Divisional Spotlight: New Jersey
by Colonel Richard Munn
As befits the reputation of New Jersey — a gritty, industrious, no-nonsense conurbation that bolsters glamorous Manhattan — the New Jersey Division is a powerhouse of presence and productivity for the USA Eastern Territory. The command is reliable, strong, and focused.
Characterized by densely populated urban sprawl, colossal industrial complexes, New Jersey diners, and the straightforward New Jersey Turnpike, the state is equally home to resplendent sandy beaches, fertile farmland, and desirable small-town suburbia. Historically significant in the war of independence and the later waves of immigration, New Jersey embodies the very best of the American spirit and melting pot.
In this command we have such Salvation Army staples as Camp Tecumseh, the Montclair band at Eagle Rock on Easter Sunday morning, the Camden Kroc Center, the Asbury Park retired officers’ apartments, Salvation Army Day at the Ocean Grove Tabernacle series, and the Newark Ironbound Corps.
At the nerve center of this stalwart command, overseeing, encouraging, and setting the pace are Majors Brett and Jessica DeMichael, divisional leaders. SAconnects raced through the Lincoln Tunnel for a special interview, to get you, our faithful readers, the story behind the story.
What are your divisional statistics: number of corps, senior and junior soldiers, officers, employees?
- 25 corps
- 1,884 senior soldiers
- 797 junior soldiers
- 724 adherents
- 59 officers
- 370+ employees
Click to view full breakdown of the New Jersey Division.
How would you describe the personality of your division?
Salvation Army ministry actively exists in every ZIP code in the state — we are enthusiastic, joyful, and diverse!
What is the geographic and cultural terrain of the division?
The urban bustle of the northeast and central west, the forested hills of the northwest, the rural agriculture of the south, and the vacation-worthy beaches of the famed Jersey Shore all contribute to our geographic diversity, despite our relatively small size. Ethnic diversity, a rich music/arts/sports legacy (Sinatra! Springsteen! The Sopranos! Shaq! We could go on … ), distinct regional identities, and unique food traditions further accent a vibrant, multicultural statewide community.
What especially notable expressions of ministry exist within the command?
Our music and arts ministries are traditionally strong, particularly in the corps. ESL (English as a second language) classes have become significant entry points in several corps locations. And (at the risk of being redundant) the cultural diversity across the division is a highlight — the opportunity exists to worship in one (or several) of at least five different languages in various corps settings.
What brings you the greatest joy?
There is always great joy when we gather together in worship as a division. These times — Family Camp, Soldiers’ Rally, Men’s Camp, Women’s Retreat, Youth Councils, Hispanic Rally, Music and Arts Camp Finale, Star Search — are always vibrant, Spirit-filled, and profoundly encouraging.
What is God up to in the division these days?
The theme of our recent Soldiers’ Rally in Ocean Grove was “We Are Here for You” — based on Ezekiel 37. We make ourselves available to God — to recreate, to transform, and to mobilize for mission. We are heeding the call from our territorial leaders to lean into the study of God’s Word, to deepen our discipleship journey. As we make ourselves available to God, and seek Him first, we are sensing His presence and guidance.
Any final insights or thoughts for our readers?
We believe it is the deep desire of every New Jersey Salvationist to be rooted in the Word, reaching the world.
How can we all pray for the division?
That God will continue to raise up candidates for officership from within our division; that God will give us vision and creativity for ongoing ministry; that God will give us strategy for effective fundraising, to support that ministry; and that in the midst of all that, our front-line missioners will find rest, hope, and joy in His service.
Thank you, Brett and Jessica. We all delight at the historic and current strength of the command. New Jersey is a bulwark for the territory, and you can count on our unflinching support — "we are here for you" — cheering you on.
