Commissioning at Together 26: Keepers of the covenant

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Ivan Radford reports on the ordination, commissioning and sending out of the Keepers of the Covenant. 

‘For Salvationists, what we believe and how we live have always gone together,’ explained Marcus Luckett (William Booth College) during the Sunday morning session of Together 26. On a weekend that explored who we are in Christ and how that informs what we do, Sunday’s worship underscored that we are part of something bigger – The Salvation Army! – and that means we have a part to play.

After a welcome from William Booth College Principal Lieut-Colonel Mark Herbert, the Keepers of the Covenant session of cadets entered for their ordination and commissioning, accompanied by ‘Faith Walk’ from the International Staff Band. Containing the words ‘I’m in His Hands’, it set the tone by highlighting that who we are is a response to who God is – in the words of the cadets’ sessional song presented later, a ‘promise-keeping Covenant God’. 

Congregational songs ‘Praise to the Lord, the Almighty’, ‘Mighty to Save’ and ‘Grace Alone’ all reinforced the fact that who we are is rooted in God’s grace and faithfulness. Standing at the foot of a cross, Cadet Josh Clark and Cadet Megan Moore shared their testimonies, thanking God for his unwavering presence – and, in an acknowledgement that their journeys with God are still ongoing, the group sang their dedication song, ‘Take Me Deeper’.

It was an invitation to us all as disciples of Jesus, and so it was apt that the reciting of our shared doctrines became something that everyone participated in, as the congregation joined in singing ‘King of Kings’ with a quiet confidence between each declaration of faith.

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‘Our doctrines help us understand who God is and who we are,’ said Marcus. ‘They are distinctive to The Salvation Army, but part of the wider Christian story.’

It was a historic chapter in that story as Territorial Envoy Cadets Martyn and Susan Jackson were ordained and commissioned as majors, honouring their years of service as territorial envoys. In another rare moment, the charge and response of each of the Keepers of the Covenant saw Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main supported by Will Smith (Regent Hall), Cheryl Northwood (Leicester South), Archie (Peterborough), Fungisai Mushawa (Birmingham Citadel), Justin Gibson (Bromley Temple) and May Campbell (Connah’s Quay).

‘Because this is us and we recognise the priesthood of all believers,’ explained Commissioner Paul, ‘six members of the Salvation Army family from around the territory will stand with us.’ 

After prayers from Lieut-Colonel Paul Kingscott (THQ) and Major Lynley Oliver (William Booth College), Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest brought a Bible reading from Acts 9:10–19. 

Commissioner Jenine expanded upon the story of Ananias as a demonstration of obedience in response to God’s covenant. It is a covenant he has with each of us – a committed relationship of love and promise. 

‘Covenant-keepers say yes to God,’ she emphasised. ‘It’s not just a once-and-for-all yes; we will probably need to say it over and over again – it will require an ongoing surrender of our lives.’ 

Ananias said yes to go and see Saul, despite the risk it entailed, opening a door that he might have preferred to stay locked, calling Saul ‘brother’ and welcoming him. 

‘When we become keepers of the covenant, it asks something of us,’ added Commissioner Jenine. ‘It will ask us to take a step that feels costly or uncomfortable, but covenant-keepers say yes to God.’ 

‘The quiet obedience of one covenant-keeper becomes part of a turning point in Christian history,’ she concluded, drawing us back to the part we are called to play within a story that is now ours and continues today.  

‘Covenant-keepers might not always know what their faithful “yes” will unlock,’ she encouraged. ‘They trust that when God asks us to unlock a door, he is already at work on the other side.’ 

After people came to the front in prayerful response, the congregation joined together to ask God to ‘Build Your Kingdom Here’, before a benediction from Commissioner Paul that echoed ‘Humbly Bow’, sung thoughtfully by the ISS: ‘We give our lives, we lift our voices, honour you, Lord, in our choices.’ 

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The afternoon’s worship session was a boisterous celebration thanking God for who we are: ‘A Movement that is made up here in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory of people from all different backgrounds, places, ages and cultural groups,’ began Territorial Candidates Director Major Catherine Smith, as she and Territorial Candidates Director Major Jonny Smith welcomed everyone.

A diverse crowd of Salvationists from across the territory all stood together with them, united in faith, hope and purpose.

‘This is us!’ proclaimed Major Jonny. ‘A God-centred Movement, celebrating who we are and trusting in him for who we will become.’ 

‘This is us,’  added Major Catherine. ‘We are part of the story!’ 

After the Together 26 worship group led the congregation in the barnstorming ‘No Other Name’ and ‘Goodness of God’, everyone was called to join the 9.38 initiative to pray for future leaders. As people prayed in their seats for anyone they know who might be called by God to spiritual leadership, the ISS shared the hushed ‘Peace Like a River’.

The hall then erupted in loud applause and cheers as the newly commissioned officers entered to the ISB playing ‘Lord, Reign in Me’, before they sang their sessional song, ‘Covenant God’. 

Members of the Keepers of the Covenant introduced a group of first-year cadets, about to go into their second year of officer training, before also introducing some of the candidates accepted for officership training in what will become the Rescued session this September. Some of the candidates explained in 30 seconds their calling from God, and thanked the people who have supported them in their journeys.

As the ISB played ‘Holy Forever’, photos from around the territory revealed a glimpse of who we are in all the richly varied settings and contexts of the Army today. At the start of the afternoon, everyone was handed a puzzle piece to prompt them to think about the part they are called to play in that bigger picture. 

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In a Bible message based on Luke 5:17–26, Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest encouraged people to continue thinking about how they can play their part in loving others and bringing other people to Jesus – even when someone is overlooked, like the paralysed man on the mat who was brought to Jesus by four friends. 

The message was illustrated in a live drawing by Elliott Chappell (William Booth College), depicting the man being lowered through the roof of a house to Jesus.

‘If we want to play our part, we have to open our doors and hearts,’ Colonel Julie said. ‘We have to love people like Jesus loved people.’ 

Colonel Julie concluded: ‘When we play our part for God, there are endless possibilities of how we can love him, serve him and grow as disciples. Even if you feel you are not enough or not valuable to God – because you are and he loves you without end. I am going to play my part. Will you?’

As an Army of God’s people, with a shared belief that our identity in Christ informs every part of how we live, we were sent out to play our part in bringing the light of Jesus to our community. 

‘Jesus is in that community,’ Major Jonny observed, ‘but he needs us to signpost people to him.’ 

In a closing act of joyful worship, the ISS and ISB led the congregation in ‘My Lighthouse’, complete with a Mexican wave started by the ISS. And, as a final reminder that we are a Movement grounded in God’s presence, Major Jonny added: ‘We’re going out knowing that God goes with us.’

‘This is us,’ declared everyone in a united call and response. ‘Together we go!’