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We’re back with our final highlight episode from the 2024 Testify Congress.
Yes, last month, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people.
And The Salvation Army’s international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, traveled from London to be part of it all.
You’ve heard the General speak from this event a couple times now—in Episode 193 and 197.
Today, we bring you his final appearance of the Congress before some 3,000 attendees at the Pasadena Convention Center Civic Auditorium. This is his public charge to the new lieutenants.
Over the weekend, the Defenders of Justice Session of cadets were commissioned as Salvation Army officers, or pastors, and in this meeting were given their very first ministry assignment. In fact, they don’t find out the location until they are standing on stage!
And this is the battle cry, if you will, for each one of them from The Salvation Army’s international leader.
Listen in and be encouraged in your eagerness to serve, too.
Listen and subscribe to the Do Gooders Podcast now. Below is a transcript of the episode, edited for readability. For more information on the people and ideas in the episode, see the links at the bottom of this post.
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General Lyndon Buckingham: Defenders of Justice! Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
My dear brothers and sisters, you have been so patient, waiting, waiting, waiting for that which is going to come next. Some of us remember what it feels like. I have to be honest with you, I remember it, but what I don’t remember is the charge that was given to me.
So I’m under no illusions that you’re going to remember anything I say to you in the next 60 or 70 seconds. But I’m going to say it anyway, because some of it might just drop in there and be a reminder to you later on.
I had the privilege of spending some time with your territorial executive leaders. And I shared a passage of Scripture with them that I want to share with you. It’s not really a charge. It’s an encouragement. It’s an ask, in a sense.
And I want you to receive this as from the Lord this afternoon. And in doing so, know that we who love you and respect you will be praying for you. That God’s blessing and anointing will be on your ministry. And that God will use you to extend his kingdom.
The reading comes from 1 Peter chapter 5. And this is what it says:
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve (5:1-2).
Eager to serve. Eager to serve. I’m gonna say it a third time, eager.
Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (5:3).
Being examples to the flock, who you are amidst us will be a powerful force for good. Be examples to the flock.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away (5:4).
We need you as our leaders to be examples.
And one final piece of advice: Above all else, guard your hearts, for it is the wellspring of your life [Prov. 4:23].
May God bless you as you receive your first appointments and march out of here ready to be examples to the flock. May God bless you.
Additional resources:
- Did you know The Salvation Army served some 24 million Americans last year fighting hunger, homelessness, substance abuse and more? Where can you help? Take our quiz to find your cause and learn how you can join in today.
Listen and subscribe to the Do Gooders Podcast now.
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