General Lyndon Buckingham, international leader of The Salvation Army, has issued a powerful Global Call to Action to Salvationists, employees and supporters around the world. In a stirring appeal, the General urges the international movement to embrace a renewed spiritual vitality and missional focus, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ.

In his message, General Buckingham calls for a divine sense of God’s calling to reinvigorate The Salvation Army’s identity and purpose. "If ever the world needed a Holy Spirit-driven, Jesus-centred, hope-filled Salvation Army, it is now," he declares.

"Bronwyn [Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries] and I know that we need spiritual breakthrough which will see our faith communities in every place living into health and growth and a flourishing that will continue long into the future."

In the Call to Action (which is available in full here), the General highlights challenges facing the Church today, particularly the need for spiritual breakthrough and a revitalised enthusiasm for mission. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, confession and reliance on the Holy Spirit to overcome complacency and spiritual fatigue.

Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, territorial leaders for Canada and Bermuda, wholeheartedly endorse this call. "The General’s words remind us that spiritual vitality must always precede and empower our social action."

The commissioners urge Salvationists in Canada and Bermuda: "Let us unite in prayer, align our efforts with this vision, and move forward with faith and courage. Together, as a territory and a global Army, we affirm our calling to bring the transforming love of Jesus Christ to the world."

The Call to Action is available in English, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil and Indonesian.

The Quiet Revival

A key theme in the General’s message is the emergence of a "Quiet Revival" led by young people across churches in England and Wales. Citing a recent report from the Bible Society, General Buckingham notes a dramatic growth in faith communities, challenging long-held predictions about the decline of Christianity. "We must let go of the desire to control, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead," he says, urging Salvation Army communities to empower young people and embrace innovation and courage.

Commissioners Graves agree: "We must make space for them to lead, trusting the Spirit to guide us into new expressions of mission. Their creativity, courage and faith are vital to the future of our movement."

Compass: The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework

The Call to Action is anchored in the launch of Compass, The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework, unveiled on September 25, 2024. Compass is designed to revitalise the Army’s spiritual and missional life through three core focus areas: Empowering People, Enhancing Mission Impact and Establishing an Enduring Legacy.

General Buckingham shares a vision for a growing, sustainable Salvation Army – one that is deeply engaged in mission and ministry, reaching people in everyday life and leading them into the Kingdom of God. "Let us nurture a powerful life of prayer and win these battles in the spiritual realm, breaking through to new life and vibrant expression of our faith in the world," he urges.

Further Reading and Resources:

• Go to https://www.salvationarmy.org/resources/generals-global-call-action to access The General’s Global Call to Action in The Salvation Army’s seven official languages: English, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili and Tamil
• Go to https://www.salvationarmy.org/resource-hub to access resources designed to enhance the spiritual life and mission impact of individuals and Salvation Army mission expressions around the world (includes translated resources)
• Go to https://www.salvationarmy.org/resources/compass to access an interview with General Lyndon Buckingham and other Compass-specific resources