Getting to know our Secretary for Personnel
Getting to know our Secretary for Personnel
10 February 2023
Secretary for Personnel for the Australia Territory, Lieut-Colonel Chris Reid.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL CHRIS REID has always been a Salvo, growing up in Goulburn Corps and continuing as an adult. Here, we get to know a little more about Chris, her journey, and her appointment as our Secretary for Personnel.
What was your journey to The Salvation Army? Why did you decide to become an officer?
I started attending my local corps with my parents before I could even walk or talk. Moving from my teens into early adulthood, I chose to continue. It was then, in my early adulthood, when God called on me to partner with him in full-time ministry. As married ministry is a partnership, it took a few years for my husband Stuart to respond to God’s calling and for us to say yes as a family. The Salvation Army and its mission have been my avenue to serve God.
How many years have you been in officership and where have you served?
I’ve been in officership for 34 years; 22 of those years were in New South Wales corps in Bonnells Bay, Rockdale and Bayside. I’ve also served as the Queensland DHQ Mission Director, the Western Australia Divisional Commander and the THQ Secretary for Personnel [former AUE Territory], all before my current appointment.
What has been the most memorable appointment or moment in your officership?
Stuart and I were corps officers in Bonnells Bay for 10 years. Being my first appointment, it taught me what not to do as a leader as well as the leadership areas I needed to develop. The people I served alongside were all so supportive, gracious and encouraging, all of which are qualities I, to this day, strive to show to those I work alongside. This experience truly became the foundation for my future.
Lieut-Colonel Chris Reid enrolling senior soldiers in Geraldton in 2018 when she was Divisional Commander in Western Australia.
For those that may not know, what does the Secretary for Personnel spend their time doing?
I attend many meetings, chair committees, manage heads of departments, plan, strategise, address workforce challenges, meet people and attend to admin, sometimes all within a day!
What would people never guess you do in this appointment?
I officiate child dedications, as well as weddings and funerals.
What is your favourite part about serving at The Salvation Army?
When we are at our best, people’s lives are transformed, knowing they have hope and a purpose. It is a privilege to journey alongside people as they discover their value and who God intended them to be.
What excites you most about the future of the movement?
The possibilities that are before us really energise me. With our ‘brand’ reach and people’s need for hope and purpose, not only do we offer people’s needs being met, but also a message of love, grace and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to watch movies, read or listen to books, do something crafty like quilting, knitting, sewing ... and teaching my grandkids some of these enjoyments, or just simply spending time with them.
You’re happiest when …?
On holidays, travelling and spending time with my family.
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