The conference of Senior officers was conducted by Commissioners M. C. and Susmma James, Territorial Commander and TPWM and supported by Lieut. Colonel Joginder Masih, Chief Secretary and all cabinet secretaries from 14th – 17th February 2017 at Zara’s Resort Khandala, Maharashtra.
In the absence of the Territorial Commander the conference was inaugurated by the TPWM along with Chief Secretary and cabinet Secretaries followed by the TPWM’s short inaugural speech. The Territorial Leaders were welcomed with garlands. Further, the Chief Secretary has taken the Bible study abut Sardis Church based on Revelation 3:1-6. The Colonel said about its reputation and the present situation. After that, Lieut-Colonel Benjamin Rrandive, Secretary for Personnel (Maharashtra) talked about “Motivational Leadership”. Following the same, the Chief Secretary has taken subject about “Christian Leadership” and he explained qualities of leader and highlighted Jesus Christ as great example of leader.
The delegates had opportunity to see the natural beauty of Khandala and Lonavala We praise God for His wonderful creation.
Next day, the Territorial Commander has taken the first and second session on the subject “Quality Management” the Commissioner included the following four steps of quality management: free thinking, self – Reliance, Creativity and Thinking outside the system. Each point was very much helpful for all to render quality services to the Salvation Army and to the God.
Further, the Commissioner has taken the subject, “Governance” and taught about the good governance. He added that, “the process of decision – making and the process by which decisions are implemented or not implemented”.
In addition of his speech on “Mission Statement and Goal setting” Commissioner had explained that “Mission statement is the summary of the services, it will tell summary of each organisational services.” Further, he added that, we need to prepare the goals as the base of the mission statement as well as it should be based on the “SMART” (S-Specific, M-Measurable, A-Achievable, R-Realistic, T-Time bound) system.
The proposed planning session was held and two Divisional Commanders from Gujarat and Maharashtra were gave their proposed plan for the year based on the theme of Mobilising India Western Territory. Commissioner has taken the comparative Bible Study about Sardis Church. It was very much effective to understand the situations of the lifeless and dead Church. What are the ways the Church is lifeless and dead. Also Commissioner has given a study to revive the Church and make it a lively and fruitful. All the officers got clear understanding about the modern problems which are facing by Churches now a day.
The conference was concluded with spiritual meeting. Delegates were given time for reflection and more than ten officers shared their experience of three days learning. Finally, the Territorial Commander delivered Bible message from Philippians 1:12-21 regarding Paul and his service. He quoted that “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Not I, but Christ is living in me.” The message challenged the delegates and they renewed their dedication in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Everyone departed with new Spirit, vision and determination.
Reported by Major David S. Chauhan Editor (Gujarat) India Western Territory
