CHURCH ARMY.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 26, Issue 5, 1 May 1936, Page 6

CHURCH ARMY.

The following are conditions for candidates accepted for training as lay evangelists and mission sisters by the Church Army. The Church Army is a body of young men and women dedicated to furthering the Kingdom of God through pioneer and missionary endeavour, and who voluntarily abstain

from certain legitimate pleasure inorder to give themselves fully to their calling as lay evangelists. The Church Army rule of life is holiness of heart following real conversion, loyal and intelligent churchmanship without manifesting party spirit m religion or politics ; also,. realising that certain things may hinder aggressive mission work, aIL Church Army evangelists agree (without condemning others) to abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages and from the use of tobacco m any form whatsoever. Candidates for training should be ; between 21 and 28 years (men), 22 and 26 years (women), should have attained a satisfactory standard of education, should be m employment, unmarried and prepared to continue, unmarried until at least three years' commissioned service has been given, and m no case can marriage be sanctioned before the age of 25 years and a suitable married station, have been procured. They must have been confirmed at least one year prior to making application to the Church Army, and should, be actively engaged spare time m some department of Church life m the parish. The application must be endorsed by the candidate's vicar and for men by two Anglican laymen, for women one man and one woman, and later approved by . the Bishop of the Diocese. The full training extends over a period of not less than two years, and consists of considerable and varied field' service m association with a senior Church Army captain or sister or parish priest. During training a cadet or" probationer mission sister may withdraw at any time, or be relieved of further duty by headquarters, if he or she be considered unsuitable. When possible, approved candidates are accepted on probation for not less than two weeks. During train.ing board and lodging and 10/- whilst m the field, .7/6 whilst m the training college per week pocket money is 1 provided. After being commissioned an evangelist receives from 16 shillings per week upward, m addition to expenses, i.e., board and lodging,, travelling, etc. Fares from home to

(or probation centre) •are payable by the candidate; thereafter by the Church Army. Laundry must be paid for by candidates and commissioned staff alike. If captains or mission sisters leave before three years from the date of commissioning a proportion of the cost of their training and uniform must be refunded by them. Wearing uniform when on duty is • obligatory. When commissioned a captain is provided . with uniform, •consisting of coat, trousers, cap and overcoat. Application for grant for new tunic and trousers may be made •on the anniversary of the date of -commissioning. Mission sisters likewise are provided with suitable uniforms. One week's vacation is given to those m training, two weeks during the first year after commission, and thereafter three weeks annually. Church Army should not be regarded as a stepping-stone to the priesthood, but should be considered a vocation, a service for life. To-day there is a wide and varied field for the lay evangelist, and the Church Army hopes to take advantage to the full of the opportunities provided. As early as possible a plan for the provision of pension and mutual aid m time of sickness will be drawn up. If you have a genuine experience -of Jesus as Redeemer, Lord and Friend, and now wish to dedicate your life to lay evangelism m the Church Army, write to the Candidates Secretary, Church Army Headquarters, 66 Richmond Road, Ponsonby, Auckland W.l.