AdBoardInstalation.doc

Advisory Board Member - Installation

Commissioner Robert F. Saunders

Del Oro Division

Introduction:

When The Salvation Army came into existence in 1865, life in Victorian England was somewhat basic and simple. Despite the fact that the normal routine of agricultural life had been changed forever through the Industrial Revolution, the societal changes at that time were manageable through the dedicated leaders of the early Salvation Army.

Our Founders, William and Catherine Booth, were Methodist clergy with a total commitment and dedication to Christian evangelism. The stated Mission of The Salvation Army then and now is to reach the masses with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It was quickly discovered that this basic preaching to individuals, who were bereft of home, employment and food, was not going to bring about the needed changes to them or the community. Social services came in to existence with the subsequent philosophy of Soup, Soap and Salvation. An individual, who was down, first needed ministry was to the inner-man through food. He would then be able to see himself in need of soap to clean up the outer-man with the outcome that Salvation was needed to deal with the Spiritual man. That which had been given was given in genuine Christian love. Such actions would stimulate the individual to understand God’s Love.

Congregations of new Christians were formed into worshipping groups. And as their families came, our Church, along with those lead to Christ, grew.

This basic and central modus operandi has not changed. The stories of changed lives continue to bear witness to this fact. But through the years, life has changed and become exceedingly more complex to such a degree that the repository of community knowledge and society challenges can no longer be contained in the mind of the local Salvation Army Officer.

Over the years, various systems were implemented to reach and minister to community needs, but daily living grew more complex. It became increasingly evident that while the Officer in charge was highly motivated towards the Mission of The Salvation Army, the repository of community knowledge was really vested with community minded people of longer residence than that of the Officer.

The challenge that surfaced was to develop a system whereby a clear representation of community knowledge and community issues be developed to advise the local Salvation Army Officer accordingly. And so the Advisory Board was born. It is a body of community concerned individuals who give of their time, talents, money, and knowledge to represent the Community to The Salvation Army; giving advice and counsel as to how the organization can better serve and make the local community a better place in which to live and work. This system is at work today in 109 countries around the world.

At this juncture, I pause to salute those of the Advisory Board and invite you each to stand. No Advisory Board member is here by accident; The Salvation Army views each member as God-appointed. We applaud you with appreciation for your wonderful spirit and concern for others. You may be seated.

Installation

To the Nominating Committee, I record my thanks for your excellent proposal of new members. Incidentally, the suggestion is made that the title of the Nominating Committee be changed and be known as the Advisory Board Development Committee.

At this time, I invite those nominated to serve as Advisory Board Members to join me here at the front. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this manner. You are essential to the ongoing efficiency of this Advisory Board and the Ministry of The Salvation Army to this community.

To the newly nominated for Advisory Board membership, I add my gratitude. Through my comments, our discussions and your reading, you each have an understanding of what is being asked of you as Members of the Advisory Board.

My challenge and charge to you is:

  1. That you will accept the Mission of The Salvation Army and understand that through your efforts, you will contribute to the health and vitality of its service and work.
  2. That you will become responsible with other Advisory Board Members for Friendraising and Fundraising.
  3. That you will take an active part in reviewing, recommending, monitoring and achieving our objectives.
  4. That you will attend Advisory Board Meetings and be available for consultation and serve on at least one committee.
  5. That you will bring the Six A’s to this Advisory Board:
  • Be an Ambassador
  • Be an Advisor
  • Be an Advocate
  • Provide Access
  • Provide Affluence
  • Provide Assistance

As you have heard the charge and challenge of Advisory Board Membership outlined and what is being asked of you, may I ask that you together raise your right hand and respond with “I will” to the question: Do you accept the charge and challenge as a Member of this Advisory Board to fulfill these duties to the best of your abilities, so help me God. If so may I ask your response?

Hearing your response, I, as the Designated Officer of this Advisory Board and Corps Officer, officially install you each as Advisory Board Members. It gives me great pleasure and with complete appreciation of you to present to this meeting, the newly installed Members of this Advisory Board.

As newly installed Advisory Board Members, I present to you:

  1. Your Advisory Board Member’s Pin
  2. Your engraved Advisory Board Member’s plaque.
  3. Your Advisory Board Member’s Card.
  4. Your Advisory Board Manual.
  5. Local information on The Salvation Army.

Congratulations.

Let us pray.