Celebrate the Love of Jesus at Commissioning 2026
By Brad Rowland /
Across the USA Southern Territory, Salvationists are continuing to answer God’s call to LOVE inclusively, SERVE helpfully, and DISCIPLE effectively. This year, the focus of LOVE is at the forefront of the Territorial Priorities through the areas of Evangelism, Community Engagement, and Biblical Justice, and LOVE is also at the center of Commissioning 2026. From June 5-7 at the Atlanta Temple Corps, the territory will gather around the theme of “Loving Like Jesus” to experience worship, education, fellowship, and the ordination and commissioning of the Keepers of the Covenant session of cadets.
The theme scripture of the weekend is 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!” With that in mind, each of the weekend’s general sessions will concentrate on a different aspect of God’s love.
On Friday evening, the focus will be on witnessing the love of Jesus, with Commissioner Donna Igleheart, territorial president of women’s ministries, set to speak. On Saturday morning, Dr. Matt Ayars, lead pastor of Wellspring Church, will speak during a meeting focused on experiencing the love of Jesus. Finally, Saturday evening’s session will focus on sharing the love of Jesus, with Captain Shinyoung Kang, corps officer at the Houston International Corps, bringing God’s Word. Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, territorial commander, will then share the message on Sunday morning for the ordination and commissioning service of the Keepers of the Covenant as they become the newest officers of The Salvation Army.
In addition, Friday morning’s Commencement service will honor the academic graduation of the 22-member Keepers of the Covenant session after the completion of two years of study at the Evangeline Booth College (EBC) School for Officer Training. This powerful time will include an address from Dr. Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals and a member of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board. The Southern Staff Band, Southern Staff Songsters, Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM), and transMission will support Commissioning 2026 in ministry, beginning with the Commencement service and proceeding throughout the weekend.
The Commissioning 2026 schedule is jam-packed, well beyond the weekend’s general sessions. On Friday evening, a Territorial Priority Party will be held immediately at the conclusion of the service at the Atlanta Temple Corps. This will be a family fun event for all ages, celebrating through the territory-wide LOVE priority. The party will include food, drinks, fellowship, and activities, including bounce houses, face-painting, and games. Saturday afternoon will feature a lunch for all attendees, followed by myriad opportunities for community engagement, as well as the chance to visit the Trade South store at Territorial Headquarters.
“Friends, you are NOT going to want to miss being a part of Commissioning this year,” says Roberta Simmons-Smith, territorial director of special events. “We all need this opportunity to reconnect and to be reminded of the promise that we have a God who loves us with a perfect love. Kids and adults alike are going to have a blast at the Friday night Priority Party,
and we are so excited to share with you the amazing way the Holy Spirit has been guiding our worship planning that you will get to experience. We can’t wait to see you there!”
Registration for Commissioning Weekend 2026 is now open. During the weekend, a dedicated Youth Conference (for ages 5-12) and Childcare (ages 6 months-4 years) will be available, though pre-registration is required. The deadline for Youth Conference and Childcare registration is Friday, May 29, 2026.
For more information about Commissioning 2026 and to register for the weekend, visit usscommissioning.org