In his message, General Buckingham calls for a divine sense of God’s calling to reinvigorate The Salvation Army’s identity and purpose. ‘If ever the world needed a Holy Spirit-driven, Jesus-centred, hope-filled Salvation Army, it is now,’ he declares.
‘Bronwyn [Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries] and I know that we need spiritual breakthrough which will see our faith communities in every place living into health and growth and a flourishing that will continue long into the future.’
In the Call to Action, which is available in full here: https://www.salvationarmy.org/resources/generals-global-call-action, the General highlights challenges facing the Church today, particularly the need for spiritual breakthrough and a revitalised enthusiasm for mission. He emphasises the importance of prayer, confession and reliance on the Holy Spirit to overcome complacency and spiritual fatigue.
The Call to Action is available in English, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil and Indonesian.
The Quiet Revival
A key theme in the General’s message is the emergence of a ‘Quiet Revival’ led by young people across churches in England and Wales. Citing a recent report from the Bible Society, General Buckingham notes a dramatic growth in faith communities, challenging long-held predictions about the decline of Christianity. ‘We must let go of the desire to control, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead,’ he says, urging Salvation Army communities to empower young people and embrace innovation and courage.
Compass: The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework
The Call to Action is anchored in the launch of Compass, The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework, unveiled on 25 September 2024. Compass is designed to revitalise the Army’s spiritual and missional life through three core focus areas: Empowering People, Enhancing Mission Impact and Establishing an Enduring Legacy.
General Buckingham shares a vision for a growing, sustainable Salvation Army – one that is deeply engaged in mission and ministry, reaching people in everyday life and leading them into the Kingdom of God. ‘Let us nurture a powerful life of prayer and win these battles in the spiritual realm, breaking through to new life and vibrant expression of our faith in the world,’ he urges.
- Go to https://www.salvationarmy.org/resources/generals-global-call-action to access The General’s Global Call to Action in The Salvation Army’s seven official languages: English, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili and Tamil
- Go to https://www.salvationarmy.org/resource-hub to access resources designed to enhance the spiritual life and mission impact of individuals and Salvation Army mission expressions around the world (includes translated resources)
- Go to https://www.salvationarmy.org/resources/compass to access an interview with General Lyndon Buckingham and other Compass-specific resources
