The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory

"The Word of God is alive and active." Men Officers Find Spiritual Renewal at FORGE Retreat ?? "May we tear down, in the name of Jesus, all of the excuses and the fear and the hiding, to open our lives to righteous men who can sculpt us into what we are made to be in the image of Christ." - Dr. Stephen Mansfield Over 200 men officers gathered in Fort Lauderdale for four transformative days of worship, fellowship, and adventure at the FORGE Territorial Men Officers Retreat. Through powerful sessions led by speakers like Dr. Mansfield and Camilo Buchanan, officers experienced spiritual rejuvenation and brotherhood that many described as life-changing. "The FORGE conference allowed us to approach the throne of God shoulder to shoulder, not just as officers, but as brothers in worship of the Father. For many of us, it allowed us to re-experience our calling all over again." - Captain Paul Ryerson Read the full article to discover how this powerful retreat provided rest, community, and spiritual restoration for our officers. The FORGE retreat may have only been four days, but its effects will be long-lasting! ?? https://lnkd.in/eRHR5f2H #tsaALLFORJESUS #TheSalvationArmy

?? From life's deepest struggles comes unexpected growth. "In the wisdom of God, waste is transformed into wonder," writes Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee in this powerful reflection. Like seeds in darkness that eventually burst forth with life, our painful experiences can become the soil for something beautiful when placed in God's hands. Lt. Colonel Satterlee vulnerably shares how losing his mother as a teenager seemed senseless, yet ultimately deepened his capacity for empathy: "I never hear of someone losing their mother without being touched with their grief... the rotten thing has allowed fruit to be borne." What hardship in your life is God transforming into something meaningful? ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/emB7q_54 #loveALLFORJESUS #TheSalvationArmy

Celebrating Women's Leadership & Growth: International Women's Day 2025 Yesterday, our Territorial Women's Department was blessed to bring together 150 women from across the Greater Atlanta Area for a meaningful International Women's Day celebration. This spirit-filled gathering featured special guest Barb Roose, who shared powerful insights on "Miracles in the Wilderness" - illuminating how God works through our most challenging seasons. The event created sacred space for women to connect through testimony, authentic conversation, and faith-building fellowship. Participants shared stories of personal transformation and resilience, beautifully reflecting our theme from Isaiah 43:19: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" We witnessed women being strengthened, encouraged, and empowered in their faith journey throughout our time together. It was truly a joy to see the seeds of transformation taking root in the hearts of every woman who attended this special celebration. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenOfFaith #AllThingsNew #tsaALLFORJESUS

?? What if we've been thinking about church growth all wrong? Dr. Steve Kellner challenges the traditional approach in his powerful new article on corps growth. Instead of trying to attract people to Sunday service first, he suggests inviting them to serve alongside us in our mission BEFORE inviting them to worship. "Rather than thinking of ourselves as a worshipping community that serves, we should think of ourselves as a 'community in mission' that worships together." This approach honors our Salvationist DNA of faith in action and creates meaningful connections with potential soldiers who already understand our mission. Have you seen this work in your corps? Share your experience in the comments! ? Read the full article to discover how this approach has transformed lives and strengthened corps communities across the Army. ?? https://lnkd.in/e3N7J8rM #tsaALLFORJESUS #serveALLFORJESUS #TheSalvationArmy

SERVE: Faith in Action at Gwinnett County Corps Family Retreat ?? The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County embraced our Territorial Priority of SERVE during their annual Corps Family Retreat this weekend. With the powerful theme "Faith in Action," corps members gathered under the guidance of Special Guests Majors Cheryl and Nesan Kistan, with worship led by Morgan Teachey from the Kentucky-Tennessee Division. Throughout the weekend, corps members immersed themselves in transformative teaching from the Kistans and spirit-filled worship. They also dedicated an afternoon to putting their faith into action through community service—helping with grocery carts, canteen ministry, laundromat outreach, and prayer. "Jesus served others with an attitude of great love and with joy because he understood the eternal significance of his actions," shared Major Cheryl. "We need to pray that God would open our eyes, that we would see the needs around us, and we would respond to them." Corps Sergeant Major Jeremy Rowland's heart for true spiritual renewal shone through as he mobilized support from across Atlanta and the territory, creating space for corps members to encounter God without distraction. The weekend culminated in Sunday's powerful commitment service where each member was anointed with oil. Major Nesan declared, "Gwinnett County, I want to say right now, I believe there is a move of the Holy Spirit that is upon this place. I believe that the health of this congregation is not just by chance. It is designed for a greater purpose." How is God calling YOU to put faith into action today? #serveALLFORJESUS #tsaALLFORJESUS #FaithInAction

