In early October, 64 delegates from across the Canada and Bermuda Territory gathered in Toronto to participate in the annual Explore Your Call weekend. This year marks the first time the event was hosted at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at territorial headquarters, which provided a unique, intentional opportunity for those exploring full-time vocational ministry within The Salvation Army to get a glimpse into CFOT. It was also a chance to see the home base of many Salvation Army mission and ministry support systems.

This year’s gathering began Friday morning with a dialogue with divisional candidates secretaries, allowing delegates to share what they were hoping to gain from the weekend, as well as a time of prayer and encouragement.

A thought-provoking opening session on calling was given by Dr. Rob Fringer, president and vice-chancellor of Booth University College, who highlighted a parallel between Old Testament priests and Salvation Army officers in supporting God’s people: God is still calling people to vocational ministry because God’s people still need to receive the teaching, sacrificial service, blessing and shepherding that Salvation Army officers provide them. His message concluded with uplifting scriptural examples of how answering that call leads to transformation and joy.

Various self-selected topic tracks enabled delegates to explore their call, with sessions that included hearing God’s voice and listening for sacred next steps; identifying spiritual gifts, cultivating spiritual life, and healthy spiritual leadership; character and leadership development; spiritual calling to local leadership; single and single-spouse officership; ministry myths and facts; CFOT life; and living out calling and covenant as a Salvation Army officer.

Time for fellowship and connection was built into the weekend to foster community-building during what can be both an exciting and daunting season of discernment. Inspiring testimonies were shared by first-year cadets. A highlight was the Saturday evening ice cream social, following a lively interview panel with new, seasoned and retired officers.

Each day, delegates gathered to participate in worship. Encouraging—and challenging—messages based upon God’s Word were also shared daily. On Friday, Colonel Margaret McLeod, chief secretary, invited delegates to listen attentively as they are all called to be messengers for God. As the world can send them messages that compete for their attention, prayerful discernment is needed to notice and set aside any such messages that distract them from doing what God is calling them to do. She encouraged delegates to respond faithfully to the messages God gives, even if they are unexpected.

On Saturday, Major Carson Decker, territorial candidates secretary, referencing how Jesus called some of his disciples, challenged delegates to identify and let go of their “nets”—whatever might be getting in the way of pursuing God’s greater purpose for their lives (see Matthew 4:18-20).

Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander, sent the delegates out on Sunday morning with a message of encouragement based on the weekend’s Scripture theme, Isaiah 6:1-8, reminding them that while they may feel unqualified and ill equipped to enter into vocational ministry, it is God himself who qualifies them. Commissioner Graves noted that when they respond to God’s invitation into a relationship with Jesus, and when they accept his sanctifying grace, they are then qualified to go out and participate with the Lord in whatever transformational work he is calling them to do.

Delegates and leaders agreed that the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable throughout the weekend, and many hearts were deeply stirred.