A young Salvationist follows his calling and leads by example
Elijah Stouder, 21, was born while his parents, Majors Jeremiah and Rachel Stouder who are currently officers in the Indiana Division, were in their second year at the College for Officer Training (CFOT).
Now Elijah’s calling also is to become a Salvation Army officer.
A senior at Asbury University majoring in Christian ministries, he said he is on track with plans to enter the CFOT in the fall.
“I know I have a strong calling for leadership,” Elijah said. “I’m not sure if I will be the leader of a corps or if I will become the General someday. Actually, I hope I don’t become General. That seems like a lot of responsibility,” he said through laughter. “But I am sure that I am called to inspire some sort of change.”
Elijah is already a leader, serving as president of The Salvation Army Student Fellowship at Asbury. He estimates there are about 50 students—Salvationists and others— who are in the fellowship. Every student on campus is welcome.
“We try very hard not to be exclusive,” Elijah said. “It’s a place on campus where we can just be ourselves. It’s a safe place. A home away from home.”
As president, Elijah works with Majors Paul and Alma Cain, directors of the Moulton Student Center, to help choose guest speakers (confirmed by the student cabinet which Elijah leads) and oversees the planning of events, making sure the fellowship runs smoothly.
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. every Sunday at the center, followed by a social event. Worship services make up half of the Sunday events. Other activities include things like movies on the lawns and trivia nights.
Last fall, the 40th anniversary of the Moulton Student Center was celebrated and featured National Commander Kenneth G. Hodder who spoke at the event. Elijah also spoke.
“They [National Headquarters] support all of the funding. We were trying to show them how thankful we are and how much the center means to us,” Elijah said. “In my speech, I said, ‘It’s a place where students can go where they can be fully known, without having to worry about if they are fully loved in return.’”
Elijah has grown more comfortable speaking publicly since an internship last year in Holland, Mich.
“I am always nervous leading up to any speech,” he said. “But while I’m giving a sermon or a speech, that just melts way. I don’t have to worry about it anymore. It’s like a godly peace comes over me.”
Peace is an important component of Elijah’s faith. His email signature plate even features the words “In the spirit of peace” before his name.
“I hate conflict. One of my main theological strivings is to be at peace with my brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said.
When asked about last year’s revival at Asbury, which made international headlines and saw people from around the globe flocking to the university to share in the Holy Spirit’s outpouring, Elijah said it was “amazing.”
“In keeping with the theme of peace, one of the most noticeable things was that all of the barriers that kept people from hearing the voice of the Spirit were broken down,” he recalled. “Denominational barriers and anger were left at the door. You could not tell what denomination a person was when they entered the room. I did not know if the person next to me was a Catholic or a Lutheran. It did not matter. It felt a bit like heaven.”
For relaxation, Elijah enjoys playing video games and chess.
“The National Olympic Committee recognizes chess as a sport. So, chess is my favorite sport,” he said. “I was 10 when my dad taught me how to play.”
Along with his parents, Elijah’s family includes his younger sister RJ and younger brother Josiah. Captain Samantha Nolan-Jones, who lived with the Stouder family for a time, is considered a sister.
“We share the oldest-sibling role,” he said of Captain Samantha.
As he looks to the future, Elijah thinks about his leadership skills and how he might bring people closer to Christ.
“In my studies and observation, I feel that something has been lost on the common Christian of toda —the necessity to have a real living relationship with Christ,” he explained. “We need to fully surrender our lives to Him. Maybe that is what I have been called to change.”
