Buckinghams bring sense of belonging to USA Central Congress
- simoneworthing
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
The Salvation Army’s world leaders, General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, delivered “clear and compelling messages” at the Belonging 2025 Congress in the USA Central Territory earlier this month.
More than 2200 people gathered for a series of events and avtivities as part of the ‘Belonging’ congress in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 3-8 June.
In line with the theme, concepts of belonging to God, the Body of Christ, community and mission were explored.
“It’s not sufficient for us to celebrate our belonging. It’s our responsibility as his redeemed children, loved by him, to clothe ourselves with those things that are synonymous with belonging to the Kingdom of God,” said the General.
Commissioner Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) echoed the General’s words. “We come together not just as individuals who occupy a common space, but we are part of something greater. We are a living, breathing community, connected by the love of Christ,” she said, referring to Romans 12 and diving into what it means to be the Body of Christ.
Inspiring musical presentations, enthusiastic praise, heartfelt personal testimonies, and profiles of transformative ministries were interwoven throughout the meetings.
Congress highlights include the enrolment of 61 junior and senior soldiers and adherents; the commissioning of the Champions of the Mission session for cadets; a World Services Ingathering of $11.2 million and the dedication of summer mission teams heading to Kenya, Mexico, and Slovakia; as well as the presentation of the Others Award to Corps Community Ministries Director Pamela Church-Pryor, who was described as the embodiment of holistic ministry and cited for influencing 90 individuals to become soldiers or adherents.
Aligned with The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework, Compass, the new Territorial Priorities (Spiritual Life, Youth and Leadership Development) were featured, with Territorial Commander Commissioner Evie Diaz calling them three pillars for shaping the vision of the territory.
Twelve new awards for excellence in relation to the priorities were presented by Commissioner Buckingham at a commencement and awards banquet, which concluded a Belonging Conference representing a full integrated gathering of ministries – a first for the territory – preceding the congress.
Fifty-eight officers were also recognised for earning degrees and certificates, and cadets received certificates and honours. In his commencement address, the General charged the Champions of the Mission to stay humble, connected, accountable and focused. The next day, all officers joined the Buckinghams for councils.
Congress meetings were complemented by a plethora of activities. Ten ‘belonging’ spaces provided resources and facilitated connection and conversations, and an interactive prayer zone encouraged reflection and intercession.
A gaming tournament and a Rising Stars musical competition filled an afternoon.
The Thrift Express Bus brought a travelling boutique to delegates, and the debut of Belongings: A Thrift Store Musical took centre stage. A kids’ congress was a huge success, with more than 200 children affirming their sense of belonging.
For more images from the congress, click through the slideshow below:
