Albany Corps: The everyday church
- kirranicolle
- 3 minutes ago
- 5 min read
BY LIEUTENANT COLETTE AND CAPTAIN DUANE ALBINO
You might not find pews or a pulpit when you walk into Albany Corps midweek, but you will find church. Not just once a week, but woven into every day, every conversation, every act of care.
Because at Albany, church is not an event, it’s a way of life. In fact, what you’ll witness is something deeper: a church lived, not just attended. At its heart, Albany Corps is Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, and a place where hope is revealed – not only in sermons, but in service. Not just through officers, but through everyday people walking faithfully in Christ’s love. This deep conviction is reshaping how church is lived and shared in their city.
Why we do church differently
This shift wasn’t driven by tension or frustration, rather, by prayer and love. With a deeply-valued elderly Sunday congregation (average age 80), the ministry had naturally shaped itself around their needs. But as the Spirit stirred, a question emerged: What about everyone else? And so began a search for something more inclusive: not a replacement, but an expansion.
A church that isn’t bound to a building or time slot, but one that meets people wherever they are. A church where, through prayer, Gospel conversations, shared meals and practical care, every moment can be sacred.
Praying for the future
Inspired by our national leaders to seek new ways of doing things, to think outside the box and to follow a Spirit-led path, we prayed, prayed, and prayed some more. We navigated personal turmoil and were stretched to the very limits of what we could bear. Yet, as difficult and even traumatic as those experiences were, we remained faithful and were richly rewarded. We waited, we listened, and through prayer and discernment we discovered a vision we believe is from God: a vision to change the way church is lived. This is not something new; it flows from the timeless practices of pastoral care, discipleship and empowerment. It is a call to send forth disciples and let them proclaim a God who loves, a Christ who saves and a Spirit who leads. As we move forward in that same faith into a new appointment, we continue to seek God’s guidance for the next leg of our spiritual journey.
What it looks like in practice
The result is deeply intentional and beautifully organic. Every activity becomes a church moment. Every volunteer becomes a minister. Every gathering becomes a holy space. It is not a new program, model or structure, it’s a new mindset. It’s a redefining of church, not as a single gathering, but as a way of being. Church is not just something we attend, it’s something we bring into every room, every relationship, every moment. Instead of reserving worship, prayer or teaching for Sundays, those elements are infused into everyday life.
Whether it’s a craft group, a pantry team, a music session with toddlers, or a quiet conversation over coffee, the Gospel is present. Jesus is talked about. Prayer is offered. Needs are met. People are pastored, not only by officers, but by volunteers empowered to live and lead like Christ. This model removes the divide between ‘church activities’ and ‘community work’. At Albany, there is no separation – the mission is the ministry, and every moment is discipleship.
The result is not just inclusion, but transformation: lives changed, not by a single service, but by daily encounters with Spirit-led love, grace and truth.
A week at Albany Corps
The rhythm of church unfolds through midweek and weekend activities which integrate prayer, fellowship and Gospel conversation into everything. Volunteers and community members meet to serve, create, share meals, worship and care for one another, from community connect sessions and craft groups to Mainly Music, home visits and Sunday worship.
Each activity is an opportunity for spiritual growth, meaningful connection, and hope revealed in action. It’s not two churches, it’s one. And every part reflects the same heartbeat: Jesus at the centre, the Spirit guiding every step, and hope being made visible in real lives.
This model connects with those who’ve often felt overlooked – volunteers, families, those seeking assistance, and people experiencing homelessness. But more than being welcomed, they’re being transformed.
“Tuesdays at the Salvation Army saved my life,” shares Grant, 35, who once faced homelessness and addiction. “Having those spiritual conversations, prayer, sharing meals, caring for each other – everyone helping and no one judging. I came to know God through the same people who offered me hope. That’s what I call my church.”
Across the board, people are responding with spiritual hunger, staying longer, asking deeper questions, seeking prayer and stepping into faith.
Biblical roots, Salvation Army heart
This isn’t new theology, it’s ancient practice. Rooted in the early church of Acts 2:42–47 and 1 Corinthians 14:26, where believers met daily, broke bread in homes, and each brought something to share – teaching, worship, encouragement, prayer.
It also reflects The Salvation Army’s core doctrines and mission:
• “We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.” – Faith is active, lived and expressed.
• “We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified ...” – Albany Corps calls everyone to walk in holiness and love, not just anointed leaders.
• “Heart to God, Hand to Man.” – Every encounter is both deeply spiritual and deeply practical.
This model embodies the Army’s radical beginnings: going to the people, raising up leaders, and offering Christ without condition. It goes further by intentionally nurturing discipleship, equipping everyday believers to grow in faith, share the Gospel and mentor others. Church is not just attended; it is lived and passed on. Every interaction – whether through prayer, fellowship, service, or conversation – becomes an opportunity to guide someone closer to Christ, helping them to mature spiritually and empowering them to do the same for others.
In this way, the cycle of faith, leadership and discipleship is continuous, dynamic and deeply transformative.
Sunday worship at Albany Corps has not been forgotten either, in fact, it has been enriched by all that happens throughout the week. Today, Sunday services cater to all ages; blending traditional elements with the vibrancy and connections nurtured during midweek gatherings. What was once a small, elderly congregation now reflects a living church, nourished by the prayer, fellowship and Gospel conversations that occur every day of the week.
Albany Corps isn’t just doing church. They’re becoming it.
And, in doing so, they’re showing a path forward: one that looks a lot like the early church, and even more like Jesus.
This is Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed, and it’s bringing life.
Duane and Colette Albino are Corps Officers at Albany Corps, Western Australia.
