The Matrix (no not that one!)

In the UK Territory we have something called a ‘Qualitative Questionnaire’ that is used to produce a ‘qualitative matrix’ (nothing to do with the film!) This matrix is supposed to show you whether a Corps is static, in decline or growing.

On the whole the questionnaire is a good document because it forces you to sit down and statistically analyse the performance and spiritual health of the Corps.

The period covered by the questionnaire I have just completed covers the six month period before we arrived and the 10 months that we have been here and the results are really quite encouraging.

You’ll have to forgive me if the following sounds a bit like I’m reading from a ‘bank balance sheet’ but that is the way the questionnaire is designed to work. It certainly isn’t meant to be self praise either – there is a lot of room for improvement and in terms of evangelism we haven’t really started yet.

During 2007/08

More than 25 people have attended worship for the first time and 7 have subsequently attended worship more than 6 times (and they are still attending)

In the last 10 months we have seen 21 new people (or lapsed attendees) start to attend the family worship service on a Sunday morning.

During this time 4 people have come to faith.

30 plus people have shown a noticeable increase in there passion for the Lord in the last 12 months.

The Mercy Seat (which hadn’t been used since 2001) has been used 31 times in the last 10 months.

In the same period 9 people have become friends, 2 adherents, 1 a soldier, and there are 3 recruits about to start recruits classes. In the same time we have seen 5 Junior Soldiers enrolled and have 2 JS recruits currently going through classes. In addition 9 Junior Musicians have been enrolled. We have seen the band resurrected and a Singing Company formed.

On the financial front, fund raising has gone up by about £1000 per month.

During the same time over 20 people have started to use their gifts or engaged in new areas of service within the Corps.

Now this is hardly revival! But maybe it is those first few heavy splashes of rain that fall just before a storm breaks. It's not just happening at Dartford either, I’ve also heard of other Corps where similar ‘splashes’ are being felt.

Will it become revival?

That will all depend on the holiness of the participants, if holiness is pursued, obtained and maintained then revival will be the natural outcome.

As I have always said, holiness will prove to be the Salvation of the Salvation Army!

Hallelujah!