who's who
Captain Michael J Kinnear - Commanding Officer
I first came to The Salvation Army at the age of 15 when conducting a school project. I received such a warm welcome that I stayed. Shortly after that, I became aware of God and had a wonderful experience of salvation. Real inner joy entered my heart and I became a Salvationist. I later felt called to full time ministry when at a Salvation Army youth event. Recognising that so many did not know of the joys of salvation I knew the Lord was asking of me to dedicate my life to letting others experience His great love.
After finishing my A Levels I studied at West Cheshire College gaining a Higher Diploma in Business Administration and Secretarial Procedures and went on to work in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office at the University of Liverpool until entering The Salvation Army William Booth College as a Cadet of the Heralds of the Good News Session.
I was ordained in July 2008 and appointed to take spiritual leadership of Belfast Citadel Corps. I thank the Lord continually for His love towards me and for the way in which He not only calls but equips.
My first few weeks here at Belfast Citadel were fast and furious. I'm grateful to the many people who helped me to settle in so quickly. The fellowship here is one of deep Christian love and sharing.
As I minister here, I have to remind myself that I do so in the Lord's strength with a firm determination to be His ambassador and a Herald of the Good News. At my installation meeting I preached that we all as Christians have the privilege of making the Kingdom of God a reality here in Belfast. We do this with the Lord's help.
Our community programme is in full operation and I'm delighted that we have our doors open to welcome the whosoever. My deepest prayer is that through our united efforts we may make the Kingdom of God a reality in a world which desperately needs the touch of Christ. May we also do this with the 'Army Spirit' of joy in serving Christ our Lord!
Noel Moore - CSM (Corps Sergeant Major)
Rather a fetching picture of me don't you think? I have various roles - I am responsible for outreach & evangelism work - organizing open air meetings for instance. Along with the Bandmaster and Songster Leader, I am responsible for First Sunday - The Lighter Worship Experience - our alternative worship event on the first Sunday Evening of each month. I look after the Sound Reinforcement System, multimedia & video projector and am involved in the collation of items for our Corps Magazine and for the printing, collating stapling and distribution of the magazines. I produce the monthly prayer diaries and leaflets and posters for our outreach work and for the noticeboard. I manage the corps website and collect statistics. I am a member of our Pastoral Care Council and currently our property group. When the officer is away, I am responsible for looking after the corps. On the musical front, I sing in the songsters, play Bass in the band and lead the worship band, where I also play bass guitar.
John Moore - Band Master
I have been the bandmaster at Belfast Citadel since 1998. Along with my team of band locals, I seek to provide support in the form of brass band music for Sunday meetings at the corps and for outreach activities. Besides having responsibility for the senior band, I also run the learners brass group - our 'Kids Alive Band' - which is for primary school children who attend our Wednesday night 'Kids Alive' Club.
Jayne Moore - Songster Leader
My primary responsibility at the Corps is leading the Songsters. This position allows me to do what I do best – encourage folk to sing to the highest standard they can, and in so doing, to honour God. I am also the Corps pianist, solo horn player in the band and a member of the worship group. I have a passion for music-making and firmly believe that music touches the heart and soul, so whether a participant or an appreciative listener, a person can be drawn closer to God. I assist with children’s ministry, and work with those who attend our Kids Alive Club and brass learners group.
Jack Moore - Corps Secretary
I had not gone to any church for many years and had no intention of doing so. I did not need God or religion in my life.
I had settled down to my own way of life - I had a job, a nice home, a loving wife and 3 lovely children. What more did I need? Going to church or serving God had never crossed my mind, but God had other plans !
My eldest daughter had been going to The Salvation Army for a few years without any help or encouragement from myself or my wife. But it was when my second daughter wanted to go as well that the problems started. We lived in Dunmurry - about 6 miles from the centre of Belfast. Since she could not get a lift, I had to act as taxi driver, and started to stay for the meetings rather than call back for the girls at the end. I discovered that I was actually enjoying the meetings and something was missing from my life if I did not go on a Sunday evening.
After a few months I sensed that God was speaking to me, but I tried not to take any notice. I ignored God’s challenge for 6 months until it got so strong that I could not ignore it any longer. I made the decision to give my life and time fully over to Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I take great strength and encouragement from the fact that God first loved me and then he chose me - a very ordinary person with all my faults and failings, to serve him here in Belfast.
In the Salvation Army I have found great comfort and support being around my friends and fellow Christians, I believe my faith has grown and matured over the years. I am at present Secretary at The Citadel and enjoy working and serving God in this way. I also enjoy listening to Christian music and playing in the Band.
That is all very well and comfortable for me, but what do I do to spread the good news of the gospel? For many years I have been interested in maintaining and riding vintage motorcycles. Becoming a Christian hasn’t changed that. I am chairman of a large and successful vintage club and I ride a 1958 650cc BSA Gold Flash. The 275 members are a very mixed crowd of bikers indeed! I endeavour to be faithful to Christ in all that I do in the club.
The change that took place in my life occurred over 30 years ago – I was over 40 at the time. Why God waited so long I have no idea, but I do know that now I could not get through a day without him.
Now I start each morning thanking God for whatever comes my way during the day. God has the answer to all my needs because I trust him fully in all things.