General Paul Rader (Rtd), The Salvation Army’s 15th beloved international leader, was promoted to Glory on 18 January 2025.
General Paul Rader was the international leader of The Salvation Army from 1994 to 1999. He also served as Chief Secretary in Korea Territory (1977–84) and USA Eastern Territory (1989), as Territorial Commander in USA Western Territory (1989–94) and as President of Asbury University in Kentucky, USA (2000–06).
General Rader’s dynamic ministry and visionary leadership had a tremendous influence around the world. He will be remembered for his preaching, teaching and sterling example of Salvationism.
General Lyndon Buckingham, the international leader of The Salvation Army, paid tribute, saying: ‘General Paul Rader was a devoted servant and leader. I salute his unwavering commitment to his calling, his unrelenting vision for the growth of The Salvation Army and the sharing of the gospel to the furthest reaches of the globe.’
The Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill added: ‘General Paul Rader was a dynamic and engaging leader who inspired me and countless other officers of my generation. I thank God for the power of his preaching and teaching.’
More details will follow, but we ask the global Salvation Army family to hold Commissioner Kay Rader and the family in their prayers at this time.