Salvation Army represents at Theology Symposium

The 2012 ‘Stream’ symposium in Auckland from 2-4 August explored the Wesleyan theological stream with specific focus on Christian engagement with the mission of God.

Salvationist presenters and delegates found the symposium to be of great value.

What are known as the ‘Four Alls’ form the foundation of a Wesleyan theological worldview and are part of the rich theological heritage The Salvation Army shares with Wesleyan, Methodist and Nazarene churches across the globe. They tell us something of what salvation means to each of us, and give purpose and motivation for our mission as an army of salvation.

The Four Alls are:
•    ‘All need to be saved’—none of us is holy in our own right and there is nothing we can do to bring about our own salvation
•    ‘All can be saved’—salvation is God’s gracious gift, offered to all and available to anyone who puts their faith in Jesus
•    ‘All can know they are saved’—we are not left wondering whether we are acceptable to God but rather can have assurance of our salvation and confidence in our relationship with Jesus
•    ‘All can be fully sanctified’—we can all be transformed to be like Jesus, made holy by the work of his Holy Spirit.

Keynote speaker the Rev. Dr Keith Garner of Wesley Mission in Sydney launched the symposium by introducing its theme with particular reference to mission, evangelism and Christian holiness.

The Salvation Army was well represented, with Captain Adam Couchman from Booth College in Sydney speaking on the integration of holiness, mission and worship, Major David Noakes and Major Campbell Roberts exploring the theology and practice of mission in the public square, and Jennifer Hein, a Salvationist from Adelaide, reflecting on the stories of our heroes and how they shape our mission today.

Other papers included lessons to be learned when mission ‘fails’, holiness in the missional context, youth ministry and children in the mission of God. Keith Garner concluded with a practical reflection on balancing ‘word and deed’ as we live out the Gospel message in mission.

According to Jesus, the two greatest commandments are to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind’ and to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ (Matthew 22:37, 39). ‘The Stream’ symposium saw delegates applying our minds to the things of God in order to better love and serve him as we love and serve others. We left with a renewed vision of God’s mission and the part in that mission that he invites us to play.

The next symposium will be on 15-17 August 2013 in Auckland. Note the dates in your diary and we will see you there!

By Envoy Caroline Jewkes (Director, Centre for Leadership Development)