Commissioning weekend celebrates God’s goodness and calls for daring faith
It was a time of honoring the Lord with thanksgiving. Every word, song, image and dance was laid as an offering at Jesus’ feet. Every meeting celebrated His grace and goodness. Indeed, for the nearly 1,400 delegates—and several hundred others online—it was a time to rejoice!
Faith that takes risks
On Friday night the Milwaukee High Life Theatre rocked with the rhythms of the Pack Drumline whose high energy percussion and dance enthralled delegates from the meeting’s start. Throughout the evening Salvationists entered into passionate praise, led by the Kingdom United Collective, who at the program’s end were joined by the North & Central Illinois Division (NCI) Gospel Choir, which debuted to great enthusiasm.
Delegates also cheered on three corps that are beacons of God’s love in the city: Connor Creek, Mich., Fergus Falls, Minn., and Garden City, Kan. Creative drama by the Bill Booth Theater Company (BBTC), flawlessly enacted and enhanced by technology, gave familiar passages new life in this meeting and throughout the weekend.
At the evening’s apex, delegates caught a fresh vision for their faith and were affirmed by God’s work in the world as Major Nesan Kistan preached from Nehemiah. Replete with inspiring biblical examples of risktakers and his own God-ordained adventure in Sierra Leone, the major’s dynamic sermon urged delegates to leave their comfortability and boldly step up and out in obedience and faith regardless of the personal cost or even persecution.
Calling Salvationists to be risktakers as followers of Christ, he declared, “It costs you something to wear this uniform. It always has.”
Faith that denies oneself
Saturday morning’s session was filled with enriching worship and highlighted the Army globally. The lively Latin beats of praise “A la Manera” by the Chicago Staff Band (CSB) set the tone. Later the CSB would “Make His Praise Glorious,” accompanying a crisp and impressive routine by the Santiago Central Corps Timbrel Brigade. An ethereal worship dance, led by Captain Gloria Pelayo, enchanted the audience.
With amazing presence, 11-yearold junior soldier Elin Seiler shared her witness and award-winning poem in last year’s Celebrate America Contest about four immigrant girls from Ireland, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Ukraine.
Delegates sprang to their feet in ovation as she concluded, “Although we each have different beginnings, through Christ we can share the same glorious ending.”
The roar of applause was heard again during the World Services/SelfDenial Ingathering that totaled more than $10.6 million. Thanks was given for how these funds will enable sharing the gospel and meeting needs in Christ’s name. Commissioner Heidi Bailey dedicated in prayer officers who are taking up overseas appointments (Captains Derek and Heather Jung and Captains Abraham and Leta Marin) and Summer Mission Team members.
“Don’t forget to pack your compassion in your carry-on bag,” she said. She also encouraged them to be aware of beauty in unexpected places during this life-changing experience.
Captain Matthew Beatty, currently stationed at International Headquarters, mesmerized the audience with a miraculous first-hand account of God’s provision in getting urgently needed supplies to a corps officer in the Ukraine during the conflict with Russia.
Having also served after devastating natural disasters like tsunamis and typhoons, he testified, “God is always there with us.”
Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igelheart then creatively shared the story of Bartimaeus, illustrating that while people see our disabilities, color or class, God sees our possibilities. They urged Salvationists to look up, get off the sidelines and be engaged in His mission.
Faith that gives thanks
Saturday evening blended the talents and gifts of individuals and groups in a collage of praise. The Central Territorial Staff Songsters (CTSS) were in top form with “We’ve Come this Far by Faith,” “Just like John” and “Floodgates.”
Other excellent music was offered by the Territorial Youth Band (TYB), Territorial Youth Chorus (TYC) and Praise Band. A smashing routine by the Santiago timbrelists, a scripture interpretation by the Cold Spring, Wis., Corps youth, a skit by the BBTC and dramatic worship dance by Marissa Riley rounded out the program.
This joyful time of worship laid the foundation for the retirement of territorial leaders Commissioners Brad and Heidi Bailey, who had chosen the theme “Rejoice and Be Glad” for the service which was conducted in both English and Spanish.
Family played an integral role in the meeting with a sweet welcome by grandsons Micah and Eli. Daughters Danielle and Lindsey shared memories and their parents’ favorite scripture verses that carried them over thousands of miles and more than four decades of ministry as officers.
