'The Chosen,' Life Groups, and Youth Conference at Commissioning 2024
In just a few short weeks, hundreds of Salvationists will gather at the Atlanta Temple Corps for a stirring weekend of fellowship, praise, and worship. Commissioning 2024 is May 31 – June 2, the Defenders of Justice session of cadets set to be ordained and commissioned as part of a jam-packed schedule of activities.
In advance of the event, excitement is building in a myriad of ways, including through the announcement that five special guests from “The Chosen” television series will be featured in the evening program on Saturday, June 1. Chris Juen and Chad Gundersen, co-executive producers, will be joined by Ryan Swanson, head writer and executive producer, and a pair of actors, Lara Silva and Jordan Walker Ross. Silva plays “Eden” in the series, with Walker Ross acting as “Little James.”
“You are not going to want to miss this amazing opportunity,” said Roberta Simmons-Smith, territorial director of special events. “You will hear their personal testimonies and how they personally have been impacted in their Walk With Jesus through the journey of working on ‘The Chosen.’”
“The Chosen” is described as a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of those who knew him. The seven-season television show aims to share an authentic and intimate look at the life and teachings of Jesus. Created by Dallas Jenkins and distributed by Angel Studios, “The Chosen” also earned a world record as the highest crowd-funded video project of all-time.
“The Chosen” also has direct ties to The Salvation Army. In preparation for its second of seven seasons, the series was seeking filming locations, and Jenkins connected with Casey Bilbrey, director of operations for The Salvation Army’s Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, Texas. That connection led to “The Chosen” constructing a one-of-akind, 30,000 square-foot soundstage at Camp Hoblitzelle, and “The Chosen” and The Salvation Army partnered on the permanent construction of a recreated village of Capernaum built on the site of Fort Tejas. Jenkins shared, “The Salvation Army has been an extraordinary partner throughout this process,” and the USA Southern Territory is excited to welcome members of “The Chosen” team to Commissioning 2024.
On Friday, May 31, the weekend will begin with a celebration through the lens of the recently launched Territorial Priorities, and Saturday morning will center on a “Walk With Jesus” prayer experience. Delegates will participate in a 30-minute guided, immersive experience on the Peachtree Creek Greenway, adjacent to Atlanta Temple, and it will be a beautiful time with the Lord, rain or shine.
Following a family feast in the lunch hour of Saturday, June 1, a series of “Life Groups” will be held at Atlanta Temple and Territorial Headquarters. This simple model of discipleship is built to be replicated in corps across the Southern Territory, and it promises to be a moving time.
“Our people need this, and so do their communities,” said Major Cam Henderson, Knoxville (Tennessee) area commander and coordinator for the life groups. “This is not just a new discipleship tool or trendy fad to catch the eye or to beg people to disciple.
“John Wesley’s small groups were intentionally transformational in intention and design and were the foundation of the sweeping success of the early Methodist movement,” Major Henderson continued. “In the modern era, as these groups were replaced with something else, however, Methodism began its decline. But our Founder knew and enjoyed them and hoped we would continue them.”
Stephen Mansfield will be the Friday morning commencement speaker, with Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, territorial leaders, and Captain Ashish Pawar, corps officer at the Atlanta International Corps, serving as speakers during the weekend. Worship will also be supported by the Southern Staff Band, Southern Staff Songsters, transMission, and Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM).
The theme verse for Commissioning Weekend 2024 is 1 Peter 2:21, which 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” (MSG version).
That banner extends to comprehensive youth activities for children. Childcare is available for children from ages 6 months through 4 years, with a Youth Conference for ages 5 through 12 years. Both tracks are available through pre-registration only.
The Youth Conference will have a focus on “Start the Party” and will feature rotations in the style of Vacation Bible School. That includes snacks, games, small groups, crafts, and a dedicated Bible story, and the gatherings will be high-energy, focusing on the promise outlined in Acts 2:28 NIrV: “You always show me the path that leads to life. You will fill me with joy when I am with you.”
Friday evening’s youth activities will feature a magician, with a March of Witness on Saturday including the children singing “Trust and Obey” in the main Commissioning session. On Sunday morning, a Youth Commissioning service will be held.
“It would be easy for people to just look at what we’re doing in the Youth Conference at Commissioning and dismiss it as just childcare,” said Major Matt Satterlee, territorial youth secretary. “That’s not how we are looking at it! We’re looking at the Youth Conference as a discipleship opportunity to lead the young people into a deeper faith with Jesus.
“Not only will our young people be learning and seeing the different parties in Scripture, such as the Wedding at Cana and the party at the end of the parable of the Prodigal Son, but we’re giving our young people time and space to work through a small group of their own,” Major Satterlee said. “This is more than just childcare while the grown-ups are in meetings. This is intentional discipleship with our young people. They matter. Let’s not waste a moment.”
Registration information and further details are available at usscommissioning.org. The deadline to register children for the Youth Conference or childcare is Friday, May 24. In addition, the deadline to book a hotel room at a reduced group rate is Thursday, May 9.
