Taking the significant steps to officership
Taking the significant steps to officership
24 November 2021
The days leading up to the 2021 Commissioning are significant for our Territory’s cadets. They will take three important steps to mark the start of their lives as Salvation Army officers - the signing of covenant, ordination and commissioning, and appointing and sending out.
As they commit their lives to God in front of their families and church community, these are deeply meaningful events for officers, as Major Sandy MacDonald, Captain Andrew Walton and Major Emma Moore show by their reflections on their own ordination and commissioning.
All cadets sign a covenant recognising that the essential basis of commissioning is that God calls and empowers them to be ministers of Christ. Therefore the covenant is made between the individual and God. “Called by God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as an officer of The Salvation Army, I bind myself to him in this solemn covenant.”
Major Sandy MacDonald says that the intimacy of Covenant Day was the most meaningful part of her Commissioning. "Having those moments of reflection and prayer around the commitment I was making to God through The Salvation Army was truly important,” Sandy says.
“I like that this was a private, rather than public, occasion shared with the cadet and officer community alongside whom I had deepened my faith and developed my skills during my training period.”
Following the act of personal dedication, the cadets make an affirmation of faith. By signing their covenant and by their commissioning, they declare that they will be loyal to biblical truths and the principles and doctrines of The Salvation Army. Through this commissioning, the new officers dedicate themselves to the people of God called The Salvation Army. They affirm that they will, by example of life, word, and selfless service, be true to their calling as a Salvation Army officer.
Reflecting on this, Captain Andrew Walton shares, “Being ordained and commissioned was the moment when all God was calling me to be became real and specific. This affirmation from the community of believers was empowering, enabling me to accept the responsibility of living out my faith as an officer.”
The newly commissioned lieutenants are charged with the responsibility of showing the saving grace of God in the ministry of officer leadership within The Salvation Army. This is the outward sign of the inward call from God, and the appointing to be a servant of Christ for the sake of all people.
Major Emma Moore shares her excitement about her Appointing and Sending Out.
“God's kingdom belongs in the lowest places in society; set among the poor, weak and powerless. Sixteen years ago I was drawn to this and with great anticipation accepted my first appointment. That God would involve me and include me in the great work of redeeming the world is an act of grace and a rewarding gift.”
As cadets are dispersed around the country, the ‘Ordination and Commissioning and Sending Out’ of the Messengers will be held online. Join in celebrating this important event on Saturday 4 December at 7pm (AEDT). A link will be available closer to the time.
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