Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
Roger: Some people have criticised ‘authoritarian structures’
that folk picked up off the street have been subjected
to. Do you think there is a value in having a strong authority
to begin with?
Noel: We are, of course, a church and not just a set of community
houses. We have a wide spectrum of commitment. The
majority of our people nowadays are what you might call ordinary
church members living in their own places. But it’s
the more accountable lifestyle of community that gets criticised.
In community houses we must have holiness, standards,
discipline. Most people coming off the streets come to
appreciate the need for that. A right authority gives security.
Some, of course, can’t cope with the disciplines and move
elsewhere.
Roger: What about suggestions that the Jesus Army takes
advantage of the weak and vulnerable members of society?
Noel: Those suggestions are untrue. Obviously we are keen
to help the poor and needy — that’s biblical, after all. Many
are helped on their way in life, often breaking with various
addictions and gaining confidence while they are with us. Society
benefits from this kind of help. A number have real conversion
experiences but relatively few will actually join us. If
anything, Roger, we are the ones that lose out — certainly
financially and in terms of stress! But that’s part of our ministry.
Roger: And the charge of recruiting people?
Noel: I think Jesus could have been open to that accusation!
We think the Christian faith is good for people. We gladly
say ‘Come and join us!’ But we wouldn’t pressurise a person
into commitment. If people who’ve found Jesus want to be
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