Called to Be a Soldier: Chapter

Messengers of Reconciliation commissioned to be bold

ICC HALL 1

Messengers of Reconciliation and the William Booth College team

TOGETHER in Covenant on Sunday morning began in a meditative tone with the ISB playing ‘Spirit of the Living God’ as the cadets entered one by one and stood at their seats, reports Editor Major Mal Davies. This set the scene for the meeting that would see the ordination and commissioning of the Messengers of Reconciliation.

This was followed by the ISS singing ‘In the Secret of Thy Presence’ with five interpretive dancers adding to the worship experience.

Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main welcomed both those in attendance and those watching the livestream, noting that many corps were using the online video feed as their morning meeting. She encouraged all, near and far, to join in with the singing, worship and prayer.

After some worship songs, Alicia Begley (Bromley Temple) presented a dramatic monologue based on 2 Corinthians 5:16–6:2, which includes Paul’s reminder that, through Christ, God has given all Christians the ministry of reconciliation.

Cadet Emily Hague presented her testimony, saying that she was ‘forgiven, redeemed and restored’ so that she could tell of what Christ has done for all humanity. This was complemented by a video testimony from Major Keith Burr (THQ), speaking of his chaplaincy and reconciliation work.

The ISB presented Darren Shaw’s powerful arrangement of ‘Guardian of My Soul’ as a video showed artist Georgia Smith creating a visual image of Jesus’ pierced hands. It was a moving presentation both visually and audibly.

Assistant Principal Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare (William Booth College) formally presented the session, and the cadets were received by Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, who commended the corps, family, supporters and college staff who had encouraged them on their journeys to officership.

The Messengers of Reconciliation then recited the doctrines of The Salvation Army, which is always a moving time in any commissioning meeting – the same doctrines that have been recited by thousands of officers being commissioned around the world for more than 140 years.

The dedication song ‘I Will Serve by Love’ was sung by the combined sessions and college staff before Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill completed the ordination and commissioning of the 10 cadets – now lieutenants!

After a prayer from Principal LieutColonel Judith Payne (William Booth College), Commissioner Anthony presented the message. Starting with the healing of the beggar in Acts 3, he spoke of how Peter and John called people to repent and turn from their evil ways.

Called before members of the Jewish high council and questioned, Peter and John showed great boldness in continuing to talk about Jesus and his power of salvation. The TC pointed out where the elders noted that ‘these men had been with Jesus’ (Acts 4:13) and he commented that we should recognise that the Army’s ministry ‘was, is and must always be about Jesus, not about us’.

Moving on to verse 29, Commissioner Anthony focused on how the disciples sought God’s enabling power that they would speak boldly, and he said this should be a prime aim for the Messengers of Reconciliation and, indeed, for everyone in The Salvation Army.

In conclusion, the TC put together the two notions of repentance and boldness and said that there may be people present who needed to turn their lives around and proceed boldly forward with Jesus – as the newly commissioned officers were doing.

The call to the mercy seat included an invitation to write prayers on the graffiti wall. The congregation joined with the ISS in the singing of ‘Love I Ask For’ as seekers moved forward.

A bracket of worship songs and a benediction by the TC brought the meeting to a close.