Meeting the Moment: Being Relevant in a Changing Society

The Salvation Army has a rich legacy of preaching the Gospel and serving suffering humanity. But as we stand in the midst of an ever-changing society in Southern Africa, we must wrestle with this critical question: Are we still relevant? Are we effectively addressing the urgent needs of communities grappling with poverty, inequality, and cultural shifts? Or have we become too comfortable with methods that no longer connect with the world around us?

Understanding the Southern African Reality

Southern Africa is a land of incredible potential, yet it’s marked by stark contrasts. On one hand, we celebrate the vibrancy of culture and the resilience of our people. On the other, we face immense challenges—unemployment, fractured families, substance abuse, and crime. If we’re serious about living out our mission, we have to frame our ministry in the reality of these challenges, not sidestep them.

As followers of Christ within The Salvation Army, our calling is clear: get saved, keep saved and get others saved. But this is more than just preaching sermons or holding worship services. It’s about meeting real needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and doing so in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. So the question remains: Are we?

Here are some Key Focus Areas for a Relevant Ministry:

Engage the Community Beyond the Church Walls
Too often, we’re tempted to measure success by Sunday attendance. But relevance isn’t confined to what happens inside our buildings—it’s defined by how we impact the streets, homes, and workplaces of our communities.

Here are some questions we need to ask ourselves:

• Do we truly understand the struggles of the people in our neighbourhoods?
• Are we addressing critical issues like youth unemployment, domestic violence, or addiction with fresh, Gospel-centered approaches?
• Are we building partnerships with other organisations to multiply our impact?

Visibility matters, but not for our sake. It matters because the world needs to see the love of Christ in action, Monday through Saturday, not just on Sunday.

Reach the Next Generation
Let’s be honest—many young people in Southern Africa see the Church as irrelevant. And who could blame them if our methods and messages seem stuck in the past? To reach this generation, we have to think differently.

Ask these questions:

• Are our programmes and worship gatherings connecting with young people, or are they tailored only to older generations?
• How are we equipping and empowering young leaders to take ownership of the mission?
• Are we leveraging social media and other platforms where youth are already engaging?

Reaching young people isn’t just a strategy—it’s a priority. The future of our movement depends on it.

Offer Holistic Ministry in a Broken World
The Gospel isn’t just words; it’s action. It’s feeding the hungry, offering job training to the unemployed, and standing up for the vulnerable. Holistic ministry bridges the gap between spiritual transformation and practical solutions.

Consider this:

• Are our Corps balancing spiritual and social ministries effectively?
• Do we go out into the community to serve, or are we waiting for people to come to us?
• How are we tackling systemic issues like inequality or corruption in ways that reflect Biblical justice?

We can’t be afraid to get our hands dirty. That’s what Jesus did. That’s what He calls us to do.

Stay Biblically Grounded While Being Culturally Relevant
Relevance doesn’t mean compromise. It means living out the unchanging Gospel in ways that speak to today’s challenges.

Here’s what we need to evaluate:

• Are we clearly and boldly communicating the message of salvation?
• Do our ministries reflect God’s love, truth, and justice?
• Are we willing to adapt our methods without losing our mission?

The Gospel is powerful. Let’s make sure it’s also accessible.

Practice Accountability and Authenticity
People are drawn to ministries that are real—where leaders are humble, ministries are transparent, and actions match words.

Ask these tough questions:

• Is our Corps leadership team modeling servant leadership?
• Are we open to feedback from those we serve?
• Do we regularly evaluate our effectiveness and make changes where needed?

Accountability isn’t optional. It’s essential for trust and growth.

A Call to Reflect and Act

Remaining relevant requires intentionality. It’s time for leadership teams to create spaces for honest reflection. Why doesn’t your Corps host a Corps evaluation session and wrestle with these questions:

• What are the most pressing needs in our community, and how are we addressing them?
• Who isn’t engaging with us, and why?
• What changes are needed in our programmes, worship, or outreach?
• How can we better equip our people to live out The Salvation Army’s mission every day?

Moving Forward

The Salvation Army has always been a movement of bold action and innovative ministry. Now, more than ever, we are called to carry that legacy forward. By staying tuned to the needs of our society, investing in holistic ministry, and staying rooted in Christ, we can increase our missional impact in Southern Africa.

Let’s pray for wisdom. Let’s pray for courage. And let’s step forward with the confidence that God is leading us into a future filled with opportunity to make His love known.