The Threefold Training Programme

Training for Officership needs to be considered in a holistic way and for that reason the training program involves three main foci: spiritual and personal formation, education and theological formation, mission and ministry experience and an understanding of The Salvation Army. None of these are adequate in themselves. Officers are formed in a holistic process, which is possible when all aspects are approached in a balanced and meaningful way and occurs in the interplay between the three aspects.

1. Spiritual and Personal Formation
Effective service as a Salvation Army Officer requires depth of spirituality and the cultivation of integrity and Christian character; spiritual and personal formation are therefore essential

Spiritual Formation
This aspect of training will:

• Provide an environment in which spiritual formation and growth can occur.
• Assist in the development of a disciplined and effective spiritual life.
• Help cadets to discover, nurture and utilise the gifts and fruit of the Spirit.
• Inspire and encourage a commitment to spirituality and life lived in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Personal Formation
This aspect of training will provide opportunities for:

• Understanding of self – both strengths and weaknesses.
• Facing needed areas of growth and support for development.
• Development of a desire to reach one’s full potential.
• Increasing sensitivity to others.
• Nurturing the aspects of character and integrity needed for Christian leadership.

2. Education and Theological Formation:
Effective service as a Salvation Army Officer requires a mind that is sharpened and able to grasp and communicate eternal truths in a complex contemporary culture.

This aspect of training will assist:

• Growth in an understanding and knowledge of Christian truth.
• Growth in understanding of people dynamics and the world in which ministry occurs.
• Development of skills in applying knowledge and understanding, and communicating this effectively through teaching, preaching and pastoral care.
• Development of capacity for logical thought, analysis and judgment.
• Motivation to use books and other resources extensively, yet selectively and critically.
• A greater openness and humility in engaging with the world of Christian learning.

3. Mission, Ministry and Salvationist Ethos Formation?:
Effective service as a Salvation Army Officer requires an active commitment to the practice of mission and ministry as well as a sound understanding and commitment to the ethos of The Salvation Army.

Mission and Ministry Formation
Mission and ministry during training is real ministry, not merely practice. This aspect of training will:

• Develop an awareness of peoples needs and a concern for the whole person – physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and social.
• Provide knowledge of, and experience in, a variety of spheres of Army mission and ministry (encompassing corps and social).
• Provide experience in leadership of worship and communicating spiritual messages in a variety of settings and to a variety of age-groups.
• Develop leadership skills and give opportunity for exercising leadership in guided situations.
• Provide opportunity to engage with mission and ministry in a way that allows the “theory” of the wider college program to be put into practice.
• Encourage and nurture critical reflection and evaluation of one’s own practice of mission and ministry.

Salvationist Ethos Formation
There are many avenues for Christian mission and ministry. To serve as an Officer requires an understanding of, and commitment to, the distinct ethos of The Salvation Army. This aspect of training will:

• Develop a passionate belief in the holistic ethos of Salvation Army mission and ministry.
• Develop the ability to critically assess and give sound leadership to mission and ministry in a Salvation Army context.
• Orient cadets to the organisational requirements and understandings necessary to fulfil their calling within The Salvation Army.
• Give a broad understanding of service within The Salvation Army.