Discussion papers

Discussing and discerning the heart of God

At an individual, congregational and organisational level, Salvationists are called to seek and know the nature and will of God. We believe that as we study the Bible and seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God reveals his plan and purpose for us in our time and place in history. Whatever our personal situation and circumstances, God’s grace and love are able to hold us to him and he will make himself known to us if we seek him with an open and honest heart.

As we venture forward in our complicated world, we would serve God well if we heed his command to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul ... and love your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27). The Salvation Army is a people of welcome, who treat sinners and seekers — which includes ourselves — with courtesy and respect as we journey together to seek and know God.

Purpose

The intention of discussion papers for Salvationists is to present issues of importance in a way that stimulates thought and discussion. Many of these issues are controversial and have advocates within the Christian community as well as in society as a whole who hold divergent points of view. Although people often think of issues as right or wrong, black or white, it is helpful to consider these issues from different perspectives while seeking to discern the heart of God. These papers are not definitive in themselves, but designed to help facilitate prayerful exploration by Salvationists and friends. 

Discussion papers are approved by the leadership of The Salvation Army Australia.