My commissioning experience

One year on from when she was commissioned, Lieutenant Amy Bayliss-Fox reflects on her experience of Commissioning.

We were waiting in the wings ready to go on. Jackets on, doctrines memorised, shoes polished. And the music started...

Commissioning on 13 July 2025 was simultaneously the best and most nerve-wracking day of my life so far. There were so many moving parts to remember, and knowing it was in front of not only those present in the auditorium but also the territory – and to some extent the world, due to the General’s presence – was more than enough to get the knees going

I wish I could tell you that all my nerves melted away through the Holy Spirit, but that wasn’t the case for me: I thank God for my nerves, because they kept me humble in the spectacle. I think I needed them to be able to be truly present in the events of the day, reminding me of the importance of the step I was making. I was nervous because I wanted to finish the day knowing that I had done so following the will of God.

With so many people watching, it could be argued that the spectacle of Commissioning diminishes the meaning of the event, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Commissioning is one aspect of becoming a Salvation Army officer, following the more private step of Covenant Day a few days before it. The two together result in an inward recognition and commitment between us and God, and then an outward recognition and declaration to the wider Salvation Army and the Church. 

The visible nature of Commissioning is as much for the people watching as it is for those being ordained and commissioned; it’s an example of what good discipleship can foster and an example to others that the Spirit is on the move in people’s lives. The visibility of Commissioning reminds us that the ‘harvest is plentiful but the workers are few’ (Matthew 9:37), a challenge to those who need to listen to God’s call on their lives.

The impact of Commissioning also lingers on, past the day itself. A memory I will hold on to as I moved to my first appointment was the way that Commissioning helped the corps to get to know who I am before meeting me. Through the way they saw me interact with my session-mates and engage in worship, they got to see who was being sent to them. Who we are and what we believe is something that should be so visible that other people can’t help but wonder what the cause is.

‘No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house’ (Matthew 5:15 Good News Translation). My knocking knees, my nervous prayers and my shaky voice couldn’t stop me stepping out that day, because my God was with me every step – I hope that people could see that!

My prayer is that Commissioning each year shows people that behind it all is a God who equips the called. I pray that the same is true this Commissioning and in the ones to come. It’s OK if you’re nervous or if you’re knees are knocking; Jesus has gone before you and you can step out in faith knowing you are shining like a lamp for all to see.