Women on a Mission: Part 2
Commissioner Janine Donaldson made local history when she took up leadership of The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory as the territorial commander in January. But wait, there’s more—Colonel Jennifer Groves now joins Janine as the new chief secretary. The pair speak openly about their own leadership challenges as well as the passion they share to see emerging leaders across the territory—especially women—take their place as history-makers within their generation.
Janine and Jennifer are both well aware that while there are many challenges to being a woman in leadership, it’s God who shapes their everyday lives and there’s nowhere either would rather be than in their Maker’s hands. Both insist that the privilege of leadership is greater than the cost. Neither is a stranger to navigating the challenges of senior leadership in The Salvation Army, with both wanting to a leave a legacy of authentic leadership that exemplifies what God can accomplish through a surrendered life.
‘You must lead from who you are and not just what you know,’ says Janine. ‘I’ve had to tell myself that so often because I’m tripped up by things I don’t know. But great leadership isn’t just about having the right answers; it’s about being authentic. I think having integrity and emotional presence—being with people at their point of need—is crucial. People still follow those they trust, not just those who are competent. This is vital for our territory where the leadership of cultures like ours—Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand—is deeply relational and rooted in community. Who you are matters just as much as what you do. It’s your character, your heart, your ability to listen and uplift—those are the things that build legacy.’
Jennifer agrees and offers some sage advice for anyone considering leadership in The Salvation Army. ‘Be true to yourself. Others may desire you to respond or do things differently, but what matters most is being your authentic self. Don’t be afraid to lead. Be courageous and confident. Don’t be intimidated. That’s a big one. God has chosen, called and equipped you so rest in that and live out the calling He’s given you. Go for it!’
Janine is emphatic in her encouragement of emerging leaders when she says, ‘You don’t need to wait for permission to lead. If God has placed a burden on your heart, vision in your spirit and gifts in your hands, then step forward. I think of Catherine Booth who didn’t ask if she could preach, she knew she must. So don’t shrink to fit into someone else’s mould of leadership. Your voice, your story, your cultural wisdom are not just valid, they are vital! And remember, we’re not just leading for today. We’re shaping the future of The Salvation Army in our territory—the community and the culture—and that’s actually holy work for which we are accountable.’
Messengers of the gospel
That said, Janine and Jennifer are especially passionate about ensuring women across the territory take their place in the leadership of our four nations. Both affirm the biblical premise for women to lead without reservation (for more, read part one in October SALT). Janine reminds us of the crucial role women played in the New Testament and the way Jesus interacted, valued and lifted women.
‘I just love the story of the woman who came to Simon’s house and anointed Jesus’ feet with her tears,’ says Janine. ‘She knew what it meant to love Jesus because she knew who He really was—everyone else in that room missed it. Then there’s Mary Magdelene, the first witness to the resurrection, whose faithfulness and courage led her to the cross where she remained with Jesus until the very end. And there’s Lydia—the eastern woman who took the message of Christ to the west. Women have always been essential messengers of the gospel.’
‘How people can even begin to entertain that women can’t lead is mind-boggling to me! Women lead, teach, prophesy and pray throughout the New Testament. As The Salvation Army, this is the narrative we align our empowerment of women with,’ she explains. ‘There is absolutely no question for us that God calls and equips both women and men to lead.’
Jennifer and Janine dream of developing a leadership course that brings together women of all ages from around the territory. Its aim is to build capacity and then release participants into leadership opportunities, supported by an experienced leader who guides them on their journey.
‘We need to build relationships with our women so that we know our women and can more readily identify potential future leaders,’ says Jennifer. ‘There will be those who are ready to step into leadership now, so we need to provide doors of opportunity now. Others we’ll need to intentionally nurture so that they can step up in the future. We dream of women being trained, mentored and supported to lead!’
No regrets
Jennifer serves as a single woman in leadership and has some real and raw advice for other sole leaders, especially those considering officership.
‘It can be assumed by some that a single leader has more time on their hands because they don’t have the same commitments as a married couple. People can sometimes overlook that a sole officer is often appointed to roles where a married couple has previously undertaken together. But there is no shared responsibility for a single leader, so it’s important to know your leadership style and be secure in that. You must fulfil your responsibilities in a way and at the pace that is right for you. Don’t be hesitant to share with others how they can support you and actively seek the support that you need.’
Jennifer continues in a posture of complete honesty, committed to raising awareness and influencing change in attitudes so that leaders step boldly into their destiny—regardless of their marital status or gender. But she also doesn’t sugarcoat her experience, either.
‘I have been treated differently at times because I am single. There are unspoken expectations, whether perceived or real, and this is a challenging aspect of lone leadership. I have discovered that the greater my leadership responsibility, the more isolation and aloneness—not loneliness, but aloneness. Living alone means there is no immediate person there to support, listen or distract me from my thoughts, and no one to share the practical things needing to be done around the home and section. So developing a life-giving support network has been essential for me and that includes both male and female role models.’
But there have been many wonderful times too, and Jennifer is quick to affirm that she has no regrets.
‘What’s probably had the most impact on my life as a leader has been my willingness to say yes. I’ve been given opportunities that otherwise would not have been mine had I said no. Those experiences are what have made me who I am now. So don’t be afraid to say yes—you never know what that will lead to.’
What matters most
For Janine, years of balancing leadership, marriage and motherhood has not been without difficulty either. ‘This juggling act has been one of the most humbling and refining journeys of my life. There were seasons when I felt like I was thriving in one area and barely holding it together in another, but I’ve learnt that it’s not about doing everything perfectly, it’s about being intentional with what matters most in each moment. I wish I’d learnt that lesson earlier!’
Janine keeps it real for those managing both ministry and parenting—and in her case, grandparenting.
‘Whatever you do, don’t choose “balance” like it’s a finish line! At times I would think oh look, I’m doing it, I’m balancing, until I wasn’t! Let your values lead you and let grace carry you. I truly believe leadership starts at home. The way you love and lead your family is just as powerful as anything you will ever do in the boardroom.
If I could go back, I would give myself permission to slow down and I would ask for help more freely. I’d be less afraid of disappointing people or getting caught up in the should have and could have done more loop. The people who matter most in your life don’t need you to be perfect, they just want you to be real.’
Prayer power
Janine and Jennifer are both women of prayer—that includes adoration, intercession and everything in between.
‘I’m brought to my knees by moments of raw, human vulnerability,’ says Janine. ‘When someone loses a child and still chooses to worship—wow! When a leader chooses to stand up for what’s right—even when it may cost them everything—or when a person forgives the unforgivable, it’s these moments when pain and grace collide that are sacred to me. They reveal the kind of strength that doesn’t roar but whispers I’m still here. And most importantly, I’m brought to my knees when I’m in the presence of Jesus and heaven meets earth.’
‘For me,’ says Jennifer, ‘it’s when I’m really seeking God to know what the right thing to do is or the right way to respond to a situation. But there are also those moments when I’m on my knees in intercession for other people who are going through the most challenging of situations and the only thing I can do is pray.’
Janine summarises the goal of her leadership alongside Jennifer for this next season with these salient words. ‘If we can leave behind a culture where people feel seen, empowered, spiritually anchored and where leadership reflects the beautiful diversity of the kingdom, I will be content.’
