Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel was filled with the iconic sounds of The Salvation Army—brass music, singing, clapping and a timbrel brigade—as the territory celebrated the ordination and commissioning of the Champions of the Mission on June 21. Officers, Salvationists, College for Officer Training (CFOT) faculty, friends and family witnessed the meaningful transformation of nine cadets ordained as ministers of the Lord and commissioned as officers of The Salvation Army.

The Canadian Staff Band (CSB), led by Bandmaster John Lam, the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS) under the direction of Cathie Koehnen, and NEON offered an exciting musical prelude as seats filled in the sanctuary, overflowing into the foyer with hundreds more joining by live stream.

Territorial leadership, including Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, and Colonels John and Lani Chamness, chief secretary and territorial secretary for spiritual life development, entered the sanctuary behind the territorial flag.

“We have come together for a deeply sacred moment. Today is not merely a ceremony or milestone; it is a holy occasion,” said Colonel John Chamness in welcome. “In this place before God and his people, men and women will be ordained as Salvation Army officers of this territory. They do not do so lightly, but with hearts wholly surrendered to the call of God.”

The CSB then led the congregation in worship, singing Lord of Creation, To You Be All Praise.

The Champions of the Mission entered the sanctuary behind their sessional flag, carried by flagbearer Cadet John Arndt, to the tune of Send Us, Lord, their sessional song, performed by the CSS, with music and lyrics by Marcus Venables, assistant territorial music and arts secretary. Each cadet approached the platform, saluting Commissioners Graves and taking their seat.

With a deep sense of pride for their dedication over their two years of study, Major Deana Zelinsky, training principal, presented the Champions of the Mission. “These individuals represent the diversity of our Canada and Bermuda Territory. Each brings a unique story of calling and surrender, but they are united by a shared conviction that Jesus is Lord and that his mission is worth their whole lives.

“The Champions of the Mission have proclaimed Christ with their words and actions, and they carry a fire within them to reach a broken world for Jesus,” she said.

Cadet Peter Chaulk and Cadet Josette Joseph then recited the Officer’s Covenant in English and French, representing both official languages of the territory and those spoken by members of the session.

NEON led the congregation in Cornerstone, joined by the CSB, before the cadets stood together to recite the Declaration of Faith in unison.

The CSS sang a soulful rendition of In the Secret of Thy Presence as the Champions of the Mission took a moment to pray, reflect and prepare their hearts. Then, one by one, each cadet stood humbly before Commissioners Graves to receive their ordination and commissioning, each given a Scripture verse chosen for them by CFOT staff.

“We rejoice that God has called you, equipped you and gifted you for sacred service, and therefore affirm that you are ordained as a minister of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” said Commissioner Lee Graves to each cadet. “I now commission you as an officer of The Salvation Army, with the rank of lieutenant.”

The CSS, CSB and NEON came together to perform Send Us, Lord, and the Champions of the Mission exited the sanctuary, prepared to go out into the world and serve the whosoever, called and equipped by God, as officers of The Salvation Army.

Welcome, Lieutenants

In celebration, the Montreal Citadel timbrels took to the stage for a dynamic performance as the CSB played Montreal Citadel. The congregation stood and clapped to the music as territorial leaders and the Keepers of the Covenant Session re-entered the sanctuary. Then, the timbrels moved to line the aisles as the Champions of the Mission marched back in, now dressed in the red trim of newly commissioned lieutenants and accompanied by their respective families.

The lieutenants and their families came to the platform where Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves recognized the ministry appointments of the new officers.

“We are humbled to be given the responsibility of serving as officers of the Canada and Bermuda Territory,” said Lieutenant Alicia McLeod, representative speaker of the Champions of the Mission, who spoke on behalf of her session-mates. “I am confident that by God’s grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, that we will be disciples who will grow Christ’s church, shepherding the people God has placed in our care.

“To our family, friends and fellow Salvationists, we can’t do this ourselves,” Lieutenant McLeod continued. “Be a champion of the mission wherever your feet are planted, and pray that God will continue to call us, strengthen us and use us in his kingdom work.”

Commissioner Lee Graves then delivered a passionate and reflective message centred on humility, sacrifice and what it means to be a true champion of the Lord’s mission on earth.

“Champions of the mission never give up. Champions of the mission never turn back. Jesus himself was that champion of champions who threw the world this lifeline—his mercy, his grace, his love, his salvation—and you and I are the conveyers of that truth to a world that needs to know his mercy, grace, love and salvation.

