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A God-born Army
by General Paul
Rader
A God-born Army requires competent and
godly leadership - leadership with clarity of vision and an
evident anointing of the Spirit. Discerning and affirming the
leader to take the movement forward with a certainty of
direction is the task of the High Council. In fact, its only
task. Who emerges as the General for this time is not only a
matter of interest, but of critical importance to every
Salvationist. True, in the event, a body of 120 or so men and
women will be required to speak for an Army of 1,000,000 and
more Salvationists around the world. But they are informed,
experienced and spiritually sensitive leaders from every
command and territory. They are Independent in their
judgments. We are praying that in the intensely spiritual
atmosphere in which they will meet this chosen body will know
the mind of the Spirit.
Does this matter to those of us who are
ordinary Salvationists caught up in the ministries of our
local corps? Indeed, it does. There is much at stake that
touches the life of every corps and every soldier. Who we are
and what are we called to be and do in our lost and troubled
world - beginning with the opportunities right before us
wherever we are. How do we and how will we understand our
mission and purpose? And what should be our priorities in
fulfilling that mission?
The General plays a key role in
determining and promoting our understanding of all this and so
much more.
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The General represents us. The
General has a major role in setting the spiritual tone for
the Army.
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The General guards the doctrinal
integrity of the Army
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The General has a fiscal
responsibility for the Army.
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The General selects or approves top
leadership in the Movement.
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The General is both a symbol of our
unity as a worldwide movement but actively promotes it.
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The General is charged with
maintaining the legacy, guiding the mission, and pointing
the future of the Movement.
In all this the General serves both as
CEO and spiritual leader.
Few churches or missions come close to
putting the measure of authority and influence in the hands of
their leaders as does the Army. It is all the more critical
that we join in a global concert of prayer for God’s guidance
to be granted the members of the High Council as they seek to
know the mind of the Lord in identifying the person to be our
global leader.
No one ‘runs’ for the Generalship. It
is not a political objective to be sought. If nominated, one
can choose to stand for election or not. It is a task, a heavy
mantle of responsibility one is called and chosen to accept.
In all the proceedings of the Council and the pre-Council
program the members give themselves to recognizing the person
with oil on their brow and fire in their heart whom God has
chosen and anointed for this hour.
The Council needs — requires the
mobilization of our prayer power around the Army world focused
on these critical days in May as the High Council convenes. We
can be a part of this. Our prayer participation matters.
Helpful materials have been prepared and regular bulletins
will be made available. What will you and I do?
Let’s pray
Father, this is about You and the Army
born in Your heart and fighting under Your banner. Guide those
charged with seeking Your will in this matter so vital to the
future. Bring Your people together around the world to join in
interceding for the members of the Council as they prepare
their hearts for the task before them. Your will be done so
that Your Army may sense Your blessing and guidance as we
confront the challenges to which we are committed. Your
Kingdom come and Your will be done here and now for Your
Glory. We pray in the strong name of Jesus, the Captain of our
Salvation. Amen.
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