Faith in God and love for others were the dominant themes running through the welcome meeting to Commissioners Barry (Chief of the Staff) and Sue Swanson (World Secretary for Women's Ministries) at The Salvation Army's International Headquarters (IHQ) in London on Thursday 6 May.

When welcoming the Army's new second-in-command, world leader General Shaw Clifton said that Commissioner Barry Swanson 'takes up office as the 23rd Chief of the Staff and as the third American officer to be appointed to the role, the others being Commissioner John J. Allen (1946-1953) and Commissioner Israel Gaither (2002-2006)'.

General Clifton thanked God for the provision of the new Chief who he said is an officer who has proved he is able to assume heavy leadership roles amid the challenges of today's world.

The General revealed that the appointment of Commissioner Swanson as Chief of the Staff was the result of an extensive and worldwide consultative process – carried out by his office throughout many weeks 'during which the name of Barry Swanson emerged more frequently than any other'.

He added that Commissioner Robin Dunster (the former Chief of the Staff) gave her warmest support to the appointment of Commissioner Swanson.

General Clifton stated that Commissioner Swanson's prior experience of service at IHQ as a zonal international secretary would 'stand him and the whole of the Army in good stead'.

'He can be assured of our prayers, offered regularly, on his behalf ', said the General. 'I look forward to our becoming prayer partners ­– often in prayer together for one another and for the whole Army across the world.

'Equally – and this is true for all who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ – the commissioner can be assured of the divine companionship that is promised in the Scriptures. The Lord will guide him day by day and moment by moment. The Lord will watch over him in every circumstance.'

In his response, Commissioner Swanson thanked the General for the privilege of serving 'as your Chief of the Staff'. He also thanked Commissioner Dunster for her excellent model of strong, selfless leadership as Chief.

Leading into his Bible message the Chief said he was looking forward to, on a global scale, 'broadcasting the love of God and influencing the spread of the gospel to hurting people'.

He outlined how all people are free in Christ to speak of the grace of God and how this grace 'can positively transform who we are and what we do'.

After quoting Galatians 5:6 – 'The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love' – Commissioner Swanson proclaimed: 'I love the boldness of Paul's statement recorded in this verse. There is no doubt that faith has to be at the centre of all we do in every aspect of life.

'Having faith in Christ brings salvation and we need to express our faith through actions. It's doing something with our faith that makes a difference. This is where it gets exciting. I can't wait to see and experience the creative and courageous examples of active faith in the lives of my fellow Salvationists around the world'.

The Chief emphasised that one of his roles is to keep stimulating action-based faith 'done in love – the sincere, real, pure and passionate love that comes from the Lord.'

Commissioner Swanson then issued a challenge: 'As Salvationists we are called to love people in Jesus' name. How can we each help this expression of love-based faith in action to occur more and more?'

Earlier in the meeting Commissioner Helen Clifton (World President of Women's Ministries) welcomed Commissioner Sue Swanson back to IHQ and said that Commissioner Swanson's role is wider than women's ministries. 'She will have many roles to fulfill as she shares in joint leadership with her husband and with the rest of the leadership team for the whole Army,' Commissioner Clifton told the congregation.

Commissioner Clifton added that Commissioner Swanson 'brings to her new role a wide area of expertise and experience and also a wisdom in the way she communicates her vision and opinions.

'There is still much to be done for women in the secular world in terms of pay equity (particularly in the lower-paid areas) and in terms of equality of opportunity and in being taken seriously with regard to one's opinions.'

The commissioner stated that while Commissioner Swanson will pay attention to secular women's issues, 'there is also much to be done spiritually for women – women, like men, need good and godly role-models for Christian living. Sue is such a role model.'

In responding to the World President of Women's Ministries, Commissioner Swanson said, 'It is a privilege to be working with Commission Clifton, who is an amazing prayer warrior.'

Commissioner Swanson transparently shared how officership is not always easy, that some appointments fit officers more comfortably than others and many appointments appear bigger than an officer's abilities. 'And this doesn't just apply to officers; all of us are facing life's tough situations,' she said.

The commissioner quoted 2 Chronicles 20:17 in saying that while God fights the spiritual battles it is vital that followers of Jesus are prepared to 'take up our positions or station ourselves in the place God wants us to be'.

Commissioner Swanson said she had realised some time ago that, 'while the Army can physically send me anywhere, I have to choose to station myself where my body has been sent. My mind and heart need to be fully engaged in the appointment.'

She added: 'I want the Lord to bring me to this new appointment not just as a body in a uniform but as a heart in a uniform.'

In sharing some of her vision for her role the commissioner said, 'I want to see more and more women find Christ as Saviour and grow in him. I want God to show me fresh ways regarding how women can make a contribution to the whole Salvation Army – not solely through women's ministries.

'I want to see women using all their Holy Spirit gifts for the salvation war.'

When welcoming the Swansons on behalf of the officers and staff at IHQ, Commissioner Lalkiamlova (International Secretary for South Asia) said he truly believed 'that God led the General in making the appointments'.

In an opening prayer Commissioner William Cochrane (International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff) asked God to again anoint the Swansons 'with the power of your Holy Spirit and to continue to be their inspiration'.

During the meeting the Private Secretary to the Chief of the Staff, Major Mark Watts, read from the Scriptures, an ensemble from the International Staff Band played and a singing group from IHQ Administration Department sang.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday 4 May, the General and Commissioner Helen Clifton met the Swansons on their arrival outside the IHQ building at 101 Queen Victoria Street and accompanied them inside, where they were warmly greeted by fellow IHQ commissioners.