“That’s The Salvation Army, that’s what we’ve been called to do,” he declared. “As champions of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our responsibility to share the gospel. So, what do we do? We march with Jesus to victory.”

Commissioner Graves then invited the lieutenants and their families to kneel at the mercy seat. As the congregation sang I’ll Not Turn Back, officers, Salvationists and friends came forward to join them in a powerful moment of prayer and surrender.

In closing, Major Zelinsky and Major Carson Decker, territorial candidates secretary, both prayed.

“Lord, we thank you today for the provision of harvest hands, people who are responding to your call to bring your message of hope and restoration to a world that so desperately needs it,” said Major Decker. “Today we thank you for these newly commissioned lieutenants and accepted candidates, and others who are responding to this call, offering themselves as workers of the Lord. May they embrace the call of God with open hearts, trusting your guidance and surrendering to the divine adventure you have prepared for them.”

The service ended on an uplifting and joyful note as Lt-Colonel Roxanne Jennings, secretary for personnel, invited everyone to sing the favourite tune, I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord, accompanied once again by the energetic Montreal Citadel timbrels. The newly commissioned lieutenants of the Champions of the Mission Session exited the sanctuary behind their sessional flag as their friends and families cheered on.

Celebrating the Call

The next day, the Champions of the Mission returned to Scarborough Citadel for their first official worship service as lieutenants. The service reflected on their call to ministry in The Salvation Army, honouring the many people who walked with them on their journey of faith and encouraging others to receive God’s call in their own lives.

Following a welcome by Colonel John Chamness and Army of Salvation led by the Scarborough Citadel Band, the Champions of the Mission and Keepers of the Covenant sessions recited prayers of praise in French and English.

In keeping with tradition, a moment was set aside during the service to honour those entering the Fellowship of the Silver Star. Inaugurated in 1930 by General Evangeline Booth, the Silver Star recognizes the mentors or parents of newly commissioned officers for their role in the spiritual formation of the lieutenants. Introduced by Commissioner Debbie Graves and Major Teresa Decker, territorial women’s ministries secretary, each lieutenant presented their Silver Star recipients with a gift.

Another special moment followed as Commissioner Lee Graves invited Commissioner Rosalie Peddle to the platform, accompanied by her daughter, Major Krista Andrews, where she was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

“We as a movement honour you for your courageous leadership and the exemplary role model you have been for all Salvationists and officers, but especially women leaders of The Salvation Army in the Canada and Bermuda Territory and around our Army world,” said Commissioner Debbie Graves to Commissioner Peddle. “You have taken your place in every appointment you have held, preaching, teaching and leading; you’ve inspired many of us who have observed you over the years. Women leaders have found their strength in ministry because you found yours.”

The morning’s message came from three of the newly commissioned officers, Lieutenant Hannah Chaulk, Lieutenant Josh Edwards and Lieutenant Wilder Jean-Charles, who preached about the movement of God’s Spirit within each person who believes in him. They shared their experiences hearing the call and encouraged others to fan the flame of God’s Spirit in their own lives.

“I remember when I first sensed God’s calling on me—it wasn’t loud or dramatic, but it was unmistakably real and clear. It felt like a holy invitation in my life,” said Lieutenant Hannah Chaulk. “The call of God is not about being ready, but about being willing to accept his invitation to serve him and advance his kingdom’s mission.”

“This message is not just for the Champions of the Mission. It is for every person who seeks to live out the gospel with faithfulness and courage,” added Lieutenant Josh Edwards. “The fire already exists. The spark is already there. But it must be stirred. It must be fanned into flame.”

Then, the Champions of the Mission warmly invited anyone who felt the Spirit of Jesus moving within them to join them at the mercy seat for prayer as the congregation sang Fan the Flame Within Me and I Surrender.

As the service ended, General Brian Peddle (Rtd) stood from his seat in the audience to pray over those at the mercy seat. “Lord, we come in the spirit of surrender this morning and ask that you will take our lives and use them for your glory,” said General Peddle. “In the midst of all that is happening in our world, Lord, help us to focus on you. Bring others into a relationship with you through our testimonies. Continue to move in our hearts so that your will can be accomplished.”

Watch the Ordination and Commissioning of the Champions of the Mission Session on YouTube: 

Watch the Sunday worship service on YouTube: 

Photos: Steve Nelson