As a new generation of leaders emerges, The Salvation Army is finding new ways to support them as they navigate God’s call. The Canada and Bermuda Territory’s ministry placement program is an opportunity for people to experience life as an officer through job-shadow roles and positions in corps and social services. Through their placements, participants grow in their careers and grow closer to God.

“This program is not just for people who are already on track to becoming a candidate,” explains Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, territorial secretary for candidates. She notes that anyone who has sensed God’s call to ministry can explore what this means in a practical way and determine if this is the right path for them.

During their placement, participants will have the support of the officer or officers they are shadowing, their divisional secretary for candidates and the territorial candidates department. They will follow a learning plan that includes readings, individual retreats and monthly meetings to learn together, reflect on their experiences and discern God’s call with others on the same journey.

“My hope is that they will be able to hear what God is saying to them, and they will be ableto discern that in a community of people who are doing the same,” says Captain Jackson-Dockeray.

Though similar programs have existed at a divisional level, the ministry placement program is the first of its kind across the territory. The one-year program launched in September 2022 with the first group of participants concluding their placements this coming August. Another group will start their ministry journey in the fall of 2023.

This year, six participants are exploring ministry in the Ontario, Prairie, and Alberta and Northern Territories divisions. 

Brian Fisher-Smith, Ontario Division

My placement is at Barrhaven Church in Ottawa, shadowing Captains Laura and Stefan Van Schaick, the corps officers. I’ve arrived at a pivotal and exciting time, joining the team as they oversee construction of a new corps building. Though my home corps is Ottawa Citadel, Barrhaven has adopted me as one of their own. The best part is having both corps in Ottawa praying for me and supporting my candidacy—it doesn’t get any better than that!

This placement has confirmed how vital and important corps ministry is to the overall health of The Salvation Army in our territory. There are deep spiritual needs in our suburban communities that are not as obvious as the more pressing social needs we are known for meeting. Working in Barrhaven has shown me first-hand how Salvationists can be Christ’s servants in the communities where we live.

The ministry placement program has had a profound impact on my life. I’ve grown in my spiritual journey, trusting that God’s perfect will and plans will be accomplished despite the difficulties and obstacles I face.

Mary Milne, Ontario Division

At Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel, I have been involved inyouth ministries, Bible studies, the band, women’s groups and devotionals. The Christmas season was busy with kettles, Sunday planning and Christmas assistance, and when everyone went home, all was quiet. It was a very real, simulated experience of life as an officer.

Scarborough Citadel turned into a wonderful learning opportunity and a personal blessing. Captains Carolina and Johnny Valencia, corps officers, are excellent mentors who have taught me the physical, spiritual, vocational and emotional aspects of ministry.

I know now that nothing I could have ever planned for myself would have been more meaningful than my placement at Scarborough Citadel. I have grown in knowledge, confidence and love. I feel that through this whole experience, God has shown me more of his character. 

I have come to rely on who he is and trust him for it. Sometimes that looks like telling him when I am mad, frustrated or upset. Sometimes that looks like turning on music and dancing. Sometimes that looks like, in a moment of stress, taking a breath and being silent. I know that he has a plan that is beyond my human capacity to understand. As Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Chesney and Joshua Edwards, Ontario Division

The ministry placement program has provided us with an amazing opportunity to experience full-time ministry prior to entering the College for Officer Training. We get hands-on experience that helps us develop our skills, affirm our call and pursue Jesus every single day.

We have taken on a placement as corps leaders at Wingham Corps in Ontario. In this role, we are able to share the love of Jesus in so many ways, whether it is through meaningful worship at the corps, providing food at family services, or creating an excellent place to buy second-hand goods at our local thrift store. We have learned a lot about being present and available to our community, and being able to step back and appreciate how God is working in the lives of those around us is an absolute privilege. We also get to see him at work in our own lives as we grow through the many opportunities he brings us. 

Jessica MacKenzie, Prairie Division

I had previously been working in women’s ministries, but I knew God had something else planned for me. When I was presented with the possibility of doing a ministry placement, I was filled with immense excitement and peace at the thought of participating. That’s how I knew it was where God was leading me.

I have been placed at Cross Bridge Community Church in Winnipeg, where I’ve had ample opportunity to develop my skills in preaching and leading worship for our weekly services, and to assist people in the community through a small food bank. I have made pastoral visits, led and assisted in youth group and prayer meetings, and participated in the more administrative side of ministry such as organizing Christmas kettles or arranging donation pickup.

Although I grew up in The Salvation Army, this program has changed the way that I view ministry within the Army. Ministry in The Salvation Army often means going to those who are seen as outcasts—people whose lives have been affected by drug or alcohol abuse, war, exploitation and more.

Each day, I become more aware that I can worship God in everything I do. In a new way, I am learning to see people the way that God sees them, and to love them as he loves them.

John Arndt, Alberta and Northern Territories Division

When our corps officers at The Salvation Army Foothills Corps and Community Ministries in High River, Alta., moved to Australia, there was nobody to replace them. Captain Darryl Burry, my area commander, and Lieutenant Olivia Campbell-Sweet, my divisional secretary for candidates, approached me and asked if I would take up the role as corps leader before I entered training college in 2023.

Foothills Corps has been my home corps for the past 15 years. In this placement, I have experienced many new things, from having multiple meetings in a day to having the honour of doing the ceremonial puck drop at our local hockey game, and spending Christmas as a corps leader—a new and tiring experience, but one that I would love to do again many times.

I have a new appreciation for what officers in The SalvationArmy do. As a corps leader, people look to you for answers. Now, I am that person, and I have faith that God will be there to see me through. 

If you are interested in the ministry placement program, contact your divisional secretary for candidates, the territorial candidates department, or visit: https://salvationist.ca/candidates/ministry-placement-program/