Commissioning 2024: Walking Like Jesus

As people continue to make plans and schedule their lives in this new year, we would invite you to look at your calendar and consider adding one of the most important events you will attend this year: Commissioning 2024, May 31 – June 2.

"The ordination and commissioning of cadets, coupled with sending them into the field is a high and holy gathering for Salvationists annually," says Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, Territorial Commander. "We celebrate the faithfulness of God and recognize that He continues to call and send forth laborers into the field. Commissioning rallies our people around the cross of Christ and encourages our hearts for service in the communities where we live."

Set to be held once again at the Atlanta Temple Corps, this year's theme is "Walking Like Jesus." The focus verse, 1 Peter 2:21 says, "This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it step by step" (The Message).

"The Territorial Priority for 2024 is ‘Discipleship,'" Commissioner Kelly says. "By definition, a disciple of Jesus walks with Him and remains close to Him and His teaching. Jesus Himself calls us to ‘Go and make disciples' which is where we will focus in June 2024."

Commissioner Kelly says he prays that all attendees walk away with an understanding, "that we all walk like Jesus because we walk with Jesus. He was the Master Teacher, a rabbi to all people for all ages. My hope and prayer is that all those in attendance and those who participate virtually will be drawn close to Him. I pray that we are all inspired to tell the story of Jesus to all those with whom we come in contact."

"You're not going to want to miss this next Commissioning 2024 event," Roberta Simmons-Smith, territorial director of special events urges. "With the excitement of sending the newly commissioned Defenders of Justice into the field, surrounded by endless opportunities to fellowship, you will experience amazing teaching, all while learning to go deeper in your discipleship journey."

Commissioning 2024 has already been in the planning process since Commissioning 2023 ended last June, Roberta leading the charge in her newly appointed role at Territorial Headquarters. Roberta told us about the great spiritual and educational benefits of attending the event and then exclaimed, "Not to mention all the fun you'll have! Come be part of the Friday night opening session followed by a territorial priority celebration party! ‘Walk with Jesus' on Saturday morning through an immersive prayer experience, and let's eat together at a Family Feast!"

There will be fun for all ages starting with childcare for ages six months through four years, and the Youth Conference for ages five through 12 years old.

Registration is open as of February 1 at usscommissioning.org. Keep an eye on future issues of the Southern Spirit, as well as online at Southern Spirit Online, for further details and special announcements about this weekend of excitement, fellowship, instruction, and discipleship.

"You will not want to miss this Commissioning weekend," Commissioner Kelly declares. "The mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit is being prayed for and is expected to be evident in our meetings and in our lives. Come join the witnesses for Jesus and live inspired by His presence in your lives!"