At a recent conference, I was struck by a question posed by Alan Hirsch:

“When we start planting, what are we really planting? Are we planting a pulpit? The Eucharist? A stage? Or are we really planting a movemental community?”

This question resonated deeply with me and has continued to shape my reflections on the future of church within The Salvation Army.

In my role as National Faith Community Development Secretary, I have the privilege of exploring both the current and future state of our church. Our mission is clear: to further the impact of the Kingdom of God. But how we live out that mission is evolving.

Rediscovering Our DNA

The Salvation Army holds a unique place in the Kingdom. We are often found among the most marginalised, isolated, and vulnerable in our communities. This proximity means our ministry often looks different from traditional church models. We are not simply a Sunday morning congregation—we are a 24/7 missional presence.

There is a strong sense of calling among our people. Many feel deeply rooted in the communities they serve and are committed to staying, even when the work is hard. Our connection to community is not incidental; it is foundational. We are embedded in the lives of those around us, offering hope, support, and transformation.

Rethinking Metrics

Traditional metrics such as attendance numbers, offering totals, program counts often fail to capture the essence of our mission. We are learning to ask deeper questions: Are lives being transformed? Is the community experiencing wholeness? Would our absence be felt if we left?

This shift has led us to develop new ways of measuring impact, focusing on community transformation through the three models of faith communities. One that honours the complexity and beauty of the work God is doing through us.

Three Expressions of Church

As we reimagine church, we’ve identified three primary models that reflect our mission and context:

1. Gathered Worship
   This is the traditional model—people coming together for worship, teaching, and fellowship. It remains a vital expression of church, especially for those who find strength in corporate worship.
2. Community of Hope
   These are relational communities that often form around shared needs—loneliness, addiction, cultural identity. They gather around meals, conversations, and shared life, embodying the Gospel in practical, informal ways.
3. Community Table
   Smaller, more intimate gatherings that may form around common interests or demographics. These resemble micro-churches, offering deep discipleship and close-knit fellowship.

Each model reflects a different way of being church, yet all are rooted in the same mission: to bring the love and hope of Jesus to every corner of our communities.

Planting Through Presence

In this season, we are planting presence. Like Jesus walking the road to Emmaus, we may not always be recognised, but we are there. We are listening, loving, and living out the Gospel in quiet, powerful ways.

Our work is not always flashy, but it is faithful. We are committed to staying, to serving, and to seeking God’s guidance as we realign our resources and reimagine our expressions of church. This is not abandonment of tradition it is a return to our roots as an innovative, Spirit-led movement.

Looking Ahead

We are stepping boldly into new spaces both physical and spiritual driven by a deep conviction that the Gospel is alive, active, and always inviting us to more. In this season, we are not simply replicating what has been; we are reimagining what could be. We are asking fresh questions about mission, community, and church. We’re exploring new models of ministry, many of them emerging right where we already are, in the heart of our existing communities.

We are planting movemental communities, not just churches or gatherings, but vibrant, Spirit-led spaces where people genuinely encounter Jesus. These are places where lives are transformed, where belonging replaces isolation, and where people are drawn into a purpose bigger than themselves. These communities are marked by authenticity, relational depth, and a shared desire to see God’s Kingdom come in real, tangible ways.

This is a journey of faith. It requires listening closely to the Spirit, holding loosely to our own expectations, and embracing the risk that comes with innovation. It’s not always easy, but it is holy ground.

As we continue forward, may we remain faithful to God’s call, courageous in our creativity, and deeply rooted in the unshakable love of Christ. May our lives and communities reflect the grace and truth of Jesus in ways that awaken hearts and transform neighbourhoods.