A popular term of reference within Army circles today is "the lost, the last and the least". It's a means of propelling the mission and ministry focus that has always been foundational to Army service and witness. In his day, William Booth encouraged his contemporaries to "go for souls and go for the worst" that they might be saved from 'the guttermost to the uttermost'.
It seems to me that terms like this, while vital as a measuring-stick for strategic planning and assessing mission values, can also create a sense of "them and us" in the minds of some. Who/what, exactly, does "the lost, the last and the least" refer to? What ministries are seen to fall into this category?
I firmly believe that all our Army ministries should be carried out with the purpose of reaching "the lost, the last and the least" needs within our individual and unique community settings ~ whether it be with specific people groups or in targeted mission situations or circumstances.
Consider aged care chaplaincy. Is this an example of one of our "lost, last and least" mission-ministries? I am convinced it is! Ministry to seniors is both as vital and needful as any other target group.
In one sense, they are "lost" ~ in need of spiritual direction and encouragement ~ in need of being connected to the love of God and His grace sufficient ~ in need of being re-connected with a modern society that is increasingly devaluing seniors by assuming that they are merely "past their used by date" as they struggle to come to terms with the many 'losses' associated with growing older.
In another sense, they are "last" ~ while enduring the sunset years of life, they often feel on the 'outer' when it comes to their personal and spiritual needs, yet have a deep desire to interact effectively and to the best of their ability within their respective church and local communities with the hope of being "kept in the loop" rather than being disenfranchised.
And in yet another sense, they are "least" ~ a 'forgotten' people who, like their diminishing physical and mental faculties, are sometimes made to feel as though they are the last on our agendas.
These, too, are the very reasons why we chose to remain in aged care chaplaincy ministry long after we 'sold out' of aged care administration. It really is one of the Army's vital "lost, last and least" missions!
Job 11:13 (MSG) ~ "If you set your heart on God and reach out to him...you'll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life, guiltless and fearless."
