"Salvationists pride themselves on being ‘doers of the word and not hearers only’, and the emphasis we place on rolling up our sleeves and getting on with it is one with which I heartily agree,” says General John Gowans (Rtd) in his forward to
Servants Together. “But action without reflection soon becomes mindless routine; we must continually review what we are doing and why we do it.
There is, of course, an even more fundamental need: to examine in the light of Scripture who we are as a people, and where The Salvation Army fits into the historic Church─that mysterious ‘Body of Christ’ which God uses, in his mystical mercy, to continue the work of his Son in the world.”
In an effort to ensure Salvationists have a greater understanding of Salvation Army beliefs and practices, numerous books have been published to bring clarity to issues such as worship, prayer, sacraments, holiness, ecumenism and service. Two of these resources,
Servants Together and
Called to be God’s People, have recently been revised and updated to ensure that they effectively communicate to today’s Salvationists.
Servants Together explores the roles of officers and soldiers and outlines the theology of the lay (non-officer) priesthood in Christian ministry. Its purpose is to lead all Salvationists─officers and soldiers─towards greater involvement in ministry.
Called to be God’s People examines significant issues, such as: the study of the word of God; the prayer life of the Army; public worship; Salvation Army ceremonies; the place of the mercy seat; the place of retreats, conferences, special meetings, spiritual direction and mentoring; the place of other traditional spiritual disciplines (including fasting, silence, meditation, solitude, simplicity); and the Salvation Army’s approach to the sacramental dimension of life.
Called to be God’s People challenges Salvationists everywhere to make their spiritual life all God intends it to be.
“I pray that this adapted work will be used of God to encourage Salvationists everywhere to understand their faith more clearly, to think about that faith more deeply, but above all to spur on each of us to renewed inner life in Christ,” says General Shaw Clifton.
Click on the titles to download PDFs of Servants Together and Called to be God’s People. To purchase in original book format, please contact Supplies and Purchasing.