Frequently Asked Questions

The officer training and development program engages candidates (year one), cadets (years two and three) and lieutenants (years four to eight), and this represents the eight-year plan. The program provides education, training and development opportunities that the Canada and Bermuda Territory has deemed essential for officers to succeed in their appointment responsibilities.

In response to feedback and the realities of ministry in a 21st-century context, more attention is given to hands-on, field-based learning. In the new training model, cadets will be assigned to a home-based corps (HBC) under the mentorship of a field-training officer (FTO) who will provide the fulsome experience of what it means to be a Salvation Army officer.

During the first year of cadet training, cadets will worship and participate in the faith community of their HBC. Their field experience will have a strong social ministry focus which includes intensive social mission placements throughout the year.

In the second year of training, cadets will take on an “associate officer-like” role within their placement, starting with an intensive summer assignment at their HBC.

Over eight years, the sequencing of biblical, theological, and ministry-related courses facilitates increased hands-on, field-based learning during training (years two and three). Note that all requirements for the certificate of officership must be completed before ordination and commissioning as per International Orders and Regulations for the Training and Development of Salvation Army Officers.

Field-based training connects classroom learning to real ministry settings. Cadets learn through direct interaction and participation with corps and social mission environments and minister in the community under the supervision of experienced officers and with the support of a caring congregation.

Opportunities for international ministry experience will be considered case by case when deemed appropriate for a cadet's spiritual, theological and ministry formation.

A timetable is produced for each semester of training. Classes will be held during the week at CFOT Toronto, located at territorial headquarters. These will be attended in person by those on-campus cadets and field-based cadets with appointments within travelling distance of CFOT. For those too far away, the classes will be offered via Zoom. Sometimes, these lectures may be recorded for viewing at an alternate time. Generally, these will be on two consistent weekdays. The cadet will have one study day as well. The rest of the week will be spent in experiential learning at the corps and ministry placements.

In addition to the weekday timetable, all cadets will come to CFOT up to four weekends throughout the training year. These weekends include spiritual life development classes, mission and ministry seminars, and Salvationism lectures by territorial leadership.

You can expect an environment (community and corps) that provides consistency and stability for families throughout the 24 months of training, an immersed training experience in the different aspects of corps officership, exposure to leadership and management skills, and the opportunity to exercise these in a supervised environment.

Through theological reflection, you will form an understanding of your role as an officer and spiritual leader.

You will focus on faith-based response to community needs and gain an understanding of the practical day-to-day duties of a corps officer, integrated mission, community engagement and corps administration.

• Effective communication of the gospel across all spheres of service (corps, social services, community/integrated mission).

• Creative and contextually relevant platform ministry.

• Pastoral visitation.

• Ministry with all age groups.

• Mission and evangelism.

• Community outreach and service (corrections, emergency services and social services).

• Exposure to ministry and best practices in social ministry centres.

• Aspects of public relations and fundraising.

• Observe and evaluate the strengths and needs of the community; attain insight into the complexities and benefits of community awareness and integration.

• Learn how to conduct Salvation Army ceremonies.

• Advocate for others through intercessory prayer, respond to human needs and participate in ministry in the community context.

• An understanding of spiritual leadership.

Beginning in the candidate phase and carrying through to confirmation, training is designed to help deepen one’s relationship with Jesus through developing rhythms of life, vibrant prayer practise and personal holiness that will be strengthened and supported over the eight years.

• Spiritual retreat and Sabbath rest

• Mentoring relationships

• Development of rhythm of life which fosters spiritual disciplines (for examples see: https://ctl.pointloma.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/07/Adele-Calhoun-CPChart-edited.pdf)

Classes will be comprised of asynchronous and synchronous in-person and online instruction. The accredited, academic courses are delivered primarily through a Booth University College (BUC) course load that will continue to lead to a degree at BUC.

Educational supports are available for cadets in all areas of academic study at BUC and CFOT. In some cases, cadets will be given academic accommodations for documented learning disabilities.

The training of cadets will primarily be in French and take place at ministry units in Quebec under the supervision of field training officers. Classes will be a composite of asynchronous and synchronous in- person and online instruction. Biblical and theological studies will be taken through the University of Laval and may be taken remotely by cadets in field-based locations outside Quebec.

This will be determined in consultation and collaboration with CFOT, the personnel department and divisions, and based upon the identified training needs and experiences of the cadet(s). Cadets’ family dynamic will also be taken into consideration.

We are in the final stages of finalizing the cadet allowance model. Cadets will be provided housing, transportation, living allowance and childcare costs.

The official opening will be in September 2023. CFOT is located on the fourth floor of territorial headquarters in Toronto. Cadets and staff will experience all the elements one would expect in a learning environment, including classrooms, study areas, breakout rooms, staff offices, meeting rooms, access to internet, etc.

The 2023 training year begins in July 2023 with orientation. The training program begins in August 2023.