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 THE CADET CHORUS performs at Life Service. |
BY LORI PEACOCK –
“Now Serving” was this year’s theme for the annual Life Service Conference held recently at Crestmont College. The conference, designed to provide delegates with the resources to explore ministry opportunities within The Salvation Army, also challenged them to seek God’s calling in their lives.
Led by Majors Brian and Millie Bearchell, territorial youth secretaries, 107 delegates joined in special seminars, listened to guest speakers, and attended classes and workshops all focused on ministry.
Elective classes covered topics ranging from time management in ministry to “preparing your children for YOUR call to officership.” Focused “track” sessions were based on candidates, officership, and lay ministry. The candidate track presented SFOT campus life, curriculum, and finances. The officership track addressed the newly established options for service as an officer, life as an officer, and the variety of opportunities officership provides. The ministry track examined the different prospects of lay personnel, how to “join arms” through networking, and how to become “change agents” through discipleship.
Creating an exhilarating time of praise and worship on Saturday evening, Donnie Rasmussen used the sounds of traditional hymns, contemporary worship, and exciting Sunday school songs to get all ages into the spirit. Delegates then enjoyed the humor and quick wit of comedian Kyle Cease.
Special guests Steven and Sharon Bussey brought a contemporary element to the conference with references to the movie “The Lord of the Rings” as an example of our Christian walk. They challenged delegates to bear the ring (take up the cross), put down their “toy soldier” attitudes, and fight the war against the gates of hell.