Commissioning at Together 2024: Called to justice and truth

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Major Julian Watchorn reports on this year’s Commissioning meetings.

A sense of reverent expectation descended on the congregation as family, friends, invited guests and prayerful supporters gathered for the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice.

On this second day of the Together 2024 weekend, the congregation were welcomed by William Booth College Principal Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne and Assistant Principal Major Althea Bawden. Each cadet was then welcomed to the platform with individual Bible verses spoken over them by members of their families.

The combined sessions of cadets sang the beautiful and apt ‘Humbly Bow’, which spoke of the dedication of bringing our lives before God. There then followed a time of prayer and musical reflection.

Micah 6:6–8 was beautifully read in Welsh and English by Megan and Eleri Sass, daughters of Cadet Paul Sass.

The Defenders of Justice then shared their dedication song before reciting the doctrines of The Salvation Army as a declaration of the beliefs on which they were making their commitments. They were charged to keep to their commitments by Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest.

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The ordination and commissioning was conducted by Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main, who shared individual encouragement with each cadet as she carried out her duty.

A time of reflection followed. After a further congregational song, Territorial Leader Commissioner Paul Main addressed not only the new lieutenants but also the congregation, referencing Micah 6:6–8 as he impressed that all who follow Christ should seek to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with their God.

All are called to defend justice, he declared. Referencing both Micah and Amos 5:24, he spoke of justice as an essential characteristic of God, praying for it to roll on like a river.

Just as Micah and Amos challenged the prevailing culture of their day, so we too are called to act with hearts of love to challenge injustice where we see it. It is not enough to love the idea of justice, Commissioner Paul emphasised. It needs to be evident, and it will be costly if it is to mean anything.

Following a time of appeal, the meeting concluded with ‘O Church, Arise, and Put Your Armour On’, as the congregation was urged to respond.

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The afternoon’s celebration was hosted by Territorial Candidates Director Major Mark Sawyer. Responsive Scripture from Psalm 136 preceded a time of lively worship songs, which included flag-waving and dance.

Lieutenants Deborah and Jon Hampton (Oldbury) – along with their three young children, Penny, Sophia and Ezekiel – each shared an object that reminded them of God’s goodness in their daily lives. The joys of a young family in ministry were evident and a great blessing to all.

A further time of prayer was enhanced by a sung rendition in Welsh of the Lord’s Prayer by Karl Westwood, as the young family knelt at the foot of the cross.

‘It’s Yo’s’, a funky interpretation of Gowans and Larsson’s ‘If You Want It – It’s Yours’ led us into the next section of the meeting, complete with a rap solo.

A cross section of guests representing the diversity of the territory participated in a chat show with Major Mark Sawyer, each sharing what Jesus means to them and a Bible verse that encourages them.

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The new lieutenants marched in accompanied by ‘Rosehill’ and encouraged by cheers, flags, signs and air horns.

Exodus 3:1–10 was dramatically presented, introducing Moses having an encounter with God at the burning bush. This led into the message from Commissioner Jenine Main, who asked: What would make you turn aside from your ordinary life? What would stop you in your tracks and make you look up?

She reminded us that God chose to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Like Moses, we might have lots of excuses, but God is patient – he has all the answers. We don’t have to be extraordinary, because he is.

God is still calling his people, she concluded. Are we willing to respond, to take his light into a dark world?

Anais Spencer sang ‘Thank You for the Cross’ as the congregation were invited to stand in response to God’s call on their lives. The territorial leaders then shared their dreams for the territory and invited the congregation to respond, before a closing song and a sung benediction, ‘The Blessing’.