8 June 2024

Doing a new thing!

Six photos shows scenes of creative ministry from around the territory.

Salvationist discovers how corps are boldly exploring creative avenues of ministry.

A photo shows people sat in a small group on the mezzanine of a charity shop.

How it started…

When the second Army charity shop in the town was closed, the small worshipping community moved into the space. When I took responsibility for the corps 18 months ago, we let the location go and moved meetings back into the existing charity shop, where we have been for the past nine months.

How it’s going…

As well as Sunday worship on the mezzanine, our programme includes a midweek drop-in. We also add a significant dimension to the work of the charity shop. Our worship is vibrant. We are still a small congregation, but we are committed, enthusiastic, creative followers of Jesus who serve him in our community. I feel passionately that what we are doing here could be replicated in other places.

By Major Anne Read

How it started…

God called me to plant the Army here 18 years ago. Everything we do is pioneering. We don’t have a normal corps programme and everything we do is very much in response to what our community needs. We hold it all very lightly.

How it’s going…

Today we have our Growth and Learning Equine-Assisted Ministry, a refurbished pub and so much more. For example, we had some social workers come in from a refugee centre. They’re working with some kids and don’t know how to support them. So we go in, see what the need is and put a package together. We are still very responsive to our community – it’s how we’ve always done it here and, I pray, how we always will. We are planning a one-day pioneering course this summer ahead of a new pioneering placement initiative in the autumn, called Equip. For more details, email forestofdean@salvationarmy.org.uk.

By Major Vivienne Prescott

A photo shows some people walking down a path in a luscious green forest.

How it started…

I organised a walking group through Lent to give space for people to connect with God in creation. I hadn’t planned more but people wanted to continue. Walking Church has all the elements of an Acts 2 church: we share breakfast, read Scripture, worship God, pray, ask questions and enjoy fellowship.

How it’s going…

A regular community meets every week – 1 to 20 people of all ages who, only a few weeks ago, were not attending any place of worship. This is where they want to be on Sunday mornings and they want others to know. I believe God will send people who need to be here. It can feel uncomfortable not knowing who will turn up, but I guess that’s boldness and faith!

By Captain Wendy Watkins

A photo shows the facade of The Link with a smiling team of people standing in front of it.

How it started…

The Link was set up in an empty shop as an information and listening service by Territorial Envoys Alison and Russell Day, who came up with the tagline ‘creating community connections’.

How it’s going…

We help more than 100 people every week and direct them to organisations that can help. Increasingly, organisations refer clients to us. Some people who visited for help have now joined the team and are blossoming as volunteers. We don’t raise spiritual questions unless visitors raise them first. We had a Muslim couple who came in, so we phoned the town mosque and the imam came down. It’s so important to have good links. We’re now taking a bold step by employing a manager to oversee what looks like an exciting time ahead!

By Major Wendy Goodman

A photo shows someone paddle boarding. In the background some people pilot a pedalo swan.

How it started…

The Walk on Water paddleboarding group emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, inspired by the importance of staying focused on Jesus and being brave enough to step out of the boat. We enjoy Sunday afternoons on the lake sharing playful times with opportunity for personal reflection, space and peace.

How it’s going…

Our 2023 season kicked off with an Easter egg hunt. People sat in swan boats with clues and, as paddleboarders worked them out, the lake resounded with cries of ‘he is risen’! Rain stopped play for the summer, but small numbers met for soggy sessions. This year has not been much better, but the rain causes us to pause and reflect on the opportunities this outreach provides. We believe in it, and we pray God will use it in 2024.

By Hazell Ball

A black and white photo shows a young people attended a rap concert.

How it started…

Obedience to God’s call to start a fresh expression of the Army on the Isle of Sheppey was the catalyst to the Holy Spirit doing amazing things in the life of the community.

How it’s going…

Bathed in prayer, corps members have been overjoyed to see lives transformed and miracles happening as they have stepped out in bold faith. God is honing our vision as we prepare to step out in seeking to train and equip young unemployed adults with low aspirations and poor education to become changemakers in our community.

By Major Lynne Clifton

A photo shows the inside of a polytunnel. Two comfy chairs sit beside a table of prayer resources, suggesting a cosy, yet airy, atmosphere.

How it started…

In July 2021, we sought God’s guidance in recommencing Salvation Army ministry. With no congregation and a hall in the process of being sold, it was a blank canvas. In November, discussions with a crofter resulted in a polytunnel. The first opened in April 2022 and enabled us to grow produce to support the community.

How it’s going…

Two years on, we opened a second for people to read, reflect and pray in, with refreshments and toilet facilities available. The nearby land has chickens, sheep and two goats called Alec and Magnie. The project is developing all the time. People regularly pop by, and a school brings small groups. We had no idea our ministry would look like this. God has provided for, surprised and equipped us beyond our imaginations.

By Major Bev Womersley

How it started…

It perhaps sounds cooler than it is! We go on the beach and read a Bible passage together, then have an hour to walk or go in the sea – and then have breakfast together and pray. We’ve been doing it nearly two years and it started with three of us meeting up faithfully because we felt God wanted us to.

How it’s going…

It’s taking off! We do it regardless of the weather and waves. We find being faithful in the same place has been great, as you get to know the same dog walkers, swimming groups and so on. We had about 45 people the other day. I think it’s partly because it’s fun – who wouldn’t want to be there?

By Captain Nathan Loxley