16 August 2025

Transformers: Investing in our future and our present!

Two divisions share how the Transformers programme is discipling young people.

East of England Division

We are passionate about investing in young people and nurturing their journey of faith. Each year, from November to July, we run Transformers – a nine‑month discipleship programme to help teenagers grow in their relationships with God, understand their identity and discover their purpose.

The programme is shaped around 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager by Kara Powell and Brad M Griffin, which guides the three core weekends of teaching and reflection. Over these weekends, we explore identity, belonging and purpose in a safe and supportive environment. Each young person is paired with a mentor.

Alongside the residential weekends, participants engage in a digital book club, reading We Are Satellites: How to Put God at the Centre of Your Life by Martin Saunders, which helps them further explore faith in today’s world. This combination of in‑person connection and online learning creates a powerful rhythm of growth, community and spiritual depth.

Three photos show the Transformers group posing and doing activities.

The Transformers programme is more than a series of weekends: it’s a life-shaping experience.

In July during our last weekend together, we graduate each young person before they return to their corps to continue their journeys and explore what God is calling them to do next.

Many former Transformers continue their development by serving as young leaders at future divisional kids camps, becoming role models for others as they grow into leaders themselves.

The Transformers programme is more than a series of weekends: it’s a life-shaping experience. Rooted in biblical teaching, built on community, and driven by purpose, it’s a powerful expression of our commitment to raising the next generation of disciples in The Salvation Army

by Divisional Youth Specialist Ruth Beattie

Central and Southern Scotland Division

It has been great to offer Transformers to our division for the first time. We have eight Transformers who were recruited at the beginning of the year. Straight away the Transformers were introduced to the programme’s three essential components: discipleship, leadership and mission.

Our Transformers from the get‑go have been kitted out with clothing to support them in mission as they have travelled around the division. They all have new journals, Bibles and Satellites, which we are working through as a group.

It has been a great watch as they grow their understanding of who they are and what they can do for God.

To initiate them, we completed a Go Ape course and had one of two planned residential weekends where we were gathered around the campfire and talked through our individual journeys with God so far.

We met the newly commissioned cadets and a mission team from the USA, which was helpful as we discern our individual callings. As the programme continues, we will delve into material about Apest.

Blossom
Govan

Being a part of Transformers has been not only enjoyable – meeting new people and gaining new experiences – but also eye-opening. I’ve learnt and understood a lot about leadership, discipleship, but also about teamwork and being a part of the bigger picture and plan in my life and the lives of others.

Daniel
Port Glasgow

I love the Transformers initiative, as I have met new people and grown closer to some I knew beforehand. I particularly appreciate the leadership and safeguarding training as they are extremely helpful for my autistic understanding of the world.

Ethan
Shotts

So far I think Transformers has been great. I’ve met a lot of new people and had volunteering opportunities that I would have never had before and it has also helped me develop leadership skills.

Lewis
Glenrothes

Transformers has been a great way to develop my leadership skills. Working alongside a great team to push each other to achieve what we can do. I can’t wait for the challenges we get to face next.

Still to come are two further residential camps, where we will take part in leading games and worship. We are having a retreat day as we learn more about Sabbath and then send them out to lead a corps meeting.

On our next residential weekend, we will learn more about the history of The Salvation Army and what mission looks like in 2025. It has been a great watch as they grow their understanding of who they are and what they can do for God. And we’re only halfway through!

by Divisional Youth Worker Jillian Gemmell and Divisional Children’s Worker Hannah Willis