Meet the Officer – Major Clint Castley

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

I currently serve as the Corps Officer – Team Leader at the South Barwon Corps in the area of Geelong. This area is known as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, featuring many of the wonderful natural features of the Australian Coastline. Working with all the regulatory, legislative and financial requirements, I get to journey with a wide variety of people – listening, supporting, encouraging and endeavouring to point them to a new or deeper relationship with my Saviour Jesus Christ. I value my appointment because it allows me to fulfil this aim both within the community of Geelong and my faith community.   

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

I enjoy running, and on most Saturdays, I am found doing Parkrun at the many different events in the Greater Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula. I also enjoy spending time with my wife, Karen, exploring the many and varied cafes in our beautiful area.  

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

I don’t know if I have a favourite Christian song because there are so many that connect with my spirit. From a moving piece performed by brass to the quieter piano and guitar renditions of songs. But if I were pushed to name a song, it would be the classic song by Geoff Bullock (Yes! I am getting older), The Power of Your Love. This song has always highlighted to me that it is up to me to come to God – to be changed, renewed, restored and embraced by God’s love, grace and ultimately to see Him face to face.   

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? 

Oh! There are so many, but perhaps the Apostle Paul. His many letters challenge, encourage and provide much food for reflection. I would love to understand many of the questions that people wrote to him about seeking answers. His letters are like having only one side of the story, and as we know, there are always two sides to a story.

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

Would I recommend officership? On the good days, absolutely. On other days, maybe not. So, what am I saying? Officership, I guess, like all jobs, is challenging. There are times when you feel like giving up, and at other times, it is simply the best. So, what has sustained me? Connection with God and a deep sense of being called by my Creator. Before undertaking officership some 30 years ago, I was told to explore this commitment deeply and to journal it, because at times this will be the only thing you have to keep going. No truer words have been spoken to me. So, if God is nudging you in the direction of officership, say “Yes” and trust Him – He will see you through.