The training program rekindling The Salvation Army’s missional DNA
- deansimpson7
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
BY LAUREN MARTIN
The Salvation Army is investing in the future health of its faith communities by inviting leaders to go on a six-month ‘Movement Renewal Initiative’ (MRI) to relearn what it means to be a ‘Jesus Movement’.
The first cohort to undertake MRI training in 2024 says that it helped to shift ingrained mindsets and gave a framework for moving into new ways of delivering mission and ministry, with the key focus on growing the Kingdom of God.
“The cynicism is waning,” said Major Pete Brookshaw from Morley Corps in Western Australia, who participated in the 2024 MRI cohort.
“There is hope rising again for our corps to flourish and for the movement to flourish. It’s great that we’re investing again in this area as an Army. I’m learning that some of what I’ve learnt, I need to unlearn in order to learn the new thing that God is unravelling.
“I’m hopeful TSA globally can embrace this missional DNA so we can be healthy once again and truly be a ‘movement’.
The Movement Leaders Collective, which includes Alan Hirsch and Rich Robinson, is delivering the training for The Salvation Army. In 2024, Rich published a book titled All Change, Unlocking Kingdom Potential in a World We Weren’t Prepared For, which included a forward by Alan.
The MRI brings Salvation Army faith expression leaders from all over Australia together for six months of fortnightly online training, with the view to gaining a deeper understanding of how to birth a Jesus movement, how to develop culture, and how to implement key ideas and practices to release movement potential and multiply.
Major Dianne Jarvey, Secretary for Faith Communities Development, stated that the primary goal of the training is to revitalise The Salvation Army through local mission and systemic change.
“The Movement Renewal Initiative is more than just a course – it’s an opportunity for the entire organisation to seek Jesus and rediscover fresh, innovative ways to engage with our mission, renew our purpose, and inspire lasting impact across every level.”
Major John Viles, from Tweed Heads Corps in northern New South Wales, said being involved in the MRI training in 2024 helped to shift mindsets.
“MRI reminds frontline ministry that change toward God’s preferred future for the Army is not just possible … but actually within their grasp.”
He said the key for Salvation Army leaders undertaking the initiative was to intentionally set aside time to seek and pray for God’s direction and act on it.
“Without intention, without action, MRI is just a ‘rah, rah’ cheerleading squad that learns the routines but never acts them out. We’ve all been to conferences where we’ve heard good things but never put them into action.
“When faith communities take mission renewal seriously, take the initiative and enact kingdom plans, we will stop the retreat and move forward with renewed hope to see God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”
Another member of the 2024 cohort, Captain Paul Trotter, from Hobsons Bay Corps in Victoria, said the training allowed him to step into the already ‘given permission’ to step into the ‘new’.
“I keep hearing you have permission to do something new … but the ‘what’ and ‘how’ are often missing. MRI has given me a framework to do the new and explore, and I am seeing results.”
Paul changed appointments after completing the training and said he is now using the MRI principles in his new space.
“We’re currently doing a Bible Study called Our Discipleship Journey, helping us discover where God is already at work in our communities making disciples – so we’re able to join him – while also exploring all the facets of Jesus’ approach to disciple-making and learning to pray, listening for God’s voice and obeying. Helping people to explore and equip them for discipleship.”
The 2025 Movement Renewal Initiative cohort is filled with a diverse group of individuals, including those from social programs, Salvos and Family Stores, chaplains, corps leaders, lay leaders, ministry workers, employees, and Area Officers.
“Every second Wednesday night until September, we’ll gather as a united community to dive into discussions about our mission and explore how we can work together more effectively. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate!” said Dianne Jarvey.
If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out via email at movementrenewal@salvationarmy.org.au
