The Salvation Army in the UK is
currently emphasising TIDE – Transformation, Integration, Discipleship and
Effectiveness. On the matter of effectiveness, it was the management guru Peter
Drucker who said some years ago: ‘The Salvation Army is the most effective
organisation in America. No-one even comes close to it in respect to clarity of
mission, ability to innovate, measurable results, dedication and putting money
to maximum use’.
Looking at each of these points, can
we ask ourselves ‘how are we doing?’
- Clarity
of mission.
Jesus was very clear about his purpose. His opening words in Mark 1:15
were ‘The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe
the good news’. He was announcing the good news of the kingdom – not just
in words, but in deeds as the rest of the chapter shows. Our mission is
also to bring the kingdom near in word and deed. Every corps and centre
should be clear about this, should encapsulate it in a mission statement,
and ensure that every activity is aimed at achieving it.
- Ability
to innovate.
The opening shots of the American War of Independence were fired at the
battle of Concord in 1775. The British troops insisted on marching down
the road in formation, while the American militia men hid among the trees
and took pot-shots at them. The British lost the battle because they
failed to adapt to the terrain. Our social and cultural terrain is
constantly changing and so we need to innovate to remain relevant and
effective.
- Measurable
results.
Acts records that 3,000 were saved on the Day of Pentecost and the Lord ‘added
to their number daily’. Every few chapters we read that the word of God spread
and the church grew. These were measurable results. That’s not to say that
everything good can be measured. Much valuable ministry cannot be
estimated in terms of numbers or tangible outcomes. But effective ministry
and mission will have some measurable results, whether it’s in terms of
attendances, membership or numbers of people helped.
- Dedication. Back in
the 1980s Roy Castle presented Record
Breakers. At the end of every show he would sing the theme song: ‘If
you want to be the best, if you want to beat the rest, dedication’s what
you need’. Yes, it is what we need even if we aren’t planning on breaking
any records. Dedication sometimes goes unrecognised and unrewarded, but it
is vital for our effectiveness.
- Putting
money to maximum use. Whether we’re entrusted with money given by
our own members, by the public or by government agencies, we have a
responsibility to be good stewards. Careful planning, budgeting,
accounting and spending are all part of this. Money is a kingdom resource
– let’s use it wisely and well for the kingdom’s sake.
So, how are we doing?
Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
