16 March 2024

Why Exploring Leadership Day is for you

Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer

A photo from Exploring Leadership Day 2023

Territorial Candidates Directors Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer introduce the new format of Exploring Leadership Day.

What is it?

Your opportunity to explore spiritual leadership, officership, vocation and ministry within The Salvation Army – whatever that looks like for you. How are you living out God’s calling on your life? How do you find out what that is?

Who is it for?

Anyone! No matter your age or background, if you want to find out who and what God is calling you to be, this day is for you.

Who does it involve?

The day formally begins at 10am with worship, followed by an optional lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose from a range of seminars that consider different elements of spiritual leadership – themed Be Whole, Be Available, Be Courageous, Be Inclusive and Be Listening. The day concludes with worship and ends at 6pm.

The guest speaker is Assistant Secretary for Mission Major Kerry Coke. The Scripture for the day is Romans 12.1: 'Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.'

What's new for this year?

For the first time there'll be a park run and a prayer walk at 8am. Early arrivals or those staying the night before can take part in either.

There'll also be quickfire testimonies as people share their stories. Everyone is unique and the way they explore God's calling is also unique.

Along with the return of a café to chat about calling (with doughnuts) and a prayer room, there's space for relaxed and creative exploration of leadership in whatever way suits you.

Why is it on a Saturday?

To make it as accessible as possible, whether you’re travelling a long distance to get there or you have local commitments on a Sunday that mean you haven’t been able to attend in previous years. Why not invite someone from your corps to come with you?

Are children welcome?

Absolutely! There is a children's venue through the day for ages 5 to 11, plus an 11+ zone in the afternoon, so that children and young people can discover all that God has created them to be.

Where can I sign up?

Visit the Exploring Leadership Day page for more information and to book your place. Tickets cost £11 with lunch or £6 without lunch.

Lauren Westwood

Bromley Temple

Exploring Leadership Day is a gift in my own spiritual life, and I know it is the same for others. We are all followers of Jesus, first and foremost, but I am grateful for this space that is dedicated to growing godly leaders in The Salvation Army.

It has offered wisdom through incredible teachers of God’s word, created space for beautiful and freeing worship experiences, and it has helped to develop my voice and confidence through participation in workshops and seminars. God shows up in new, inspiring and encouraging ways every time we gather – I am excited to see what he does this year, I wouldn’t want to miss out!

Cadet Georgia Marriott-Lodge

I have been fortunate to attend Exploring Leadership Day over the past couple of years. The event is a great way to explore leadership within The Salvation Army, but it's also a great day of learning and worship, spending time with others from around the territory who are also exploring spiritual leadership and how each of us can grow and develop as spiritual leaders.

The day has also allowed me to spend time in the presence of God, in worship and teaching, which has shaped me into the person God has created and called me to be.