Recapping Together 2025: From generation to generation

Stevie Hope offers an overview of Together 2025.

Salvationists across the generations gathered for Together 2025. Saturday opened outside, with a prayer walk and Parkrun. Led by Captain Richard Weston (West Midlands DHQ), the walk toured local landmarks to bathe the city in prayer. Set against the beautiful Edgbaston Reservoir, the Parkrun included a mention of The Salvation Army over the tannoy. Lots of Salvationists took part and were around to chat at the finish line.

Outdoor community engagement continued in the city centre at Brindleyplace, with music from Birmingham Citadel’s young people, interactive fingerprint art and sports in the summer sun.

Themed Mission 160: From Generation to Generation, the weekend recognised 160 years of The Salvation Army, with thankful hearts for generations past, and everyone was reminded to look to and prepare the generations to come.

This was exemplified by the oversubscribed Bible study, which saw every seat filled – and some people even sitting on the floor. Major Kerry and Lieut-Colonel Nick Coke (THQ) began by playing a record of ‘My Generation’ by the Who, before taking us through the arc of Scripture, from Genesis 17:7 to 2 Timothy 1:5, and challenging us to ‘do the little things’ to help the next generation know God.

• Read this week’s Bible study, which was inspired by the session.

MACA Dance led a workshop before taking to the stage in the weekend’s engagement space. A packed room of people came to sing with the International Staff Songsters (ISS) at a workshop and those attending went on to sing in the engagement space, with a strength of voice that made clapping along irresistible.

• View photos on Facebook

Music was woven throughout. Other performers in the engagement space included the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS), International Staff Band (ISB) and Tony Daniels (THQ) on saxophone.

• Tony Daniels was a guest on Salvationist Radio’s This Is My Story, This Is My Song. Listen now!

Against this worship-infused backdrop, attendees explored the marketplace set up by teams from Territorial Headquarters, William Booth College and beyond. The always popular SP&S Roadshow was open all weekend.

In the atrium, the Here to Help team were on hand to welcome and assist people, and the prayer team, led by Major Gary Lacey (THQ), prayed consistently for the event and people.

• Read more about Major Gary Lacey’s relationship with prayer.

A pop-up gallery proudly showcased the territory’s ever-expanding pool of artistic talent. Creatives also had the opportunity to make something new in an art workshop.

An afternoon children’s session saw young people playing with and learning from the Founders and Bible characters, who earlier had been spotted roaming the engagement space!

• Welcome to the Party with BSL

After pre-meeting music from the CSS, Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main opened the first of three evening sessions by welcoming us all to the party. Joined by General Lyndon Buckingham, the pair got to know some special guests: Alfie, Mike and David from Sunderland Millfield and Thanan Simeray from Hastings Temple. They offered insights into their experiences of faith and family.

• You can read more of Thanan Simeray’s testimony in Salvationist 21 September 2024.

The worship team and Birmingham Citadel YP Band, with members of MACA Dance, kicked things off with a true bop: Israel Houghton’s ‘You Are Good’.

In a message to round off this session, the General reminded us: ‘God loves you, cares for you and welcomes you into his family, and he invites you to participate in the work that he is determined to do on the planet.’

‘Each one of us has to make a decision at some point about whether or not we’re going to get on board,’ he continued. ‘It doesn’t matter how much engagement there has been in the past. It matters how much engagement there is going to be going forward.’

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The party recommenced as the ISB led everyone in singing ‘Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee’. In session two, World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham and Territorial Leader Commissioner Paul Main were at the party table. They introduced International Staff Songsters Margaret and Hazel Launn, who are mother and daughter, International Staff Bandsman Harry Stubbs, the newest member of the band, and singer-songwriter Michael Gwazai (Bexleyheath).

Each spoke about how generations before had invested in them musically in ways that developed their faith. Michael’s stunning vocal solo of Lauren Daigle’s ‘You Say’ left people contemplating the powerful lyrics.

• Listen to Michael Gwazai as he shares some of his favourite music on Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist!

Session three’s afterparty was hyped up by Captains Berri and Callum McKenna (William Booth College) with a call to worship based on Psalm 145. Worship included a reprise of ‘You Are Good’, the Canadian Staff Songsters and several expressive performances by MACA Dance.

The central Bible reading was John 15:9–17. Commissioner Bronwyn explained how this passage provided the disciples and all who would follow – including us – with a foundation for a life with lasting impact and legacy

‘The fruit of genuine commitment to Christ,’ she emphasised, ‘is authentic love for those we’re doing life alongside. It is impossible to maintain this kind of love by human will alone. Love that looks like Jesus can only flourish as we stay connected to him who is love.’

Quoting Salvationist Samuel Brengle, the commissioner reminded us that we will become spiritually dead if love leaks out – that love is the life of The Salvation Army.

We were left challenged. How will we intentionally stay connected to Christ? How will our legacy affect future generations?

In response to the Holy Spirit, people moved forward to the front while others prayed where they were, as every seat became a mercy seat.

The worship team took us into the fitting finale of ‘Holy Forever’. The outpouring of worship left everyone feeling challenged and uplifted, and ready for more on Sunday!