Many people today are uncertain about their meaning and purpose in life. Those called to officership have the opportunity to lead the Army into the future. Some, however, hesitate to answer this call from God. Considering the cost, this is understandable. Unconditional surrender to God's will requires courage, boldness and humility. I asked officers from across the territory to express what officership means to them.

“Life began to head in a new direction when I became a Salvation Army officer. It's one of the best decisions I ever made. Amazing blessings received.”
—Major Jamie Braund

“The one quality I consider essential in officership above all others is love—without which, all else is meaningless noise.”
—Colonel David Gruer

“Knowing you are where God wants you to be is the best security in the world.”
—Mrs. Commissioner Alison Walter

“Officership is a God-initiated and God-directed adventure for the sake and good of others. It's the right thing to do.”
—Lt-Colonel Doug Moore

“The Army needs people who are totally committed—first to Christ, then to a lost and dying world. This is his call to us.”
—Colonel William Ratcliffe

“Officership is a perilous privilege. The Army needs people who are called into fellowship with Jesus Christ, called into holiness and into his service.”
—Major Brian Wheeler

“I am so glad I said, 'Yes,' to God when he called me to officership. I have experienced his promised faithfulness.”
—Commissioner Donald Kerr

“Officership means being obedient to a definite call from God to full-time service within the Army; full of challenges, extreme joy and unlimited possibilities.”
—Major Winn Blackman

“The privilege of serving the Lord through The Salvation Army has been a marvelous and blessed journey—a journey I would repeat again.”
—Lt-Colonel Baden Marshall

“Full-time ministry is the highest calling. People are needed who are dedicated and willing to sacrifice.”
—Major Doug Lewis

“Officership is living out the love of Jesus in my life. People need to accept the God appointment in every position in which they are placed.”
—Captain Corinne Cameron

“Officership provides wonderful opportunities to live out my calling. We need people who are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission of The Salvation Army.”
—Captain Darlene Burt

“God spoke to my husband and me so clearly, calling us to officership. What a joy it has been to carry the light, hope and love of Jesus to both young and old.”
—Mrs. Lt-Colonel Dorothy Burrows

“We need people who are willing to respond to God's call in unreserved commitment to Christ and his will. If God is calling you to officership, he will open the doors and lead you step by step.”
—Commissioner William W. Francis

“Officership is a challenging, honourable, enriching and varied ministry privilege. We need passion for God and the willingness to take greater risks.”
—Major Kathryn Trim

“One of the greatest delights of my officership is the wonderful experience of being used by God to inspire people to maximize themselves for the Lord through spiritual depth, leadership, education, development and relationship-building.”
—Major Edith Verstege

Is officership God's design for your life? Say, “Yes!” You will never regret it!

Major Beverly Ivany is the Secretary for Candidates. Married to David, she has four children and two grandchildren.