Leaders encourage USA Southern to be champions of mission
Champions of the Mission worshipping during their commencement service (Photo credit Kaitlyn Avery)
From 6 to 8 June 2025, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill inspired and uplifted many at The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory’s commissioning weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.
In the Friday-evening session, Commissioners Hill accepted the territory’s World Services Ingathering for the year, totalling $10.8 million. ‘We know that this giving is actually sacrificial in nature,’ Commissioner Edward Hill said. ‘On behalf of the General, I want to say thank you so much for your generous giving. This kind of support helps us carry on the international mission that binds The Salvation Army together in a sense of unity and shared purpose.’
In his message, Commissioner Hill spoke about how God can turn even a tiny spark into a blazing fire. ‘Friends, what’s the spark in your life that God wants to ignite into a blazing fire? What’s the gift? What’s the talent? What’s the ambition? What’s the resource? What’s the skill that God is calling you to present to him on the altar of wholehearted service?’
Building bridges and welcoming all
On Saturday morning, Commissioner Shelley Hill entreated people to live out the inclusivity of Christ in their service: ‘Instead of creating barriers that keep people away or out, let’s be followers of Jesus who seek to build beautiful bridges that include and welcome all.’
In addition to participating in the weekend’s general sessions, Commissioner Shelley Hill offered words of encouragement during the annual Silver Star Luncheon, honouring those who have mentored and supported the cadets of the Champions of the Mission Session.
Commissioner Shelley Hill also sat down with the Territorial Ministry to Women Department to record an episode for their Open Air podcast, set to be released in August. Through real, relatable conversations like this, doors are opened for deeper connection across cultures, borders and generations. Commissioner Shelley Hill’s voice on the podcast will not only expand the reach beyond the USA Southern Territory, but also help to unite women globally in ways that are fresh, relevant and Spirit-led.
Commissioner Edward Hill was interviewed for USA Southern’s written publication, the Southern Spirit, in which he shared how the territory’s four-year strategic plan aligns with Compass, The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework.
‘As you apply your own strategic plan, focusing on “All for Jesus”, and love, and service, and discipleship, we'll see growing, thriving congregations which will generate more soldiers, which will generate more officers, and that will lead to a growing Salvation Army.’
Willing to be saved, sanctified and sent
On Sunday morning, the Chief of the Staff urged every Salvationist to be a champion of the mission: ‘You’ve got to be saved. You’ve got to be sanctified. You’ve got to be a person of service,’ he stressed. ‘And you have to be willing to be sent. And if you are willing to do those things, you’ll be a good ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you choose to be a sent person? The Lord – and The Salvation Army – need more champions of the mission.’
Tags: Americas and Caribbean, News