Corps Health

Dark Clouds

2010-07-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest things to look at are dark clouds covering the sky. I know what you are thinking, "he's weird--why look at dark clouds and not broncos color clouds--orange and blue." Hold on, I'm not finished yet. I like it because when the sun rays beams penetrate the dark clouds, it forms something beautiful (a contrast between light and darkness). It's a great sight, because even though the dark clouds covers the whole sky, the sun beams overpower them. This reminds me of a title of a Christian novel that I read few years ago, called 'Piercing the Darkness.'

These past months have been quite a dark and gloomy time in our ministry. Our church have been struggling to find its voice in our community. People have expressed their disappointments about us as leaders and as Pastors. Some have gone behind our backs and said some troublesome things about our character. But in the midst of these clouds, we can clearly see a bright light!

This light is none other than the light of our Lord Jesus. In the midst of these dark clouds, we have seen how God has shine ever more brighter and stronger in our lives. We can never appreciate the power of God in our lives until the time of trials. Trials are inevitable, as the book of James chapter one tells us. Trials are there to refine us and push us to trust and depend on our Lord Jesus! As gold is refined through fire, so our character is always refined by trials to be more and more like that of our Lord Jesus.

Dark clouds are to be welcomed and appreciated, because when the light shines through them, the light becomes the center of our attention. God is good all the time!

Six Months Review

2009-07-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Since coming to our new Church Home, here's our 6-months review and upcoming goals.

Here's what we implemented right away.

1. Sermon Series.
2. Dance Group/fellowships
3. Using multimedia
4. new Church bulletins introduced

The upcoming changes/events for our Corps/Church are:

1. Rearrange Leadership Team position. Positions responsibilities and duties will be enforced.
2. Create 'Creative Team,' for the purpose of planning monthly services.
3. Modernize Church Aesthetics. (including multimedia)
4. Create Weekley/bi-weekly church fellowships.
5. Communicate new Vision/Mission.

Moving to Denver

2009-01-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

We have gotten our marching orders, within 6 months of serving in Fountain, to oversee the work of the Salvation Army in Denver. On January 25th, we will leave the Fountain Valley Corps and move to the Salvation Army Red Shield.

The world may look at this move as 'too soon,' but in the overall Will of God, it's always the perfect timing. God does things in a way that makes us scratch our heads, but at the end, we in the end, we exclaim, "aaaah, I now see why." To be in God's perfect Will is the best place to be.

May the Lord go before us and prepare the way! May He be glorify in all that we do in this next mission field! To God be the Glory!

Last Corps Council

2008-07-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

On June 29th, the Corps Council/ Leadership Ministery Team held its last meeting.

The meeting agenda focused on three areas: Corps goals for 2008-2009, evaluationing Church leadership and expressing gratitude for to everyone.

Majors Ken and Betty Gibson will be overseeing the Spokane Corps in the interim for 6 weeks, until Captains Kyle and Lisa Smith come back from New Zealand. Captains Dana and Katheleen Johnson will be focusing on our Campus Ministries as Spokane's Social Services Chaplains.

May the Lord continue to bless His Church! May they continue, with ever urgent vigor, to fight the Salvation War!

Corps Councils & Leadership Team

2008-05-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

Lt. Colonel Joann Brodin met with the Corps Councils and Leadership Ministry Team on May 15th. The purpose for this meeting was to report on how our Corps review went, give some updates on the progress of what we've been doing, and share our three goals for 2008 - 2009.

The three goals are:
1. Corps Direction: this includes our vision/mission.
2. Leadership Development: Developing team concept and bringing up 'assistants or apprentices' to take over various ministry opportunities in the future. This is based on 'The Law of Legacy.'
3. Increase Effectiveness in Evangelism: this includes implementing a second service and building upon our outreach efforts.

Some of our leaders shared their thoughts and concerns regarding these goals. Praise God! The meeting went really well!

Regional Learning Center

2008-04-26T19:30:00.001-07:00

Dr. Charles "Chip" Arn, the President of Church Growth Inc, gave a wonderful presentation on church growth during our Regional Learning Center at Camp Kuratli in Boring Oregon.