“We feel grateful that our parents included us in their ministry,” said Danielle. “We are grateful for God’s faithfulness in your lives and your faithfulness to God.”
Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson conducted the retirement ceremony for the Baileys who have given 84 years of combined service.
“Your life has reflected to me all that covenant means,” Commissioner Sue told Commissioner Heidi in a heartfelt tribute.
Commissioner Barry commended Commissioner Brad, “Your leadership has always been marked by deep passion whether in Detroit, Santiago, Oakbrook Terrace, Madrid, London, Atlanta or Chicago. If you believed in something you stood for it and often fought for it. This has been especially true in your love for people—all people.”
Immediate and extended family then encircled the Baileys while Captain Heidi Strand and Major Nivia Paredes gave a beautifully moving rendition of “The Prayer,” in English and Spanish, accompanied by Pete McBride on piano and Alicia Andes on cello.
“The privilege to live every day as ‘saved to serve’ people has energized our service from our first appointment at the Detroit Harding Corps on the east side of Detroit through our final appointment as leaders of the Central Territory in Hoffman Estates,” recounted Commissioner Heidi.
The Baileys proceeded to thank and honor family members who shaped their lives, gave unwavering support and made sacrifices.
“We have learned as a family that blessing always follows obedience,” exclaimed Commissioner Brad.
The Baileys also thanked their friends from Chile who represent a significant part of their lives and shared how formative those years were to their leadership.
Lastly, they said what a privilege is has been to lead the Central Territory for the last six years— their longest appointment.
“This territory is known for its committed employees, active advisory boards, awesome young people, amazing local officers and passionate officers who together are the spiritual backbone of The Salvation Army in our 11 Central states. How proud we have been to represent you,” said the territorial commander.
After the premiere by the TYB of the exciting composition, “Rejoice,” written by Kevin Larsson for the occasion, the evening came to a glorious close with the Baileys joining the musical groups on stage in lifting their voices to the Lord in “Total Praise,” with red, yellow and blue confetti raining down.
Faith that answers the call
Sunday morning delegates rejoiced in the Lord alongside the Reflectors of Holiness session. A tone of reverence and joy filled the theater as session members were ordained and commissioned.
“The covenant that they signed this week is based on relationship,” said College for Officer Training (CFOT) Principal Major John Pook. “As they are ordained and commissioned, they are publicly declaring that they are giving all of themselves to God.”
Musical selections by the CSB and CTSS along with worship led by the CFOT Praise Band and a scripture presentation by Cadet Christopher Rutledge-Clarke prepared hearts to receive a powerful message by Commissioner Brad Bailey. He challenged Salvationists to truly know who Jesus is and to share Him with others, fulfilling the territory’s Mission Imperative.
“Being more like Jesus can’t be anything but a call to courageous discipleship…and it can only be achieved with an absolute conviction and commitment to His lordship,” he proclaimed.
The territorial commander’s message from Mark chapter 8 resonated with listeners as he addressed popular cultural perceptions of Jesus compared to His true identity as revealed in scripture. He urged them to live and preach the whole gospel—a sinless Jesus dying as the sacrificial lamb of God on the cross for our salvation.
A time of response led by the territorial commander and Captain Kelly Hanton, territorial candidates’ secretary, brought dozens to the stage to publicly share their call to become officers.
Faith that sends us out
The afternoon service brought the weekend full circle with rejoicing as the newly commissioned lieutenants received their first appointments. An upbeat drill by the Santiago timbrelists, congregational songs and selections by the CSB matched the crowd’s energy and excitement.
On behalf of the session, Lt. Vincent Cusack spoke of their commitment to their calling. “God has called, we have answered,” he said. “As our session verses proclaim, ‘Just as the God who has called us is holy, we are to be holy.’ Because Christ lives in us, we can live out these verses.” He encouraged the audience to live as new creations in Christ as well.
Commissioner Heidi Bailey then challenged the Reflectors of Holiness to love the mission through the mountaintops and valleys of ministry.
“Compassion and judgment cannot coexist,” she said, quoting theologian Henri Nouwen. “If you can only be one thing in your officership, be compassionate…When you do that, you will learn to love the mission, not yourselves in the mission.”
With rejoicing, new lieutenants were sent out to corps across the territory to reflect Christ.
