Meet the Cadet – Mike Salomo
In the sixth of a series spotlighting this year’s cadets of the Rescued session, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH chatted with Mike Salomo about the plot twist he never saw coming – swapping a 25-year career in the property industry for a life of ministry and mission. From a quiet moment in a bush chapel to a calling he never planned, Mike shares how saying ‘yes’ to God has taken him on a life-changing mission – one he wouldn’t trade for anything.
Mike, rewind for us … when did the call to officership hit, and what made you say that big ‘yes’?
Early last year, I attended the Salvos’ What’s Next conference. I was open to officership and was intrigued, following on from a spiritual transformation and journey over the previous five years. During a quiet walk on the Sunday morning of the conference to reflect on everything and to speak to God and hear what He has to say, I found myself alone in a bush chapel, where I felt the calling strongly. After 25 years working in the property industry, I had retrained in social work to work with people who want to be helped. In that moment at the chapel, I sensed God saying, “I am at the centre of your calling.”
Where are you serving at the moment, and what’s your role?
I’m serving as a cadet at Miranda Salvos, which is part of Shire Salvos in Sydney, and I am learning so much from the leadership team and the entire church family. What I love about Miranda Salvos is that there are just so many community services and programs that happen there. It’s a drop-in centre where we help people, meeting them where they are at.
Any standout moments that are shaping you as a future officer?
There have been so many already, but one that stands out at the moment is the time I get to open myself to God and share my life with others. I’m passionate about ministering to other men and am doing regular journaling at the moment with others, where I have the privilege of discipling while also allowing myself to be discipled. And it’s incredible how much learning takes place, not only about the Word and others, but about myself and the life of ministry that is in front of me. I love it and want more of it. I feel strongly in my element.
Where are you feeling stretched right now?
Pretty much everywhere, but I’ve also realised how much I’ve learned. There are things I say now where I stop and think, “Wow, where did that come from?” Although it feels like that it has been a messy, muddy space where I’ve given my absolute best, after six months I’m also seeing so much gained from experiential learning and growing through all of it.
What strengths do you lean on most?
My faith in knowing that God has got this – that God has called me, and that God wastes nothing. Sometimes I wish I had received this calling 30 years ago. I think about where I might be today, 30 years into officership with all the experience that comes with it. But at the same time, I recognise that I have stepped into this calling today with life experience and lived experience that I otherwise would not have had all those years ago.
What areas of officership really fire you up – and why?
Seeing God transforming people’s lives. I’m drawn to ministry that happens with people who are struggling and disconnected and trying to work out where God is in their life. I’m increasingly excited about spreading the Gospel. I have seen that people can change in many ways, but I believe there is something deeper that happens when people encounter Jesus and start to understand that their life can be different.
If you could design your dream appointment today, what would it look like, and who would you most hope to impact?
I was in Melbourne recently and spent one evening on a tour of Project 614. I love that place! I shared on that night that it would be my dream appointment. I’ve never seen a bigger drop-in centre, and everywhere I looked I saw the Holy Spirit at work. It was beautiful while it was also complex. So many different needs and different groups being looked after, and all of it radiating the love of Jesus.
And just for fun … when you switch off, what do you love doing?
I love reading, although most of my reading right now is textbooks! Otherwise, I love books that deal with healing from complex trauma and attachment disruptions. I had paused a postgraduate social work degree to come to Training College, but I’m always passionate about therapeutic and recovery spaces. As mentioned before, one of the things I feel called to in my officership is helping other men – particularly men who have grown up with childhood trauma.
*Mike is married to Captain Nicola Salomo Poore, Mission and Ministry Coordinator – Officer Formation at Eva Burrows College (Sydney Campus).