Dr. Arn's message was simple, and yet profound: Discipleship is the root to church growth! Discipleship was Christ's mandate to his church. The first century Christians discipled thier people--their household, their 'oikas,' and a domino effect took place. People came to know the Lord and the church grew!

How do we evangelize in an effective way? Simple, be Christ to others! Love people and you'll earn the right to point them to Jesus!

We praise God for our Leaders who made this possible for us! Major Linda Mandhart who heads our Territorial Headquarters' Extensive Learning Department, coordinated this wonderful and much needed event.

God bless The Salvation Army as it wins people to Christ!

Corps Review

2008-04-12T00:08:00.000-07:00

Lt. Colonel Joann Brodin visited us yesterday for our church review. This is an in-depth process by which we look at our membership rolls to see whether to add or remove members, discussed the condition of our church health, set and evaluated both long and short term goals. and talked about ways to improve programming.

Thank our Lord for a productive time together. May the Lord continue to lead the way for His Church to impact its surrounding community!

Reevaluating Seeker's Service

2008-04-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

On Easter Sunday, we met for our final Seeker's Service. The intention for this service was to bring and/or invite the unchurch to church. We did have a few unchurch people visit the evening service, but they were not consistent. The decision to stop, reconsider, and reevaluate what we were doing just made sense.

Our Assessment Focus Group will meet on April 13th to discuss more options and best solutions. May the Lord go before us and lead the way!

Continuing on into the New Year!

2008-01-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord for the Seeker's Service! It has evolved into a new format; just in time for the new year:-) We are now meeting in the Fireside Room and so far, so good. It's just great to sit together around the table--four large tables put together to be exact, and just fellowship. When the clock hits 6:30pm, we start by watching a 10 minute video followed by discussion. It's great to see people share their perspectives on the lesson and share how it is relevant to their lives.

Three Corps members have initiated three ministries last week. Julie Kelley is leading our new women's fellowship; Aaron Ruff is hosting and facilitating our young adult Bible and fellowship at his home, and Richard House is leading our men's fellowship. Praise God for calling these folks to do His Will!

Service On it's Way

2007-11-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord for using the second service to reach people. So far, we've had three evening services and they've all been great. It's an awesome time to connect with people and worship together in a very casual 'laid-back' manner.

The most that we've had was 48 people. Everyone who came have experienced a delight in this fellowship. A 'BIG THANK YOU' to everyone that have helped to make this possible!!

We will not be having our evening service this coming Sunday (Nov. 25), because this sunday is our Crazy Family Sunday with lots of food and fellowship, and it's going to be a loooog day:-)

Next evening service is set for the following Sunday.

Seeker's Service

2007-10-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

We had an exciting AFG meeting on Oct. 14th as we discussed our upcoming evening worship service. Our Outreach Coordinator, Dawn H, had done a survey with our beneficiaries from our Transitional Living Center to come up with a name for our evening second service.

And here it is: The number one name that came out of this survey was 'Seeker's Service.' On November 4th at 6p.m, doors will be opened, bells will be ringing, and coffee will be brewing as we blast this ministry into history. Praise God!

May He guide us with all the details and may His will be done!

Review: Meeting Notes

2007-10-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

September 23, 2007 Focus Group Minutes

I. Devotional
II. Next Step/Goals
A. Ministry Planning/Programming
B. Second Service (evening)

Had discussion over the purpose of starting a second service. Is it to make room because of the capacity of our current service? If so, then another service to serve this purpose should be similar to the current service. Or is the purpose of this second service to evangelize to people who are not used to church? If so, then a second service should be formatted to fit their needs – a more informal time, relational. The group decided that the second service should be first to evangelize – particularly program participants on campus.

a. Service Approach – The service would to be evangelize. The feeling would be laid back, a more approachable atmosphere, simple. Would be a family oriented service (no childcare) and would be in the atrium until it grows into the chapel.

b. Service Format – Maybe a time of singing, followed by a skit/video/testimony if available, or go directly into a time of “teaching” (various forms: i.e. devotional thoughts, dialogue, etc.) that would be intensive on life application. The idea of getting a survey out to the program participants was brought to base our efforts on the feedback received – want to be a vehicle to attract people.

c. Time – Sundays at 6:30 pm. There would be a coffee/snack fellowship time from 6:00 – 6:30 pm. Snacks – Julie and Joff will work together to organize snacks and coffee. Currently there is no “budget” specifically set up for this endeavor.

d. Possible names for the second service: Java & JC, Coffee with Christ, Campus
Fellowship, etc. (names to attract people to church without calling it “church”).

