(Photo/Adam Avery)

‘It Is All About the Local Corps’

by Colonel Richard Munn

Over time, some Salvation Army soldiers become synonymous with leadership and responsibility. They embody the values we desire and have an impact way beyond a local corps community of faith. In this sense they are truly inspirational. We rely on them, and they become role models for many others.

Chip Kelly from the Montclair Citadel Corps in New Jersey is such a person. Born into a beloved and respected family, nurtured through every kind of Salvation Army children’s and youth program imaginable, and then assuming significant responsibilities in the movement, Chip leads and serves with natural ease, a gracious authority.

Simultaneously appointed as the Corps Sergeant Major (CSM) for Montclair and hired as the USA East Lay Leadership Bureau director for a season, here is an individual well-qualified to communicate the essence of soldiership, coming from both the crucible of experience and deeply held convictions.

So, let’s meet a family man, a seasoned and justifiably esteemed soldier, Chip Kelly, as SAconnects conducts an in-depth interview to give you, our faithful readers, the story behind the story.

(Photo/Adam Avery)

You were raised in The Salvation Army as a child of respected officer parents. Can you tell us about your family of origin and those childhood days?

My family growing up was a typical Army family. My parents, Majors Barb and Chuck Kelly, were accepted as cadets right out of high school. They had their first date at the 1965 World’s Fair while at the training school in the Bronx, New York City.

My oldest sister, Kris, was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, which was my parents’ first appointment as a married couple. I was born in Berlin, New Hampshire, and my sister Kate followed while my parents were the corps officers in Lewiston, Maine.

Chip Kelly with members of his family. (Photo/Courtesy of Chip Kelly)

A core memory of our childhood years was simply this — either a corps member was always with us or my parents split their responsibilities at home and the corps to ensure we were always cared for, and this instilled the importance of ministry as a family and also, to our own family.

This remained constant in both large corps appointments, like Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and Pittsburgh Temple, Pennsylvania, or in smaller corps like Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and even as Divisional Youth Leaders in New Jersey for a few summers.

(Photo/Adam Avery)

You served at Territorial Headquarters (THQ) for a season in the Lay Leadership Development Bureau. What new understandings did you gain from that unique role?

One new understanding from my time at THQ and ministering as a lay leader in the territory was simple — it is all about the local corps. It took me a few years to grasp this fully and try to live it out as a non-negotiable in Army ministry.

A second key from my time in this professional role was simply the reminder that Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples” should be the foundational principle of all we do and the guiding light for where He leads us. It is easy in today’s world to think the next program or slickly packaged gimmick is what we should latch onto; however, the gospel and the Scriptures are clear. We need to be about God’s work and reproducing that in all we say and do, for His glory.

(Photo/Adam Avery)

You now work in the field of special education and also serve in the Montclair Corps, New Jersey. What influence does each have upon the other?

The beauty of my job as a fourth-grade inclusion teacher is that I am still in ministry every day. I may not audibly utter the name of Jesus to my students in the classroom but my worldview of seeing every student, colleague, and parent as made in God’s image impacts my work daily. It is a joy to journey alongside, be center stage to curious minds and walk with families as they navigate the highs and lows of this life. I count it as a privilege.

For a total of 20 years, I served as the Young People’s Sergeant Major (YPSM) and CSM in my local corps, Montclair Citadel. While there are things I would definitely like to do over or have focused more intently on over those years, I am thankful for a community of faith that is filled with grace and receptive to the Spirit’s leading that nurtured me.

(Photo/Adam Avery)

Engaging with kids in Adventure Corps, Sunday school classes, and lock-in fundraisers is both exhausting and rewarding. Sitting in Corps Council and Pastoral Care discussing and going to our knees about budgets and personal crises alongside holy servants has been a great source of joy for me.

While I stepped aside officially from these capacities, I am thankful to still be actively involved in the band, songsters, Sunday school classes, and worship planning. God remains faithful and I want to simply follow where he leads these days.

(Photo/Adam Avery)

What is your experience with the Montclair Corps Drop-In Center? Can you tell us about that?

This is such an interesting path, as it relates to our ministry to our unhoused neighbors right here in Montclair. Most don’t think of our town as a place for those seeking respite from the elements and the harsh realities of this world. My interaction with this began when I worked at the corps alongside Michele Kroeze, Matt Hodgson, and Mark Baker. This ministry was evolving in those days, and it continues to adapt to the local needs in our community.

After leaving employment with The Salvation Army, my regular involvement lessened. I am thankful to Major Bob Kurtz for recently inviting me back, as my schedule allows, to be involved in this vital ministry at Montclair. This has bridged to folks attending on Sundays and declaring The Salvation Army as their church home. For certain, there is always more to do, but I am thankful for so many of the familiar faces I still see each time I am able to be around our Drop-In Center.

Any further insights or gems of interest that will encourage our readers?

The thought that comes to mind is simply to understand that the seasons of our lives may change, and what God asked of us yesterday may change in our todays and tomorrows.

Thank you, Chip, we are so grateful for your legacy of service, and all you represent. Many people look up to you, both young and older. You can count on this, the SAconnects team is cheering you on.