‘The best journey of my officership’
Graduation certificates have been presented to Salvation Army officers and ministry expression leaders drawn from across the Australia Territory and New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, who participated in this year’s INSPIRE Spiritual Leadership Programme.
Lieutenant-Colonel Brenda Young, Secretary for Personnel, presented the certificates on 23 October, the final day of the cohort’s last residential at the Ramada Hotel, Marcoola Beach.
The INSPIRE programme has been integral to the Australia Territory’s mission to invest in and further develop officers and employed ministry leaders who carry a strong, holistic mission to become more effective Christian leaders.
Facilitated by the INSPIRE Spiritual Leadership Team – Majors Neil and Sharon Clanfield and Karen Lattouf – in collaboration with other seasoned ministry leaders, the program empowers ministry and missional capacity and capability across the movement.
By fostering growth in the areas of leading self, teams and other missional leaders, INSPIRE equips participants to lead with a deep, Jesus-centred focus.
“This has been the best journey of my officership, where I have been given space to dive deep. And just when I thought I’ve dived deep enough, God is taking me deeper again,” said one participant.
Another commented, “A thoroughly treasured gift that I feel completely humbled to receive. I am grateful for each of the facilitators/speakers/other delegates and their incredible spiritual presence and wisdom.”
One of the cohort, Major Zane Haupt, was inspired to compose a beautiful song about his experience on this year’s programme. Zane commented: “There was something special about being surrounded by people from different backgrounds and journeys yet sharing a common desire to grow in faith and leadership, encourage one another and become more like Jesus.”
Expressions of interest to attend the next INSPIRE Spiritual Leadership Programme, scheduled to take place on the Sunshine Coast in June, August and October 2027, are now invited from other officers and full-time employed ministry expression leaders.
Places are limited, so please contact Major Neil Clanfield (INSPIRE Programme Coordinator) at neil.clanfield@salvationarmy.org.au or on 0421 248 756 (no later than 31 January 2027) for more information and to explore your possible participation.