III. Msc. Topics brought up
A. Nursery needs – Brynn McConkey has volunteered to be the Nursery Coordinator.
The group voiced that more people might be interested if there were audio available. Dan
Williams was notified and has worked on the audio since the last meeting. It should have
been in today (Oct. 7th). More kinks may have to be worked out, but he is on it.
B. Other responsibilities:
a. Music for second service – Shoshannah has agreed to look into this area
b. Advertisement for service – Dawn House, maybe working on surveys also?
c. Scheduling of speakers – Celestine has agreed to take on this area
C. Protecting the Mission (previously Safe From Harm) classes on Oct. 27th, 11 – 1 pm.

IV. Next Meeting & Prayer – October 7th, 1 pm

Review: Meeting Notes

2007-10-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

September 9, 2007: Assessment Focus Group Meeting

I. Devotional
How passionate are we about sharing Jesus with others?

II. Next Step/Goals
A. Leadership: Corps Sergeant Major
(time limit) –

Eric Petersen announced as CSM. See his position as a spiritual lead in the church. His responsibilities are still in the making.
B. *Ministry Planning/ Programming
1. Youth space

Although, it was communicated that the band room would be changed, it was brought up that more communication would have been better. Steps will be taken to share the vision of the room again.
2. Cell groups

There are now two cell groups this year. One lead by Mary March in her home on the north side. Major Audry Holm is also opening her home to a cell group on the South Hill. They started on Tues., Sept. 11. A leader for this group is still needed.

C. Welcoming Team / (i.e. posting of signs, greeters, welcoming packet, etc)
Although some people have already stepped forward to participate with the welcoming team responsibilities – a person to lead the team is lacking. Linda Johnson accepted this ministry and will be the head of this team or committee.

III. On going goals:
A. Signage
B. Bathrooms/décor
Ideas have been talked about for signage as well as bathrooms/décor. Still need to solidify a person or persons to take the responsibility.

IV. Second Service (evening)
A. Timeline?
Although a previous goal was set to start a second service in July of 2007, it was tabled. The plan of an earlier service on a Sunday didn’t seem to fit the purpose of another service. This month we want to focus on ministry planning. Our next meeting will focus on a second service: timeline, format, etc.
V. Next Meeting (2): Sunday, September 23rd @ 1 pm

Our New Vision Statement!

2007-08-18T22:43:00.003-07:00

Praise the Lord for giving us His Vision for the Salvation Army Spokane Citadel Corps. Our Assessment Focus Group met yesterday (8/17) late afternoon and finalized our vision statement. Throughout the day and during our meeting, some members of our prayers team prayed for us. The Lord spoke and we give Him all the glory! Here's our Vision Statement: "To passionately share God's love with all and see lives transformed into followers of Jesus."

Infusing Two Statements

2007-07-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

The two vision statements that the Assessment Focus Group (AFG) came up with are as follow:

1. We are committed to sharing God’s Grace for the purpose of transforming lives into disciples of Christ—passionate for Jesus Christ and His work in the world.

2. Igniting people’s hearts and minds with a passion for Jesus Christ, we will save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.

Our task is to combine these two statements into one. May God lead the way as we catch His Vision for His Church!

Honing In on Vision

2007-06-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

Our Assessment Focus group met a couple of days ago (5/5), and I have to say that I'm mighty proud of our progress--if its okay to say this. Our focus for this particular meeting was to spend some time grouping our thoughts on what we believe success should look like when we focus on the mission: saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity.

We split into groups of two to come up with a vision statement. Our previous meeting was focused on personal vision statements and discussions--more of a brainstorm session. With notes, vision samples, and the Word of God for guidance, each team of two formulated their vision statement.

We then wrote them on a board and discussed them. Two statements stood out, and everyone agreed to combine it's essence to form one vision statement. This effort will not happen over night. This will take a lot of focus and wrestling with the Word of God, being led by His Spirit to form this statement.

