical foundation for facing this challenge is to hear afresh God’s promise to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). God will be with us as we forge ahead to the joint and mutual end of building the Kingdom and the Army throughout the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Reprinted from Salvationist, July 2007