The General and Chief of the Staff Mark Year in Office with Video Conversation

The video highlights the two men’s close working relationship, with the Chief asking the General about his experiences of international leadership

The General and the Chief of the Staff in conversation

A YEAR after they were welcomed to International Headquarters to take up leadership of The Salvation Army, General Brian Peddle and the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham) have recorded a short video in which they talk about their time in office so far and reflect on their experiences of the worldwide Salvation Army.

The informal video, which was recorded in the International Chapel, highlights the two men’s close working relationship, with the Chief posing questions to the General about his experiences of being The Salvation Army’s world leader.

Encouragement

The General reveals that, during the visits he and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle have undertaken, he has been ‘surprised by … innovative expressions of the Army’ and impressed with the movement’s young people, who he sees ‘at the front line of mission wherever we go’. He says he is encouraged that ‘God is still at the centre of what the Army is and does’.

Need for prayer

Reflecting on his growing awareness that ‘at least half’ of Salvationists are serving in countries where ‘it is not easy to be a follower of Jesus Christ’, the General calls on Salvationists and friends to pray for the Army in these places.

Having discussed his Call to Mission, in which he challenges Salvationists and everyone associated with the Army to Be Ready, Be Engaged and Take Responsibility, the General turns to the camera to invite Salvationists worldwide to be ‘part of the best Army that has ever existed’.

The Chief echoes this in his closing words, when he calls on God to bless The Salvation Army, especially its ‘faithful soldiers and volunteers who are giving themselves to the task passionately and enthusiastically’.

Report by IHQ Communications
International Headquarters

IHQ Communications

Discover more

Church Partnership Program team members hold the award
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea is honoured with inclusivity award

The award recognises The Salvation Army’s extensive geographic reach and inclusive engagement efforts across its programmes.

Young people raise their hands in worship
Children and young people

EYE 2025: Young people across Europe dare to look up

Young Salvationists invited to look up and see God moving across Europe and their lives.

People gather as The Salvation Army relief truck arrives
Conflict
Emergency response

World Humanitarian Day 2025

The Salvation Army joins the global community in commemorating World Humanitarian Day 2025 (19 August) – a day to honour the courage, compassion and sacrifice of humanitarian workers around the world.

USA Southern Territorial Secretaries along with cadets and Bible Conference delegates, pray a blessing over the international leaders
The General
USA Southern

International leaders encourage USA Southern Salvationists to be ‘Kingdom influencers’

General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham have encouraged and challenged delegates to the USA Southern Territory Bible Conference, held at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, from 3 to 9 August 2025.

Conversations with the General: young people

Salvation Army young people from around the world met with the General and Commissioner Bronwyn to share their hearts, ask questions and talk about their hopes for the future of The Salvation Army.

The international leaders sit around a coffee table with young Salvation Army members
Children and young people
The General

Salvation Army young leaders speak into Compass

Representative Salvation Army young people from around the world convened at Sunbury Court, United Kingdom, from 27 June to 3 July 2025 for the movement’s first such gathering to be held in 28 years.