Meet the Officer – Major Bram Cassidy

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

My current appointment is Corps Officer at Ringwood (Vic.). I took up the appointment in January 2024. Being appointed here is a blessing as I describe myself as an ‘Eastern Suburbs Boy’, having lived the bulk of my life in the shadow of Mount Dandenong. I have a feeling of belonging here in Ringwood. I find it immensely satisfying and a privilege to try and shape culture in line with the Great Commission. In our context at Ringwood, we promote an inviting culture that prioritises the formation of Christ’s character in us. This is something I can easily give my life to.

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

Running. I am what a friend described as an ‘Adult-Onset Runner’, only taking it up at 47, and have been running consistently for the past 15 years, the highlight being my participation in the 2019 London Marathon. I recently ran my 500th parkrun, which shows it has become a significant part of my life.

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

In recent years, I have been influenced and blessed by Brian and Jenn Johnson’s song, ‘For the One’. For me, it’s a musically beautiful song that simply expresses my desire to embody God’s love and extend it to others. I am constantly challenged by the line in it that says, Oh, let all my life tell of who You are.

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?

There are many unnamed characters in the Bible. One I would like to talk to is the father of the boy Jesus healed in Mark 9:14-29, who said, in response to Jesus’ words, “Everything is possible for the one who believes. I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” I would like to thank him for his honesty in admitting that right alongside belief can be unbelief, as I find this in myself at times.

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

Rather than recommending officership, I would just share my story – for me, I felt a definite calling to offer myself for officership. My recommendation would be, if you sense a calling, you ought to follow through on it, as this is where you will find satisfaction and purpose. Officership has afforded me many opportunities for which I am grateful.