Meet the Officer – Major Scott Ellery

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

I am currently the Corps Officer at the Kwinana Salvation Army in Western Australia. I have been at this wonderful corps for nearly two years. The most satisfying and enjoyable aspect of being here is being a part of the life transformation that happens through our various ministries. I have journeyed with people who have been Christians for most of their lives, and at Kwinana, they have found new purpose and spiritual vibrancy. I have seen people with low self-esteem be accepted into a loving community. I have been privileged to introduce people to a loving Father who values them and has a plan for their lives. I have seen people without hope find hope, and the lost and lonely find a place to belong.

Major Scott Ellery in his role as Corps Officer at Kwinana (WA), enrolling Julian and Kathy Crombie as senior soldiers.

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

When I am not focused on ministry, I am focused on my family. They are the most important people in my life, so they come first. I love spending time with them, whether it be sharing a meal, going for a walk, exploring nature, watching a series together, playing board games, or even just doing housework together! They are my safe space and bring me joy.

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

My favourite Christian song is called ‘Oh Lord You’re Beautiful’ by Keith Green. The simple words of this song are so personal and speak to an intimate relationship with our creator: Oh Lord you’re beautiful. Your face is all I seek. And when your eyes are on this child, your grace abounds to me. Rebecca St. James did a great cover that you should check out.  

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 have a chat with a character from the Bible, it would have to be Balaam’s donkey. How can you pass up the opportunity to speak with a talking horse?! If it had to be human, I’d have a coffee with Joshua and talk about leadership and faithfulness. Joshua was known for his deep trust in God and as ‘a man in whom is the Spirit’. He led his people well, and his life was filled with excitement, variety and success.

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

Serving God is the greatest and most fulfilling thing that you can do with your life. Loving God and loving others are the call of every Christian, and it is the foundation upon which a meaningful life is built. When we love God fully and love others genuinely, we participate in something eternal – something far greater than ourselves. Officership is one avenue to do this, and it is such a gift because it allows you to dedicate your whole life to God’s purposes. If God is stirring your heart toward something more – toward deeper service, greater impact, and a life fully surrendered – officership may be a pathway He is inviting you to walk.

More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.