?? Mark your calendars, friends across the Southern Territory! Registration is NOW OPEN for two of our signature territorial events: COMMISSIONING 2025: Serve Like Jesus June 6-8 at Atlanta Temple with Commissioners Edward & Shelley Hill (International Chief of Staff). Experience a weekend centered on "Serving Like Jesus" (Mark 10:45) as we come together to strengthen our commitment to service. ?? Register today: usscommissioning.org BIBLE CONFERENCE: Kingdom Living: Hope Awakened August 3-9 at beautiful Lake Junaluska featuring General Lyndon & Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham. This week of spiritual renewal, fellowship, and biblical teaching will equip individuals, families, and corps for Kingdom living and spiritual growth. ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/epGUtkfU ? [Important note: Even if attending just the final weekend of Bible Conference, all attendees must register!] Join hundreds of believers from across the Southern Territory as we worship, learn and grow together in community. ?? Tag someone you hope to see this summer! What are you most excited about?

From day one, women have taken the pulpit by storm in The Salvation Army! This Sunday, women across the nation step into church pulpits for National Women Preach Sunday, continuing our rich heritage. ? "As women leaders and officers in The Salvation Army we have a responsibility to preach. There are those in our congregations who need to hear from us. God has given us a message to share and wired us uniquely to share it." - Major Anne Westmoreland Our Army stands stronger because of the bold women who answer God's call to preach, teach, and lead with courage and conviction. Catherine Booth set the standard — now a new generation rises! Join us in celebrating the women officers who stand tall, speak boldly, and lead effectively in our mission. Read the full inspiring story at the link below. ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/enGvKcah #loveALLFORJESUS #LeadershipDevelopment

When our hearts grow hardened to God's grace, we need more than medicine—we need a spiritual transplant. "God's name is not His label but rather the sum of who He is—His nature, character, holiness, mercy, love, grace, and goodness in all He is, does, and plans." - Major A. Kenneth Wilson This powerful truth reminds us that honoring God means recognizing His complete character—not just in our words, but in how we live and worship. Major Wilson connects this understanding to God's promise of heart transformation: "I will give you a new heart and new spirit. I will make it a new heart—one of flesh rather than stone." Join us in discovering how truly knowing God's character transforms hearts from stone to flesh. Read the full article to experience the hope of spiritual renewal that only Christ can provide. ? ?? https://lnkd.in/grvEfgQW #loveALLFORJESUS #TheSalvationArmy

?? Is your heart ready for a journey that transforms? Lent begins one week from today, inviting us to walk "In His Footsteps" from wilderness to resurrection. It's not just about giving up something—it's about creating space for God to work more deeply in our lives. As you prepare your heart this week, consider meditating on Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This reminder to quiet ourselves before the Lord sets the perfect foundation for the Lenten journey ahead. "The season of Lent calls us to journey along the edge... Lent not only calls us to give up something, but also invites us to participate in the mystery of God-with-us." Prepare your heart this week through prayer, scripture reading, and intentional moments of stillness. And check out Ministry Toolkit, which offers everything you need to guide yourself or your congregation through this sacred season—from Ash Wednesday through Easter's triumphant celebration. https://qrco.de/beknTu What meaningful Lenten practice are you considering this year? #tsaALLFORJESUS #discipleALLFORJESUS

A Legacy of Light: Celebrating Black History Month As we celebrate Black History Month, we carry forward Commissioner Israel Gaither's powerful challenge: "This is about light and The Salvation Army becoming a light shining in darkness. We've got to be that beacon of hope and light in America more strongly now than ever." ? This celebration extends beyond February—it's our ongoing commitment to honor the profound contributions Black Americans have made to The Salvation Army and our nation. From Commissioner Gaither's historic leadership as the first Black National Commander, to countless officers and soldiers serving faithfully across our communities, Black Salvationists continue to strengthen our mission in immeasurable ways. In a world that often feels divided, we find hope and a vision of unity in Christ. The beautiful diversity within our Army reflects the Kingdom of Heaven that awaits us all—where people "from every nation, tribe, people and language" (Revelation 7:9) stand together before God. Today and every day, we commit ourselves to being that beacon of hope—loving inclusively, serving helpfully, and discipling effectively – All for Jesus. #tsaALLFORJESUS #LoveBeyond