Meet the Officer – Major Rebecca Gott

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

My husband (Major Peter Gott) and I have the privilege of being Corps Officers in the beautiful coastal town of Port Macquarie. I am in a season of watching my kids bring their friends to church/youth/etc and being able to journey with families, which is spectacular. I love more than anything when people – kids and adults – begin to grasp the love God has for them and experience His desire to see them live their best lives!

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

Time away from my appointment makes me better when I’m in my appointment! I love a good book, taking the dog for a beach walk, going to the gym or doing something creative. On Saturdays, we Parkrun as a family, then have brekky at the beach together.

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

Choosing a favourite song is like choosing your favourite child – impossible! I find different songs come to mind for different seasons. Sometimes God might remind me of a particular Bible verse time and time again in particular circumstances; sometimes it’s a song he whispers in my heart; sometimes it’s both! Songs of praise and songs of promise. The song, ‘I Thank God’, reminds me of God’s grace and all God’s done for me, and it’s super fun to sing. ‘I speak Jesus’ enables me to sing and declare the all-powerful Jesus over situations can be. ‘Your Grace Still Amazes’ me has come to mind a lot lately.

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?

Peter – there’s something incredibly relatable about him. He was passionate, impulsive and courageous; he sometimes got it completely wrong, but he was always all in. He experienced both incredible moments of faith and some pretty spectacular failures, yet Jesus never gave up on him, and he proclaimed the Gospel boldly. I’d love to talk with him about what it was like to follow Jesus so wholeheartedly, to fail so publicly, and still get back up and keep going. Mostly, I’d want to hear what he learned about grace, courage and being willing to risk it all for Jesus.

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

I’ve had some amazing experiences as an officer. It’s not always easy, and it comes with sacrifice, uncertainty and seasons that stretch you. But it is an incredible privilege to see people transformed by Jesus and to serve alongside some of the most generous, passionate and faithful people you’ll ever meet.

More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.