Under the theme Compass – Setting Course Towards Jesus, approximately 1,000 Salvationists and friends of all ages gathered in Oslo, Norway (the Norway, Iceland and The Færoes Territory) from 27 to 29 June 2025. The delegates experienced a powerful weekend of worship, dedication and inspiration with the international leaders of The Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries).
Inspired by The Salvation Army’s new Global Strategic Framework, Compass, the focus for the congress was People, Mission and Legacy.
Between meetings, seminars and concerts, the international leaders spoke with delegates and attended special events and activities organised for the many children and young people taking part. They also participated in an open question-and-answer session.
A celebration of old and new
On Wednesday 25 June, the General and Commissioner Buckingham took part in the official dedication of the new territorial headquarters (THQ) and corps building at Ensjø in Oslo. The General presided over the dedication ceremony and unveiled a commemorative plaque. Commissioner Buckingham offered a devotional message to the congregation comprising THQ staff, representatives from the corps and project partners.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Knud Welander welcomed the international leaders and led the afternoon programme. The Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, was also in attendance and gave a greeting congratulating The Salvation Army on the new building and thanking the Army for its substantial and diverse service to the city.
On Wednesday evening, the General and Commissioner Buckingham attended a music festival and celebration of the new corps facilities hosted by the Ensjø Corps, formerly known as the Oslo Temple Corps, thereby being both the oldest and newest corps in the territory. Commissioner Welander presented the corps with a new flag, and the General gave a greeting and devotional message, challenging the corps to not stay indoors in the beautiful building, but to reach out and be present in the neighbouring community. Musical offerings were provided by the children’s choir, the gospel choir, songsters and band.
Giving our all to the Lord
On Thursday evening, the international leaders took part in the commissioning of six new officers in the Champions of the Mission Session, led by Colonels Jane and Paul Waters (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Chief Secretary respectively). Training Principal Major Tom Kristiansen presented the cadets to the territorial leaders, Commissioners Knud and Lisbeth Welander, for the commissioning. Musical assistance and offerings were given by the territorial and worship bands.
In his message, the General inspired and challenged the new lieutenants and everyone present to give to the Lord ‘all that I am, all I can be’, so that others may experience God’s love through us.
The General and Commissioner Buckingham’s vibrant, passionate and Spirit-filled ministry throughout the five-day visit has left an inspired Army in the Norway, Iceland and The Færoes Territory. The mercy seat proved too small in each of the meetings, with many additional chairs having to be freed to enable people to kneel and pray. The gatherings demonstrated an Army eager to move forward and reach out to all with the gospel of Jesus Christ, while offering help to people in need.
