lling people’

God is definitely still calling people in the Army to that lifetime commitment as officers. We are exploring the possibility of other routes and ways, building on all that’s happened in the past, but adjusting for this day and generation.

We must also remember that we believe in the priesthood of all believers. People of all ages, who are not officers but are ministering on their front line, are leaders too, they’re part of this priesthood.

During and coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, people have asked themselves questions like: Where am I going? What am I doing with my life? What’s really important for me in the days ahead? I think those two years helped us all to adjust and align priorities, gaining more of a sense about what’s important. Deeper faith choices have been made, including the desire to explore officership. I’m excited about the future and what I’m sensing and seeing in our territory. When people ask me how many cadets I’m getting into the college, I have to smile and tell them that it’s not up to me or the Candidates Unit, it’s up to the Lord! But it’s also about what we are doing. It’s for each one of us to invest in others and speak into their lives, helping them discern and discover God’s will for themselves. Having a small number of cadets in the training college is not just a UKI Territory challenge, it’s a western world challenge. Some developing countries are seeing a big response to leadership, which is beautiful, but God is wanting his will and purpose to be lived out in all parts of the globe. So, we continue to listen to what he is specifically saying to us for this season.

I want to challenge everyone to be sensitively and sensibly asking people: ‘Are you encouraging, inspiring and challenging others to think about leadership?’ We shouldn’t just leave it to Candidates Sunday or to someone else!

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Contact the Candidates Unit at vocation@salvationarmy.org.uk

Read and download resources online at salvationist.org.uk/resources/candidates-sunday-2023 they gain experience through learning and doing. They also adopt a project, based on something that the Lord is stirring in their hearts. They may work in a residential centre or Lifehouse, or in a different cultural experience. Every corps and centre expression is different, and this is good.

The reality is that, when you leave the college, you’ll have to adapt some of your learning and teaching. Into Officership training continues for another five years and, just like in every area of life, there is always more to learn. The reality is that nothing can prepare you totally for when you leave the college.

This year’s Candidates Sunday video shows different people of different ages painting a word picture that spells the phrase ‘be the light’, taken from Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message).

I simply and sincerely pray that in these days God will show us all how we can be the best God colours in the world today so that we can make a difference in this world and be the change!

How

do the ideals of spiritual leadership compare to the realities?

The WBC programme seeks to equip cadets with all kinds of ministry tools, skills and gifts to help them in various aspects of ministry. It’s very innovative and creative. There are opportunities to go into placements and learn from corps, and

How To Become An Officer Or Territorial Envoy

The length of time an application takes varies for each person, but follows these broad stages:

1. Find out more

Talk to your corps officer, who notifies the divisional personnel officer (DPO). The Officer Review Board and Divisional Candidates Board (DCB) determine whether to proceed. You then fill in an Application and Commitment Form, followed by an interview with a DHQ representative (or member of staff) at your home.

2. Sponsoring officer (SO)

You are assigned an officer to support, guide and challenge you. A family or household interview takes place, references are checked and a medical and psychological assessment is undertaken. Your SO and DPO create a development plan with you.

3. Assessment Conference

A residential weekend conference at William Booth College, where you are interviewed and assessed for a clear calling from God and potential to fulfil the role of an officer/territorial envoy. This includes a ‘This Is Me’ presentation, a pastoral scenario and a sermon.

4. Recommendation

Recommendations are presented to the Territorial Candidates Council and a decision is made about who to accept for training. If you are unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal.

5. Training

Residential training follows a two-year course divided into four areas of study: spiritual growth and leadership development, biblical studies, ministry and mission, and faith and practice. Non-residential training for distance learner cadets typically takes three to five years.

For more information, contact vocation@salvationarmy.org.uk.