God really spoke to me

Cadet Adam Barber explains how Exploring Leadership Day helped confirm his calling

Exploring Leadership Day Explained

Territorial Candidates Directors Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer give a quick guide to the event:

WHAT IS IT?

It’s an annual event that invites people to explore spiritual leadership, officership, vocation and ministry. This year’s theme is Becoming! We will also look at words of Jesus from Matthew 5:13–16: ‘Let me tell you why you are here… You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world’ (The Message).

WHO IS IT FOR?

The day is for anyone, regardless of age or background, in a leadership role or willing to explore what God is calling them to be.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

DURING my time as West Scotland’s divisional youth specialist, I attended Exploring Leadership Day. I accompanied several young adults who were participating in the Growing Leaders programme.

Although my main focus was making sure the young adults had a positive experience, God really spoke to me during the day and confirmed the calling he had placed on my life. I had never experienced the presence of God in such a tangible way!

Because of this, my wife, Karen, and I, along with our two boys, started to push on doors to see where God was leading. These doors eventually led to William Booth College, where we are now second year cadets and loving every minute … well, nearly!

Exploring Leadership Day is a fantastic opportunity to gather with other Christians and explore the different avenues of leadership available within The Salvation Army. The whole day was thoroughly enjoyable, but I especially enjoyed the morning worship and the afternoon seminars – in particular, one led by a pioneer, a territorial envoy and an officer. It was fascinating to hear about three very different roles where God is using his followers to take part in his mission.

I would encourage anyone – young or old – who is either in leadership or is willing to explore what God might be asking of them to attend this year’s Exploring Leadership Day – you won’t regret it!

Save The Date

WHEN: Sunday 12 March WHERE: William Booth College

BOOK YOUR PLACE: salvationist.org.uk/exploringleadership

The day begins at 10am with morning worship and is followed by an optional lunch. In the afternoon there is a range of seminars, which invite people to consider and discuss elements of leadership. The day concludes with afternoon worship and ends at 5.30pm. The main session will be led by Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer, with guest speaker Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main and two guest choirs.

WHAT SEMINARS ARE THERE?

There are five seminars to choose two from: Be Whole, Be Available, Be Courageous, Be Inclusive and Be Listening. There is also a prayer space, a café for conversation about calling and a marketplace.

ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?

Yes! All ages are welcome and there is a children’s venue for kids aged 5 to 12 that helps them explore all that God has created them to be throughout the day. An afternoon session for 13 to 16-year-olds will run alongside the seminar options.

HOW DO I ATTEND?

For full details, visit salvationist.org.uk/ exploringleadership. Tickets cost £10 with lunch or £5 without lunch.