A Salvo and the Lectionary

"Is it Army?"

When considering an issue Christians of other traditions might ask the question "Is it Biblical?", while Salvationists would ask "Is it Army?" (Major Dr. Alan Harley, Connections 07).

The very first doctrine of The Salvation Army states "We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice". With such a statement at the outset of our declarations of faith it would be expected that study of the Word of God and its application to all we do would be a priority for Salvationists.

Unfortunately that does not seem to be the reality for many Salvationists. Within our programs we have Primary and Sunday School, which teach young people the stories of the faith. For those a little older we have Corps Cadets. Beyond that we have no formal program for adults to study and learn the scriptures. Instead we rely on individuals to read and the Bible for themselves, small groups, and Sunday preachments to feed people with the Word of God.

My experience has been that many people (myself included) do not find regular quiet time and study easy, and my observation is that generally Small Groups and Bible Studies are not a strength of most Corps. When we acknowledge that our theological training programs for Officers (ministers) are comparatively basic, and there is no denominational 'preaching plan' it is not surprising that many Salvationists are not well-versed in the Scriptures.

The Salvation Army is faced with the challenge of sound systematic teaching across the movement, so that we connect not only with each other and others, but with God through the Word. This "lectionary log" is an attempt to use tools available in the wider church (the Revised Common Lectionary) as the basis for a systematic examination of the Scriptures over a three year cycle.

It is my hope that over time a Salvationist Lectionary can be developed, that will offer material for Officers, soldiers and friends alike which comes from a Salvation Army perspective and connects with our mission, doctrine, history and practice.