Anticipation grows for exciting Commissioning weekend

By: Brad Rowland

Salvationists from across the USA Southern Territory are set to gather as anticipation grows for Commissioning Weekend 2023. From June 2-4, Commissioning will be held at the Atlanta Temple Corps with the theme of "All In: Everyone… Everywhere—A Call to Evangelism & Discipleship Mark 16:15 ERV." The three-day gathering promises to make a deep impact through service, fellowship, and worship, and will include the commissioning of the Reflectors of Holiness session of cadets on Sunday, June 4.

"Commissioning is the ‘spring time' for the Southern Territory," said Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, territorial commander. "Where all things are new, and our fresh new lieutenants are commissioned into the field."

Special guest speakers will be ministering throughout the weekend, as The Salvation Army welcomes Dr. Bill and Reverend Diane Ury, Michael Adam Beck, and Marilyn Adamson. Dr. and Reverend Ury are The Salvation Army's national ambassadors for holiness in the United States, while Michael Beck is a pastor, professor, and author who works alongside his wife, Jill, as co-pastors of Wildwood and St. Marks UMC. Adamson is the director of EveryStudent.com. Each is well-equipped to inform and come alongside the Army in a spirit of mission.

"Our territory and our world are hungry for a fresh Spirit of God to fall and to replenish our thirsty souls," said Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, territorial commander. "It is time for all of us to plead to our God for His holy presence to spark our hearts to see and save those who are perishing all around us. It is time for every Salvationist to rise up and rescue the perishing from the tentacles of this world which constantly pull them down."

In addition to what promises to be a memorable slate of general sessions, the weekend is filled with special events. From 5 pm to 9 pm ET on Saturday, June 3, a block party will be held with the aim to bring the local community into the fold, exercise the calling to evangelize to others, and put the theme of the weekend into practice. This event, held in the parking lot shared by the Atlanta Temple Corps and Territorial Headquarters, will include free admission and free food for all who would like to attend. The Southern Staff Band, Southern Staff Songsters, and transMission are set to perform, in addition to a unicyclist and much more.

Children are also encouraged to attend the block party, with a "kid zone" in place featuring bounce houses, games, and a "Dunk the D.C." booth. Vendors will be onsite throughout the evening, with Atlanta Area Command Corps providing opportunities to connect attendees to Salvation Army programs and services. There will also be an intentional prayer ministry onsite, with evangelistic resources distributed. In the center of the block party event will be a "Jesus Theater" presentation from Territorial Arts Ministry (TAM) at 7 pm ET. This will be followed by a time of response and commitment, with a powerful time of reflection and worship expected.

A youth conference for ages 6-12 (as of June 1, 2023) will take place during the weekend's general sessions, and childcare will be offered for ages 6 months-5 years with pre-registration required for both tracks. The childcare services will feature five zones of activity, and the youth conference will be built around the Orange curriculum "Ready, Set, Move." This includes the introduction of the theme on Friday evening, jam-packed activities throughout Saturday, and a "Junior Commissioning" service on Sunday.

Registration is available by clicking here. As a reminder, pre-registration is required for the childcare and youth conference programming.

"We want to facilitate a renewed passion of all Salvationists to see their corps and communities as Jesus does, to move them to love, and to serve the way He did," said Commissioner Igleheart. "If you need encouragement, have an interest in knowing more about the Kingdom of God, and believe that our Salvation Army movement can be the catalyst to save the world, come join our Army."