In June, nine Champions of the Mission cadets—fondly described as trailblazers—were ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers. This session was the first to complete the revised training program at the College for Officer Training, which was relocated from Winnipeg to Toronto in July 2023. The relocation created new opportunities to be embraced, celebrated and deemed successful in the equipping and training of cadets.

BENEFITS OF NEW LOCATION

First, relocating to Toronto meant that each cadet or cadet couple could be placed within a Salvation Army corps throughout their 24-month training. Cadets ministered beside seasoned corps officers, developing as leaders, learning the rhythm of the seasons in a corps, and receiving pastoral care.

Captains Cathy and Scott Allen, then corps officers at Toronto’s Agincourt Temple Community Church, mentored the cadets placed in their congregation. “Cadets gain significant confidence as they train and minister within the same location,” says Captain Cathy Allen. “Congregations have the joy of seeing cadets grow spiritually and in leadership abilities.”

“Relationships take time to form. In the new training model, there is great opportunity for relationship building,” adds Captain Scott Allen.

Field training has increased significantly, averaging 20 to 24 hours per week. This increased focus means cadets have greater opportunity for hands-on learning, becoming better equipped and more confident stepping into their first appointments.

Second, cadets are broadening and deepening their appreciation of the Army’s social ministry through participating in a social mission ministry unit. Upon completion of the social mission field training, cadets have remarked, “I didn’t know that The Salvation Army ministered in this way,” or “There are so many great opportunities for ministry within our social mission.”

“My wife, Lieutenant Chesney Edwards, and I were privileged to be part of ministry in a residential corrections program and a seniors’ shelter,” says Lieutenant Josh Edwards, who was commissioned in June. “In both settings, we were able to experience the unique and transformational ways in which the Salvation Army mission is lived out.”

Third, embracing technology allowed cadets in Quebec to train in French, while attending chapels, classes, occasional community events and even sessional group chats. These tools have assisted the Champions of the Mission to create strong bonds of friendship.

“Training in the province of Quebec allowed us to learn, put things into practice and serve the Quebec people. Training in French allowed us to stay connected to Quebec culture and language,” says Lieutenant Josette Joseph.

As trailblazers, the Champions of the Mission used the following words to describe their training experience: adventure, deepening, transforming experience, community. 

COMMISSIONING AND CONFIRMATION

The officer training program spans eight years in total: Year 1—candidate; Years 2 and 3—cadet; Years 4 to 8 (often called the first five years)—lieutenant. Each period of the program has a set of expectations and requirements. At the conclusion of Year 8, and having completed all the requirements for confirmation, a lieutenant will be confirmed as a captain in The Salvation Army. But what does that mean?

While most Salvationists are familiar with the commissioning of Salvation Army officers, few are aware of the confirmation of officers. Confirmation comes at the end of the five years spent as a lieutenant and is the final, formal period of development and discernment. It is a period characterized by continued education and spiritual formation. Lieutenants are required, for example, to take academic courses, participate in seminars, attend two lieutenants’ institutes, and write a reflection paper on their ministry and calling. The intention is to give additional oversight to those new in their ministry and provide added training and support for new officers.

Our officer training and development program has great direction and structure for these first five years. The courses and webinars follow a prescribed order, with each session continuing to take courses and online seminars together. An annual spiritual life development day, offered by the division, has been added as an expectation for lieutenants to ensure that they are continuing to deepen and grow in their spiritual life.

The College for Officer Training continues to be flexible in the provision of training to meet the needs of The Salvation Army and the individuals being trained. If God is calling you to officership, please contact your divisional candidates secretary. 

MAJOR MARGARET McLEOD is the assistant training principal and mission and ministry formation co-ordinator at the College for Officer Training. She will take up a new appointment as chief secretary of the Canada and Bermuda Territory on October 1, 2025, with the rank of colonel.

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