Major David Wilson

The pastoral duties of Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) officers are different, yet very much the same as corps officers. We have the same goal. The primary goal of all those who carry the title of pastor in The Salvation Army is to “live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose in my life” (Officer’s Covenant). The covenant we signed a week before we were ordained is our personal mission statement.

I wish people knew that being a pastor in The Salvation Army is not easy because there are many aspects that sometimes pull us away from what seems like ministry. I have learned that it’s not merely about pulpit ministry, but visiting employees at the store, getting to know customers, and making sure that we have the resources to operate. Administrative responsibilities carry their own ministry. A highlight of the week in my current appointment is leading the weekly prayer meeting. Since I am so heavily involved in the administration, I had to be intentional about making sure I have connection with the beneficiaries. Pastoral care has to be intentional when you are being pulled in many directions.

Another thing I wish people knew about being a pastor is that even though it is often difficult and sometimes overwhelming, God is with us. He is “Immanuel” at Christmas. He is also Immanuel in the quiet when we doubt ourselves and our effectiveness and when we do not think that what we are doing is effective enough. God reminds us that He is still working!

Major Evelyn Wilson

The greatest part of being a pastor is the joy of seeing another person get to know Jesus. Saving souls is the heart of our mission. It’s my privilege to spend most of my time discipling and coming alongside people who have seen great struggles in their life, and the healing process is often painful. ARC ministry is very intense since our people live right in our facility, and yet six to 12 months is such a short amount of time. The time passes quickly. A highlight for any officer is to see those they have discipled thriving long after our paths have crossed. It’s so exciting to hear from graduates of the program who are finding success in life to the glory of God. It’s encouraging to see God raising up new leaders through the ARC ministry.

While there are many scriptures that have spoken into my own story, the life scripture that has been a thread in my spiritual formation for many years is Hebrews 12:1–3: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. … So that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”