MCN Presentation — Maj Karen Hoeft (2024 04 29)
Major Karen Hoeft, Salvation Army in Regina, shared with us insights into their current and historic ministries that place this organization on the leading edge of effective Christian social action.
This presentation is part of our Regina-based Missional Church Network monthly Zoom meetings, that focuses on in-depth understanding of how to be effective “in mission” within the larger cultural/social community.
A recording of the Zoom meeting with Karen Hoeft can be accessed here:
Passcode Required — Zoom Passcode: %8XQ6+db
[https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/1uq5_kqOH55WHQxQvFkoa0WD-16SannyMIhWwiHyjRAgrqf8_OcqsyhMNzj2JISj.i-xK5r11eQJDpMOG]
Time stamps (still under development):
00:00:00 Introductory remarks, including reading of our Purpose Statement as a MCN group (see below)
00:03:20 Introduction of Nick Helliwell, Rising Above Ministries in Regina’s North Central
00:06:30 Rob Sentis, business man and active layman at Gentle Road Church of Christ
00:08:15 Terry McDonald, international work with the Coop Movement, and layman with Morning Star Ministries
00:08:50 Karen Hoeft INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION
00:11:55 Start of PPT
00:15:20 History of Salvation Army, starting 1865
00:18:30 Biblical basis for commitment to action
00:21:15 Social stands/expectations of SA workers
00:27:50 Reference to book: In Darkest England
00:38:15 Reference to book: England Before and After Wesley
00:41:06 Question by Sam: How to encourage attentiveness in church communities
00:46:05 Importance of “matriarchical voice”
00:46:40 Question by Kevin: Accommodating those on alcohol and drugs
00:51:40 Potential power/influence of church community
00:53:30 Conditions for government interest/hearing
00:55:30 Housing issues/solutions
00:57:05 Question by Terry: How to stay relevant in changing social conditions
01:04:15 Question by Ron: Importance of training and research
01:09:57 On providing service to others
01:13:40 God works on the side of the oppressed
01:20:52 end
Review comments
From Kevin Vance, pastor, Gentle Road church…
Hi Ron, that was an outstanding conversation tonight. I was expecting some good things, but what the SA is doing goes far beyond what I knew….
From Terry McDonald, lay member of Morning Star Ministries…
MCN Reflection — Terry McDonald on Presentation by Karen Hoeft – RRVista…
A quick-history search on William Booth and his continuing legacy…
QH — William Booth on Founding the Salvation Army – RRVista…
QH — William Booth and Schemes Likely to Command Success – RRVista…
Invitation for viewers to further share reactions
Yes, most all of us were deeply impressed by the knowledge and experience of this operationally-mature organization. Some points by Karen will be controversial, but few of us have the immersive experience that Karen brings to her leadership within the Salvation Army.
I’ve found the following article, authored by Karen Hoeft, which appears as a chapter in a book Beyond Shelters by James Hughes (2018).
I was impressed that the Salvation Army is so active in ministry, always learning, and able to give persuasive reasons for their ministry philosophy. I’m assuming we have much we can from them, on our dual themes of Missional Christianity and Christian Social Responsibility.
Please reflect and share your thoughts. I will attempt to collect, edit, and provide a follow-up report on this session.
Books cited:
In Darkest England (1890), by William Booth [Free online download of the text of the originally published book.]
England Before and After Wesley: The Evangelical Revival and Social Reform: Bready, J Wesley, Tymchak, Michael, Ninan, Abraham: 9781573835947: Books – Amazon.ca [Note: This is a republication of the original classic by our local U of Regina academic, Prof Michael Tymchak and others.]
Respond to: Ron Richmond
First published: 2024/05/02
Latest revision: 2024/05/04