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The Proclaimers of the Resurrection have been at this training college for 22 months and, as of today, a total of 667 days. We spent approximately 2,382 hours of class instruction time, and did approximately 1,429 hours of homework—some obviously more than others as reflected in our quarterly report cards. We completed at least 98 credit units as well as attended a variety of seminars and lectures to earn the Associate of Arts in Ministries Degree that we will receive today. Everything we studied here in the past 22 months was to equip us to take on the unique responsibilities of a Salvation Army officer. After all this training, the Proclaimers of the Resurrection are ready and eager to take on this profession!
More than a profession, our ministry as a Salvation Army officer will be our passion. It is something that we will love to do. A wise man once said, “Do something you love and you will never work a day in your life.” I know that we’ve been encouraged “to show up and get to work!” But I believe that we as Proclaimers will “show up and do what we love doing!” And we will do this to the best of our abilities with the training that we received at this college.
In our “Developing a Healthy Corps” course, we learned that more than half of managers identified inspiration as one of the three most important leadership characteristics. Inspiring others is a skill that cannot be taught in the classroom. It is something that is displayed when one puts others before oneself; when one walks the talk, is motivated to encourage, and genuinely reflects love.
The past 22 months were filled with stories of inspiration. Inspiration is the cadet who experienced health issues with her heart last quarter, and had her session mates in tears when she sang during our session retreat chapel these lyrics, “I have a maker, he formed my heart…He knows my name, he sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.”
Inspiration is the cadet who attended high school 30 years ago—not to learn but because the school lunch was good—didn’t do so well academically then, and was really worried about going back to school here. But after finding a study partner who was in the same situation, and who encouraged him throughout, managed to graduate with a B average.
Inspiration is the cadet who just graduated with his four-year degree prior to entering CFOT [College for Officer Training] and decided to serve his fellow Proclaimers in a ministry of providing sessions to help others learn effective study skills and habits.
Our session verse, 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, says this: If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. Christ’s resurrection from the dead, along with God’s inspired Word and the infilling of his Holy Spirit will stir us to continue to inspire others in our ministry as Salvation Army officers.
