Celebrate New Officers and Love Like Jesus at Commissioning 2026

Commissioning Weekend, the Southern Territory’s annual gathering of fellowship, teaching, and celebration of new Salvation Army officers, will take place at the Atlanta Temple Corps June 5-7, 2026. Continuing in alignment with our Territorial Priorities, this year’s theme is “Loving Like Jesus,” focusing on 1 John 4:11-12: “My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us — perfect love!”

Festivities begin with Commencement on Friday, June 5, as the cadets of the Keepers of the Covenant session celebrate the completion of their two years of study at the Evangeline Booth College (EBC) School for Officer Training.

“When our cadets walk across that stage, it’s not just their moment — it’s ours,” says Major Zach Bell, president and principal of the Evangeline Booth College. Being surrounded by family and support is essential when celebrating significant life milestones, and this event is no exception. “Commencement gives us the opportunity, as one Salvation Army, to show up and share in a sacred celebration, cheering them on, encouraging them, and thanking God for what He has done in them, and for what He is about to do through them as they step into ministry.”

The 22 Keepers of the Covenant came to the EBC nearly two years ago with a wide range of experience and backgrounds, including education, theology, management, and computer science. Of special note, the majority of this session are first-generation Salvationists, encountering and joining The Salvation Army through other connections.

During the Commencement ceremony, cadets will receive a diploma certifying their completion of the curriculum and course of training required by The Salvation Army’s International Training System. “Just as important,” Major Bell explains, “it also recognizes that throughout their time of formation they have exemplified the qualities of Christian character and spirit that are essential for officership.”

The requirements include over 900 hours of classroom work covering everything from Bible and theology to administration, practical ministry, and leadership. Cadets also complete over 1200 hours of field training, including summer and Christmas assignments, where they receive hands-on experience and put their training into practice. “Together, these experiences form the head, heart, and hands of our cadets, preparing them to serve Christ and the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army,” Major Bell says.

“Commencement is a chance for the wider Salvation Army family to rejoice in what God has done in and through the cadets and to mark, with gratitude and joy, this important milestone on the way to their ordination and commissioning,” Major Bell shares. “Come ready to shout and cheer. Come ready to praise God. Come ready to celebrate what the Lord has done and what He is about to do through these cadets as they step into officership.”

Following Commencement, Friday activities will also include the annual Silver Star Luncheon, the first main session, the Youth Conference kickoff, and a Territorial Priorities Celebration.

Saturday, June 6, will feature morning and evening main sessions, lunch for all attendees, optional afternoon activities, and the Long Service Recognition Dinner, as well as Youth Conference morning and evening sessions.

Sunday, June 7, is set to be the culmination of the weekend festivities, featuring a beautiful morning of worship as we celebrate the ordination and commissioning of the Keepers of the Covenant, the newest officers of The Salvation Army. As they are sent into their new appointments, all Salvationists will be reminded that we are called to love like Jesus in our own “mission fields,” at home, at work, at school, in our families, and in our communities.

Registration for Commissioning Weekend 2026 is now open. For more information and to register, click here.