How do Christians make an impact and a difference in their communities? The Christian voice is often heard when something arises with which we disagree and we mobilise to protest. It is right that we raise awareness and make our voice heard when we meet injustice.

There is a role for the Church in political debate, while maintaining a non-party stance and allowing individuals to make choices in line with their conscience. If the Christian voice is silent, muted or outdone by secular or extreme concepts then we need fresh confidence and resolve to take our place around the table, in the marketplace or in the debating chamber.

Christian action and response have a visible profile in emergencies and crises. The Salvation Army is able to mobilise quickly and effectively to meet such situations and in this we have a degree of expertise. Somehow the public have come to expect to see us at such tragic events.

Social and community provision, undertaken because of our belief and Christian motivation, makes a significant contribution to society and to the most needy. In this we are committed to increased professionalism and excellence. We want to do the most good by targeting resources where they can have the greatest impact.

Leaving aside these major involvements, as disciples of Jesus living out the good news we have huge potential to do good in our communities by being involved in civic life.

Christians in their local context are ideally placed to make a contribution, influence decisions and work for good outcomes. We might contribute to debate, give practical help and in these ways share ‘agape love'. In times past we might have felt some pressure, intimidation even, from a vocal and assertive quarter that said: ‘Christians, if they are to be seen, should not be heard.' Yet there is a counter call from people who want to see the influence godly values can bring. Your country needs you!

Consider the influence of Christian love and values in education. Faith schools are a small percentage of the total number of schools. Most children and young people are educated in the public sector, where there is a need for school governors.

We might bemoan the breakdown of law and order but the high moral ground is not the vantage point for influence. Consider how magistrates or prison visitors might bring influence.

In the town and city halls throughout the country a great number of men and women serve in local politics, working through the complexities of communities. On our travels as the territorial leaders of The Salvation Army in the UK and the Republic of Ireland we often meet with mayors, provosts and others who take similar responsibility. We are glad to affirm them in their office, regardless of their political ideology or their faith, or lack of it. On each and every occasion we pray for them, that they will govern with fairness and integrity.

Lest the accusation be voiced that this might be proselytising, I consider it a higher and more worthy motivation of bringing goodness and a desire to work for the best outcomes for our society. The Salvation Army has always sought to serve without discrimination.

There is much at stake and certainly we have a stake in public and civic life. Our faith may be personal but it is never private. Together we can seek to make a difference as a motivating force for good.
 
As it says in the New Testament in the Bible in Romans 12:6-8 (New International Version): ‘We have different gifts... if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.'


Commissioner Betty Matear is  Territorial President of Women's Ministries for The Salvation Army in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,  Moderator of the Free Churches Group and Co-President of Churches Together