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By Robert Brennan –
Over 270 Southern California officers, soldiers and local officers—who hold voluntary leadership positions in the division’s corps—met Feb. 22 to examine and inspire more effective corps ministry.
General Secretary Major Kyle Smith began the “Empowered” day with a keynote address illustrating that all of us possess God-given gifts and talents not for our own benefit but for the benefit of others and the growth of God’s Kingdom. “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1Cor 12:7) .
After the opening praise service, the group spread out to various workshops focusing on the challenges and opportunities of women’s, men’s and community care ministries. Other workshops presented tools to make soldiers stronger leaders and more effective disciplers.
“I’m so encouraged to see so many soldiers coming to this training day,” said Lt. Colonel Doug Riley, divisional commander. “Each one came because they care about excellence in ministry. They wanted to learn, share ideas and fellowship with other Salvationists, because they know that all of this will help them make their local ministries even more effective.”
As Riley said, participants were indeed “empowered,” not just with information, but with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to return to corps as even stronger witnesses, just like it was foretold in Acts 1:8 :“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
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