Telling the story of The Salvation Army

Shane Chisholm is telling the story of The Salvation Army in his role as Territorial Public Relations Director.

The Salvation Army is known for being God’s love in action, and that’s a precious thing to hold on to. It’s also a challenge to live up to—we ride on the reputation of being an Army with its sleeves rolled up, but we need to work out what that means for us in today’s busy world. Do we still have our sleeves rolled up, or are they ironed and only worn on Sundays?

I see my job in the Public Relations Department as helping to tell The Salvation Army story: to communicate who we are, what we do and why we do what we do—for the sake of those in need, and also for those who want to contribute.

Along with increasing public awareness, the Public Relations team is tasked with raising money to keep the frontline work resourced. Flagship campaigns like the Red Shield Appeal—which begins on 4 May—help us fulfil the mission. I come from an investment banking background, where you’re just looking to make a dollar, so it’s totally fulfilling to know you are contributing to something far greater through The Salvation Army.

We do a lot of work with corporate partners and I’m always amazed at the respect and confidence they have in us. We are New Zealand’s most trusted and reputable NGO, and that’s a real honour.

I grew up in the ranks, as they say. My parents became Salvation Army officers when I was eight years old. For the most part I loved it—whether that was the way my parents approached it, or my own makeup—it was always seen as an adventure.

In my late teens I had the typical rebellion, I stopped going to church, left the brass band and stood down from soldiership. But the guys in the band kept in contact, and it was this group of caring friends that had the most impact on me coming back to Christ.

It was at an Aggressive Christianity conference that I made a recommitment to Christ that was truly my own. It was also then that I felt a prompting to offer my services to The Salvation Army. But I thought, ‘what can I offer?’ I approached the Chief Secretary, and as a 22-year-old, I was asked if I would be willing to go to Lagos, Nigeria, to assist in a financial role.

Everything was tipped on its head in Nigeria, I felt ill prepared and homesick. But that’s where I learnt to totally rely on God. It really came home to me that God not only has a plan for me, but that he chooses to use me.

I also did a stint as a youth worker at Christchurch City Corps, where I met and married my wife Megan. We now have two wonderful children—my desire is that they, too, will know and follow God’s plan for their lives.

Hebrews 12:1 says ‘… and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us’. My testimony is simple: God has a plan for me and he has one for you, too. Always be open to his leading. And never underestimate his ability and desire to use you in ways that you would never imagine!

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by Shane Chisholm (c) 'War Cry' magazine, 2 May 2015, pp9.
You can read 'War Cry' at your nearest Salvation Army church or centre, or subscribe through Salvationist Resources.