Features

The Salvation Army has always included many activities for the youth … some doing activities that just might surprise you, as Ben Kershaw explains.

Music is an integral part of the 'Army'

I’m 22 and I attend the Salvation Army churches in both Birmingham and Scarborough. When I tell people I go to church, very few think of the Salvation Army. It also surprises them when I tell them I play an instrument, especially when they find out I play the drums and take great pleasure in hitting them hard! 

Mostly they think of brass instruments and they’re not completely wrong because I grew up playing the cornet and the flugel horn.

Drumming up faith

I'm currently studying Music Technology and hope to go into studio work and song writing when I complete my degree. I recently went to the West Midlands Summer School, where I gathered with many other under 25 year olds, for a time of music and arts and also teaching.

Lucy and friends

Being part of the Salvation Army has influenced the decisions that I make in life; sometimes the influence is stronger than other times, but it’s always there. 

It influences the direction that I want my life to go in and gives me encouragement. I enjoy listening to advice from others at both churches, and especially enjoy hearing personal stories. 

From an early age, I found a love for the heavier side of music – Metal, Punk and Progressive Rock in particular, but to a degree, I enjoy music of all types and especially enjoy the music at Summer School, and also another Salvation Army event, Roots.

The Salvation Army is like many churches. It’s a place where people of all ages gain a lot of understanding and at the same time have fun.

Lucy and Ella

Birmingham Citadel

Ella White and Lucy Adams are both 17 and they also go to the Birmingham Citadel.

Ella – "It’s great to have such a large youth group and Sunday School at the Citadel – we get around 30 every week."

Lucy - "My favourite part of it is being part of the Citadel is the singing group called Songsters."

Lucy at Bible Study

Ella – "We are a close knit group there and we all become like family to each other! Worship is youth-focused as well as traditional so young people can just be themselves in church. We have discussions and study what the Bible says about how we should live our lives."

Lucy – "I suppose some people think young people that go to church are unusual but we're really not! A close friend of mine has just started coming and has felt really welcome. Everyone’s just normal with the same concerns that all youth have. The only thing is that we have God through Jesus to help us."

For more information on Birmingham Citadel, visit www.birminghamcitadel.org