Aussie joins Salvation Army young leaders speaking into Compass
- simoneworthing
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
James Gallagher, Mission Leader at Queanbeyan Corps (NSW), represented the Australia Territory as young people from around the world convened at The Salvation Army’s Sunbury Court in London recently for the first such gathering in 28 years.
James was one of 31 participants (21 in person and 10 online) who attended an international gathering as members of The Salvation Army’s International Children and Young People Advisory Group.
Over the course of the week (27 June-3 July), the group engaged in in-depth discussions, reviewing each pillar of Compass – The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework based around the pillars of People, Mission and Legacy – and exploring how it applies within their diverse cultural and societal contexts.
Delegates examined the framework’s relevance, addressing pressing global and generational challenges and proposing thoughtful recommendations for the movement’s future.
James was privileged to be one of seven young people selected to present their reflections in an intimate discussion with The Salvation Army’s world leaders, General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham.
During the discussion, James expressed his views on the Australia Territory’s direction regarding corps leadership.
“I totally agree that officership is this box (signalling a small box with his hands), but I feel very privileged because, in Australia, I’m actually employed as a mission leader [at Queanbeyan], effectively a corps officer ... and it’s not because of a lack of commitment that young people don’t necessarily want to do officership, it’s because it’s so rigid and you have to fit a certain box,” he said.
“I feel privileged because I get to live in a community, be in a community, and invest, knowing I’m there for the long haul. And I get to build relationships, I get to be part of long-term mission, connecting with other churches and doing stuff together – we get to be on this constant journey where no one is thinking I’ve got three years to get it done.
“I think it’s important to think about flexible pathways.”
Common challenges Despite differences in language, geography and background throughout the week, common challenges emerged – both within The Salvation Army and the communities it serves.
Young representatives collaborated to identify practical responses and strategies to help strengthen the Army’s global mission.
Beyond strategic dialogue, the forum also served as a spiritual journey. Delegates quickly formed bonds rooted in shared faith.
Through ‘heart talk’ sessions, many shared testimonies of God’s work in their lives. Daily devotions led by spiritual mentors guided participants to reflect on simple but profound themes such as Wait, Pray, Continue, Receive and Go. These words, accompanied by Scripture, invited everyone to reflect deeply on their personal relationship with Christ. Throughout the week, the young leaders grew closer to God and perceived life differently through a spiritual lens.
A key highlight of the forum was a visit to International Headquarters in London, where the youth representatives joined in commemorating the organisation’s 160th anniversary on 2 July.
The experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at the Army’s global leadership and reinforced the importance of its continuing influence and reach.
During the celebratory event, Indonesian delegate Krisna Puspita addressed Salvationists globally: “My prayer, and the prayer of many young Salvationists around the world, is for deeper collaboration. We seek your guidance, your wisdom and your mentorship – the invaluable lessons learnt from years of faithful service. But we also ask for your trust and the space to innovate, to sometimes make mistakes, and to learn and grow. When we combine the wisdom of seasoned leaders with the passion and innovative spirit of youth, there are no limits to what we can achieve for God’s Kingdom.”
On the final day of the forum, the delegates had the opportunity to present their reflections and recommendations directly to General Lyndon Buckingham and his team.
The General offered words of encouragement drawn from 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers.”
He reminded delegates that they were returning to their territories not just as participants, but as enthusiastic influencers for the King of kings, carrying Christ’s influence under the umbrella of The Salvation Army.
As delegates prepared to return home, mentor Gloria Diavangama (USA Southern) re-emphasised to them the purpose of the week-long gathering: ‘As much as we want to stay, we have to go back. Because if we stayed, then there wasn’t any point in having the forum.”
The young Salvationists departed renewed in faith, encouraged and determined to share what they had learnt back in their home countries, and with gratitude to God and Salvation Army leadership for having a platform to be seen, heard and empowered.
To listen to some of the discussions and for more information, click here.
