"The first weekend in April 2001 saw the commissioning in Lahore of the Ambassadors of Grace session of cadets. There were forty of them, the maximum the training college could hold. It was a happy day and ended with us attending the wedding of Lieutenant Sughra and newly commissioned Lieutenant Sharkat in the Lahore Central Hall. Because the commissioning brought all the senior officers in the territory to Lahore, the ensuing days were devoted to the Executive Officers’ Conference. We met in the Conference Room at Territorial Headquarters...
It was on the first day of the Conference, 2 April, 2001 that Helen spoke to us, with translation, about officership."
General Shaw Clifton (R)
Some thoughts on Officership - Part Two - by Commissioner Helen Clifton
"Recently the General has asked us all to complete a questionnaire about officership. One of the questions, to my deep surprise, asked us if we thought the sacred Officer’s Covenant should continue to be for live or only for a fixed and variable period of years! I am convinced that before we accept a person into the training college we should be looking for their clear and deep understanding that the commitment is life-long. I cannot find models in Scripture for a temporary calling. You must search the Bible for yourselves. I am looking at the candidates to see if they will give their lives, not just a few years when it is convenient. It is God who calls us to be officers, and only God can release us.
Are we called into a particular denomination? Experience tells us that the answer is ‘yes’. It is God who leads us into the Army. We dare not take such a step unless we are sure it is his will.
Why do we place so much emphasis on commitment? The reason is found in the need for good order within the Body of Christ. The Pastoral Epistles (Timothy and Titus) show us that credibility, personal testing of our faith, and the affirmation of a congregation are needed. We expect loyalty. The Army tests all this, gently but firmly, through the Candidate’s Application process. We ask for endorsements from the local corps and the local community.
Modern officers need many skills, good awareness of society, and ever deeper and deeper wisdom. That is why training is necessary. We do not just pluck you from the community and give you sacred roles unprepared. We need candidates who will become known, respected and trusted as godly leaders. Credibility and a pattern of reliability will open doors to wider service. I think of the need for us to be in chaplaincy roles in prisons and in hospitals. Also in school and colleges. We dare not send an untrained or unproven person into such settings.
Now what about the joint ministry of husband and wife that has been so greatly blessed by God in the Army? Should we make this a condition of serving? We cannot claim that it is the biblical model. However, the facts prove that as a model for ministry in the Army
God has greatly blessed it. He has also greatly blessed the service of unmarried officers. Our regulations about married couples in officership have resulted in the positive development of married women. This is true of our women in Pakistan. We are proud of them. They have been developed beyond the dreams of many other churches, and far higher than normal cultural expectations.
At present the territory has 83 applications for the 40 places in the next session of cadets. I think of the villages where our future officers will serve. They will meet deep respect. They will also meet deep need among the people who must be cared for and led.
Let us give thanks today that God still calls people like you and me into humble and sacred service. He is a gracious God. We praise him!"
Commissioner Helen Clifton
No comments:
Post a Comment