Meet the Officer – Captain Elizabeth Kang

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

I am currently the Corps Officer at Carrum Downs Corps, located in a suburb in the southeast of Melbourne, within the City of Frankston. This is my second appointment, following eight years of ministry at Dandenong Corps.

What I find most satisfying is witnessing lives transformed. When people walk through the doors of Carrum Downs Corps seeking help, it’s a blessing to see them leave changed – not the same as they came in. In moments like these, we see the mission of The Salvation Army truly come alive.

It’s also deeply encouraging to see our networks grow stronger – whether with local councils, schools, community organisations, or other Salvation Army expressions in the area. Together, we’re making a real impact in people’s lives.

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

I find rest and renewal in solitude; getting away from the noise and busyness of the day helps me to unwind. I enjoy listening to gospel music or going for a peaceful walk.

Spending quality time with my children is also very important to me – they are my world and my greatest blessings. I also cherish catching up with friends over a coffee, as well as connecting with my extended family, including my siblings, nieces and nephews. These moments of joy, laughter, and love fill my cup and keep me grounded.

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

This is a hard question for me because I’m a worshipper. I love all gospel music, from contemporary to hymns. Singing and listening to worship songs is how I encounter God on a deep level. Those moments are sacred and priceless to me! During those times of worship, I often wish the music would never stop. Those moments are truly priceless to me.

But if I had to choose one song, it would be Agnus Dei by Michael W. Smith. Every time I listen to or sing this song, I feel the Holy Spirit pouring over me. It renews my spirit and affirms God’s presence in my life. The repeated words, ‘Alleluia, Alleluia’, lift my soul. They remind me of the majesty and holiness of God. It’s hard to fully explain the experience because worship is so personal, but for me, this song opens the door to a sacred encounter with God.

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?

If I could sit down and have a conversation with any biblical character (besides Jesus), I would choose John the Baptist. While many people relate to Peter – and I do too, especially in his moments of boldness and doubt – I feel especially drawn to John the Baptist, Jesus’s cousin and the one who prepared the way for the Lord. His boldness, humility and unwavering focus on pointing people to Christ deeply inspire me.

Our conversation would be about discipleship, which is one of my greatest passions. I would love to hear how he remained so focused on his calling, even when it wasn’t easy, even when he was misunderstood or alone, and how he faithfully continued to share the good news, knowing that his mission was to prepare hearts for Jesus, and how he remained so grounded in his identity and purpose. And of course, I would ask what it felt like to baptise Jesus Himself – what a humbling and holy significance that must have been.

As a Salvation Army officer, I feel a deep sense of calling to do the same: to share the good news of Jesus and to walk alongside people as they are transformed, equipped, inspired, and encouraged in their faith. It brings me such joy to see lives changed by God’s love. Every person God brings into our lives is an opportunity to reflect His light and help others take steps closer to Him. That, to me, is a true privilege and blessing.

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

Yes, I would absolutely recommend officership – but only if God has called you. Officership is not just a role or a job; it is a sacred calling. And if you sense that God is inviting you into this ministry, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to accept that invitation with faith and courage.

Each of us has a unique purpose. We were created to worship God and to serve Him with all that we are, wherever He places us. Officership is one of the many ways we can do that, using the gifts, skills and talents God has given us to bless and impact the lives of others.

Being an officer has stretched me, shaped me and drawn me closer to God. It has given me the privilege of walking alongside people in their most vulnerable moments, sharing the hope of Jesus and seeing lives transformed by His love.

Officership isn’t always easy, but it is deeply fulfilling. If you feel the nudge of God calling you into this life of full-time ministry, trust Him. He will equip you, sustain you, and use you in ways you could never imagine.