Blueprint for Better Choices: A message from the territorial leaders

Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main introduce the Blueprint for Better Choices to help us step into the future with faith, courage and spiritual discernment.

As the world changes around us, we recognise the need to make thoughtful choices – ones that keep our Army strong, effective and true to our calling, now and into the future.

That’s where the Blueprint for Better Choices comes in. Think of it as the plans a builder uses, helping us create a solid foundation for all that we do. This ‘Blueprint’ is the result of months of prayer, discussion and collaboration across every level of The Salvation Army.

We want everyone to be up to date with this shared vision. This is not a new strategy and rest assured we’re still committed to our territory’s five mission priorities: sharing the good news; serving others without discrimination; nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ; caring for creation; and seeking justice and reconciliation. The ‘Blueprint’ helps us to focus on what matters most and ensure that all our decisions – big and small – support our mission priorities and values. We have been drawing inspiration from the Old Testament story of Joshua. Joshua moved forward with courage, careful planning, and faithfulness – and, like him, we step into the future knowing God is with us.

Just as Joshua prepared the next generation, this ‘Blueprint’ helps us to do the same – it sets out the most important areas to guide our actions and empowers each of us to serve with confidence and hope.

There are five key areas we want us all to focus on in these present days:

Courageous Discipleship

Whatever programme, project or strategy you are considering, we want you to ask: Does this encourage growth in faith and enable people to live out a commitment to following Jesus, even when it takes real courage? Are our activities deepening spiritual lives and helping us support one another?

Prophetic Voice

Is what we are doing or proposing speaking into our world with honesty and hope? Are we addressing injustice and advocating for positive change? Do we reflect Jesus’ values by standing up for what’s right in our communities?

Most Marginalised, Most Excluded

This is part of our DNA as an Army and remains a key focus area. In all that we do, are we reaching out to those who are often overlooked or left out, making sure that everyone feels valued and has a place among us? Do our actions reflect a deep commitment to inclusion and compassion?

Children and Youth

You will have heard us speak about the importance of generational legacy. Is what we are doing providing opportunities for children and young people to grow, lead and flourish in faith? Do we listen to their voices and create space for their gifts and energy?

Growing Leaders

Are we creating pathways for new leaders at every level, to emerge and thrive, so that our mission can be sustained into the future?

We readily admit that these key areas may change over time, but they are what we see as priorities for our Salvation Army now. The ‘Blueprint’ also offers a number of questions we need to ask ourselves in whatever setting we are in, whether that is in THQ or DHQ boards or in a local setting, as we consider how we will spend our resources, be they financial, people or time.

When any of us are reviewing our current programmes or considering a new programme or project, we are asking you to look at it through the lens of the ‘Blueprint’ and think through these guiding questions. We hope this will help us all consider fully our motives and impact, and encourage thoughtful stewardship of our resources.

Beyond that, we ask you to think deeply: What is The Salvation Army’s unique role here? How will our efforts make a meaningful impact, and how will that impact be measured? We want much more time spent inviting God into our decision-making, seeking holy discernment in every proposal. And let’s not forget the practical side – if resources change, how does that shape our approach? Are we prepared to adapt while keeping our mission at the forefront?

The ‘Blueprint’ isn’t just for leaders at headquarters. It’s for everyone – every soldier, every member, every supporter of the Army. By reflecting on these five focus areas and these guiding questions, each of us can play our part in building a strong, lasting Salvation Army.

We invite each of you to pray, to participate, and to look for your place in this mission. Together, by keeping this ‘Blueprint’ at the forefront of our thinking, we can move forward with confidence – trusting God to guide us every step of the way.

Thank you for your commitment and for joining us on this journey. Let’s step boldly into the future, with faith, courage and a heart to serve!