This is our homework for the next two weeks. When we come back together, we will share, discuss, and vote on the vision statement for the Corps. May God go before us! To Him be the Glory!

Vision Statement?

2007-05-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision the people perish". Almost Everyone knows about the importance of a vision statement. Corporations and organizations have a mission statement, which answers the question of why they exist and for what purpose. Knowing one's purpose is critical to one's success, and that is where a vision statement comes in.

A vision statement points to what this particular success will look like in the future. It's one's mental picture of what this success will look like. John F. Kennedy probably saw a tiny man walking on the moon and showing a hang-loose hand gesture, when he gave Congress his vision statement: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth." And as one historian would say, "the rest was history."

Today was our first talk (brainstorm) on this subject, and it was a delight to hear from everyone present their vision for our church. Each person shared what they would like to see in the future for our church, and their thoughts seemed to resonate one primary theme: "Depth."

Depth of fellowships, depth of discipleships, depth of evangelism, depth of ministry, and above all, depth of worship.

It all makes sense, people simply want to be a part of a community that is authentic in its faith and authentic in its relationships. It all boils down to two fundamental Christian mandates: Love God and our fellow man (the Great Commandment) and reproduction (the Great Commission)! So how do we hone in and come up with a vision statement?.........well, it will definitely take much prayers, a few more brainstorm sessions and identifying and developing several vision statements to choose from that best communicate our "mental picture" of our future success. It should be an exciting time:-)

Above all, we want God's vision for His Bride, the Church!

Hit the Bullseye

2007-05-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

Shoshannah and I flew to San Mateo, California to attend the annual "Hit the Bullseye" conference. Under the leadership of Dr. Paul Borden, the conference was superb, standing apart as one of the best conferences for Pastors and lay leaders of Churches.

The conference started on Sunday (5/20) with registration over coffee, pasteries, and good fellowship. We then headed to two worship services, one at the First Baptist Church in San Francisco, and the second at the New Vineyard Church in Santa Rosa. After each the services, we interacted with the Pastors, who opened their hearts to us and shared some of their hardships and breakthrough experiences.

The last two days of the conference were held at our hotel, which made things much easier and relaxing for us. The additional elements of the conference that interest me were the panels. During the first segment of the conference, a selected group of successful Pastors and regional leaders shared their experiences with a Q & A time. The rest of the time was focused on varied topical seminars, which were top-notched. For further information: www.growinghealthychurches.org

I am grateful for this great opportunity to just be a sponge and absorb what others had to share. It's inevitable that hardships and conflicts will come when a Pastor pushes a church to be outward focused. Whether it be from the church subculture, its lay leaders or governing boards, traditions and fear of change, conflicts will always hang around. The main question is, "are we going to endure and stay the course or give up and jump the boat?"

When I think about the Great Commission from our Commander in Chief, Jesus Christ, it always puts things into perspective for me and helps me question my present comfort zone and the corps' status quo.

Target Population?

2007-05-18T15:45:00.001-07:00

Our primary objective during our meeting, which was held 3 days ago (5/15), was on identifying our target population. Any organization knows that to be effective in their marketing "pitch," a population has to be identified and targeted. This translates to knowing who they are, what "turns them on and off,"what are their needs, how can their needs be met, and so forth. An effective tool that many organizations use is a survey.

Knowing this basic method that organizations use can help narrow our target demography. A good example is the radio stations: each station has a target listener. I have not heard of a station that plays all kinds of music........but if you have, please let me know:) Having said this, however, the Spokane Salvation Army does not operate on a firm set of criterias in catagorizing people. Salvation Army, in general, simply helps people who are in need, whatever that need may be. This approach is called "holistic ministry," where people, in all age catagories, are helped with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

And so, our primary "target group" may not be a typical profile (mid 30s couple, middle class/professionals, with a couple of kids). Instead, our target group has to be socio-economical in nature; meaning, it has to be a catagory that is narrow, and yet flexible and inclusive.

The complexity of this topic has to be revisited in our next meeting (May 29th). We know that to be successful and effective, we must identify and put on paper our target population. May God guide and show us "His Target Group" for us.

