THQ Launches SERVE Territorial Priority
On November 12, Southern Territorial Headquarters (THQ) celebrated the launch of the new program year in conjunction with the shift to the SERVE territorial priority. Over the past 12 months, the territory has been focused on DISCIPLE, leaning into the topics of holiness, prayer, discipleship, and leadership development. This year’s move to SERVE will allow us to press further into recruitment, youth, and mission integration and development.
“Over the past year, we’ve been blessed to deepen our roots through discipleship, growing stronger in our faith and understanding. And now we’re ready to let that growth naturally overflow into serving others,” Commissioner Donna Igleheart, territorial president of women’s ministries, announced to the room filled with officers and employees. “We’re not leaving discipleship. Rather, we’re allowing it to fuel and guide how we serve one another and our communities with Christ’s love. It’s a natural progression; discipleship flows into service.”
As those present enjoyed fresh blueberry scones and specialty coffees, Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, territorial commander, pronounced how thankful he is for the quality of the THQ employees who consistently come alongside The Salvation Army to further its mission. “As I look around this group today, I see people who are constantly thinking about and working towards serving others in His name, without discrimination.”
Commissioner Kelly noted that in the past year the Southern Territory has served 3.2 million people through our corps and programs, encouraging all present to continue seeking out new and additional ways they can serve others.
“Serve the Lord with gladness. I think that’s how I would summarize what our hope is this year with the term ‘SERVE’ — to do it gladly. And that’s our hope and our prayer.”
Colonel Deborah Sedlar, chief secretary, concluded the time of celebration by praying, “Thank you, Lord, for stirring our hearts to be more intentional about bringing people to Jesus, and then to help them in their walk.
“We pray that those who have been discipled will begin to disciple others and that your Kingdom here on earth will grow. And as we launch this, our second year, focusing on SERVE, our prayer is that you will make us servants like Jesus.”
