Major Johnson shares vision for The Salvation Army

Major Marc Johnson and his wife, Major Karen Johnson (photo courtesy of The Salvation Army)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – The Salvation Army’s new Indiana Divisional Commander, Major Marc Johnson, is stepping into the leadership position during a unique time. Johnson, who began his new role earlier this month, says The Salvation Army has expanded its services to meet the increased need. In addition to its normal day-to-day operations, Johnson says the nonprofit has assisted more than 57,000 individuals around the state through its COVID-19 outreach efforts.

In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Johnson discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the nonprofit is addressing the changes and challenges.

“The phrase that has been coming to my heart and my mind is, ‘take the next step.’ It sounds very simple, but I think that’s really important,” stated Johnson.

Johnson is guiding the nonprofit’s officers, staff, and volunteers through the challenges of operating during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nonprofit’s COVID-19 related efforts to date include:

  • 48,000 meals provided
  • 15,000 food boxes distributed
  • $112,000 in utility assistance
  • $248,000 in rent and mortgage assistance

Looking beyond the pandemic, Johnson says he sees a unique opportunity for nonprofits, businesses, and society as a whole to evaluate where we’re at now and how we can begin to do things in a new way. For The Salvation Army, Johnson says he will continue to rely on the organization’s core mission and its dedication to community stewardship.

“In the Salvation Army, we trust God to be the ultimate one to be the one who is leading us and guiding us,” says Johnson.

Johnson, who is joined by his wife Major Karen Johnson, previously served at The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training in Chicago, where he was an assistant training principal. In the 1990s, they oversaw the day-to-day operations and ministries of the East Chicago corps community center.

“In one sense, there’s great opportunity to try things. Its a great opportunity to try something and fail and still be okay. There’s no road map that anyone has going forward,” Johnson said.

Johnson discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the nonprofit is addressing the changes and challenges.