Meet the Cadet – Chantal Tait

2 days ago
4 min read

In the fifth of a series spotlighting this year’s cadets of the Rescued session, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH chatted with Chantal Tait about her passion for corps and the love of socialising with people and hearing their stories, the art of playing the timbrel well – and being a Disney LEGO fanatic when she has a spare moment.

Chantal, could you rewind for us…when did the call to officership hit and what has made you say that big ‘yes’?

The big ‘yes’ happened in 2024. My corps officers at Kwinana (WA) received an appointment change at the start of the year, which meant that the corps was going to be without an officer for the interim. At the time, my role at the corps was the Corps Sergeant Major, and I assisted the Area Officer with the running of the corps. I was also working at the Western Australia Divisional Headquarters at the time, and my manager allowed me to work from the corps one day a week. It was during that time that the calling became more apparent to me. I always joke and say to people, it’s almost like God knew that I needed to try before I said, absolutely, yes, that’s what I want to do!

Chantal says she always has a philosophy about the timbrel – she loves the musical instrument as long as it’s played properly and on the beat. Here she is (centre) marching with fellow timbrel players.

Where are you serving at the moment and what’s your role?

My placement is at Perth Fortress Corps in Western Australia. It’s a lovely corps and a very traditional corps, but I love being part of the corps. Everyone has been very welcoming. At the start of the year, I spent a lot of time observing what happens on Sundays and during the week when I am there, which felt very foreign to me as I am used to doing things around the corps. I’ve been welcomed into the songster and timbrel group. I always have a philosophy – I love the timbrel as long as it’s played properly and on the beat.

Any standout moments that are really shaping you as a future officer?

One thing that is standing out to me at the moment is being in a different environment and location. Having the opportunity to learn from Major Aaron and Captain Lauren Stobie has really opened my eyes and broadened my perspective. Seeing how they navigate both the joys and challenges of being corps officers has helped me understand the role in a way that I never could as a corps member. It has given me a new appreciation for the responsibilities, pressures, and rewards that come with ministry leadership.

And where are you feeling stretched right now?

I don’t like being still, and it doesn’t come naturally to me. Yet I’m learning that stillness is often where I hear God most clearly, and discovering what works for me in this space is an ongoing journey. I am also being stretched in my preaching. Before becoming a cadet, I had only preached a few times, but through my classes, I am growing in confidence and discovering my own style. God continues to stretch me as I seek to know Him more deeply and listen more closely to His voice.

And what strengths do you lean on the most?

I love admin! You can give me admin ’til the cows come home and it’s my thing. So that’s one of my big strengths. So, I am really missing doing this at the moment, but I am also learning and developing new strengths as I work in the corps.

When not knee-deep in her studies, Chantal loves the footy and is a passionate Fremantle Dockers member. She recently attended a game with her son, Byron (centre) and his fiancée, Laura (right).

What focus areas of officership really fire you up and why?

My focus areas at the moment are corps ministry and social mission. I love seeing people come to know God and having the privilege of walking alongside them in their faith journey. Being invited into people’s significant life moments is both humbling and rewarding. I also have a strong passion for social mission. During my recent placement at an AOD recovery centre, I saw how spirituality can be integrated into recovery and the positive impact it has on residents’ lives. It was encouraging to hear the faith stories of both residents and staff and witness the role that faith and community can play in recovery.

If you could design your dream appointment today, what would it look like and who would you most hope to impact?

My dream Salvation Army appointment would combine corps ministry and social mission. I would love to be part of a community where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their faith or situation, and where practical support and spiritual care work hand in hand. My passion is walking alongside people, helping them experience hope, belonging, and the love of God throughout their journey.

And just for fun, when you switch off, what do you love doing?

I don’t switch off a lot. But when I do, I am that crafty person. My passion is LEGO. I have numerous boxes that are sitting there waiting to be built. Last year, I gifted myself the Disney castle because I’m a Disney fanatic! I also love going to the Footy with my son and his fiancée.

Love LEGO? So does Chantal – especially all things Disney! The cadet loves creating LEGO Disney masterpieces when she has a spare moment. Here she is finishing off her Winnie the Pooh creation. She also built this stunning Disney Castle.