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Corps and units may apply for seed grants toward establishing a MissionBridge outpost.
MissionBridge, a missional approach to linking social services with corps, is set to launch in The Salvation Army’s USA Western Territory. Developed by the Territorial Social Services Department, it is intended to establish a bridge utilizing existing Salvationists at designated corps and social service programs.
The new initiative is a manifestation of the vision of the Social Service Department, as expressed by Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs.
“It would be ideal to see every social program spin off a corps of some description,” Knaggs wrote (One For All, p. 232). “Can you imagine every hostel, every rehabilitation center, every thrift store, every job training program, every emergency relief system, every single social program starting, sponsoring and hosting corps?”
Located in Salvation Army residential or social programs that serve men, women and children, MissionBridge will intentionally focus on a particular population, group or area. Ultimately, the goal is the salvation of the lost through the extension of existing corps ministries and established program practices.
Corps or units wishing to set up a MissionBridge location would complete an outpost proposal and a MissionBridge grant application. Upon approval from divisional and territorial program councils, the unit will receive a seed grant of $5,000 for fiscal year 2014. These funds may also be used toward the MissionBridge chaplaincy training, offered at the Western Territory Fall Social Service Councils, Sept. 17-19.
After a year of successful operation as a MissionBridge outpost, the sponsoring unit may apply for an additional seed grant of $10,000 toward establishment of a MissionBridge corps in fiscal year 2015.
For more information, contact the Territorial Social Services Department.
“We look forward to reviewing the proposals that will carry us resolutely into a brave new world of The Salvation Army MissionBridge outposts and corps,” said Major Lawrence Shiroma, territorial social services secretary. “May we continue to develop the tools God has bestowed upon The Salvation Army to share his Word and to provide much needed services without discrimination to the ‘whosoever.’”