Meeting Minutes May 15th

2007-05-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Salvation Army
Assessment Focus Group Meeting
May 15, 2007, 9:30 –10:30 am

Summary:
After prayer, Celestine opened with a devotional thought on Psalm 127:1-2. A brief brainstorming session followed regarding how the Australian delegation could be a support to new initiatives. Some ideas were taking the canteen out for street ministry and canvassing the neighborhood surrounding the church. It would be imperative that local church members get involved and therefore could take over the work.

From Aug. 13 – 17, it would be great for the Australian delegation to do a Vacation Bible School – inviting all kids (current church members, neighborhood, camp, children through social service programs). Followed by a “Rally Day” w/graduation on Aug.19th.

Copies of info from “Percept” @ link2lead.com were reviewed. The group discussed what the “ministry direction/target” is for this church. Should we focus on the people we have in our social service programs? The neighborhood? We realize that there is no easy “target” for our ministry - we have people coming to The Salvation Army for various reasons. Therefore, our focus is the people in our “sphere of influence/community”.

July 15th was chosen as a goal date to begin a second service. The rationale is to work out the kinks and be prepared when the program year picks up again (along w/kids programming, Sunday school, etc.)

Msc items/updates:
- Cel is communicating w/center director and property manager regarding changing tables & attachable folding chairs in restrooms
- Major Lani is working on signage for the building, also want to “beautify” Nora doors
- Welcome Committee – still must meet with members and talk about specific details: greeters, people to follow up after church, postcards, ushers, etc
- Dave McConkey found information regarding “vision” – Julie Kelley will hand out this and other information on Sunday, May 27th. Please read before the next meeting.
- Note: August 13-19th is also WYI in Northern California, does this hurt VBS?

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 29th, 9:30 AM, Fireside Room, snacks provided J

Meeting Minutes

2007-05-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Salvation Army
Assessment Focus Group Meeting
May 8, 2007, 9:30 –10:30 am

Summary:
After an opening prayer, Celestine shared Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 3:5, and Acts 2:42 pointing out that … God will build His church, He makes it grow, and it is He who adds to the number daily those who are saved. We acknowledge that we want to be used by God to further His work and we will follow His lead.

The focal point in our discussion was to create an atmosphere of oneness and teamwork as we tackle the “Corps Assessment” recommendations. The group will first work together on the church’s direction and vision development. Later on, each member of this focus group will lead smaller committees regarding programming and specific needs of the church. It was discussed that the group members must give 100% support outside of meetings once decisions are made. We must not talk negatively about ideas shared or about individuals – we are in this together. We must also find ways to communicate to the congregation the progress since the initial assessment weekend through brief announcements, soldiers meetings, suggestion cards, etc.

Items brought up during meeting:
- Jeff - Australian team coming June 9th – August 25th to work at camp. However, there is an expectation that they will also help more at the corps. How can they help us set things in order for the future?
- Shoshannah - Resource “Percept” at link2lead.com is a place to find some
demographics regarding Spokane. Will email information to the focus group.
- The need for another service and what that might mean to Sunday school structure.
- Corps needs – changing tables & attachable folding chairs in restrooms
- Update: Major Lani is working on signage for the building, Major John’s visitor parking signs are already in use, want to “beautify” Nora doors to look like a church
- Welcome Committee – a few people have already signed up to help, still must meet with members and talk about specific details: greeters, people to follow up after church, postcards, ushers, etc.

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 14th, 9:30 AM, Fireside Room, donuts provided:-)

Minutes compiled by Capt. Shoshannah Ruwethin

Coming Together (Quick Overview)

2007-05-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Assessment Focus Group (AFG) finally met today at 9:30a.m. Julie K, Becky H, Thomas B, Jeff P, Dave M, Dawn H, Shoshannah and myself came together with opened minds and left the meeting with one focus. The focal point in our discussion was to create an atmosphere of oneness and teamwork as we tackle the recommendations that came out of our Corps Assessment.

Some of the varied bullet points discussed are as followed: Group Expectations, Defining Group and individual's role and updates on the recommendations progress.

Our homework this week is to identify our target population, and come up with a "Profile" which closely represent this population. On top of everything that we do, we'll continue to shower our efforts with prayers. Without praying first, we'll end up no-where.

It appears that everyone were excited about embarking on this "Regenerate" endeavor. This AFG will meet again next Tuesday (May 15th) at 9:30a.m.