Meet Lieutenant Keryn Coombes

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it?

I’m a Corps Officer at Parafield Gardens Corps in Adelaide. I like the variety of interactions with people and that each day is different and challenging. I also enjoy that I can share the love of Jesus in my everyday life as my job!

2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?

Relax? I don’t do relax well at all. But when I do, I enjoy coffee so you’ll find me checking out a new café and catching up with friends, wandering around a shopping mall or slothing on the couch watching movies or shows that don’t require much brain power. I like reading for fun (not so much for learning), and I enjoy taking care of indoor plants.

3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?

It is impossible to choose just one. Lately, I have been drawn to Never Walk Alone by Hillsong Worship. The words remind us that we never walk alone, that God is for us and is always faithful no matter what. It’s great comfort to me in the good times and also in those times when leadership can feel heavy and isolating.

4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about?

I am intrigued by the story of Deborah (Judges 4 and 5). She was a judge, warrior and prophet, which was not normal for women in those times. I would be interested to sit with her and hear her story. Scripture doesn’t give a whole lot away about her story, but it is clear she was obedient, courageous and never wavered in her faith. Her boldness to lead out of the calling she had on her life from God – despite potential persecution, danger or simply her counter-cultural practice – really shows that God doesn’t just call the equipped but also equips the called.

5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say?

I would say yes, and I truly believe there is a calling to full-time ministry and a timing for everything. It can’t be forced and entering into a covenant needs a lot of prayer and understanding of what life looks like as an officer. A strong discipleship journey must come first. Officership is unlike any other role and requires surrender in many ways. But despite the level of ‘hard’ that comes with all full-time ministry, if I had to make the decision all over again it would undeniably be yes.

Interview by Major Mal Davies