Congress underscores unity in Christ and mission
More than 2,200 people in The Salvation Army’s USA Central Territory gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 3 to 8 June 2025, alongside the international leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries), for the Belonging 2025 congress.
Throughout the congress, the concepts of belonging to God, the Body of Christ, community and mission were explored. United sessions displayed the territory’s diversity and unity in Christ and mission. Inspiring musical presentations, effusive praise, moving personal testimonies and profiles of life-changing ministries wove the meetings together as the theme of Belonging was explored.
‘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,’ said Commissioner Buckingham, speaking from Romans 12 and diving into what it means to be the Body of Christ.
Throughout the weekend, delegates were spurred on in faith, witness and service by the Buckinghams’ clear and compelling messages.
‘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.
General Buckingham commends the newest senior soldiers (Photo: USA Central Territory)
Among the noteworthy congress highlights were the enrolment of 61 junior and senior soldiers and adherents; the commissioning of the Champions of the Mission Session of cadets; a World Services Ingathering of $11.2 million and dedication of summer mission teams going to Kenya, Mexico and Slovakia; and the presentation of the Others Award to Corps Community Ministries Director Pamela Church-Pryor (Norridge Citadel, Illinois), who was described as the embodiment of holistic ministry and cited as having influenced 90 individuals to become soldiers or adherents (Salvation Army church members).
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.
‘It’s not about adding more programmes or work,’ said Commissioner Diaz. ‘They call us back to the heart of our mission.’
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.
The crowd erupts as the General, Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, and Commissioner Evie Diaz go head-to-head in an unforgettable round of Mario Kart during a SA Gaming Tournament at the Belonging Congress (Photo: USA Central Territory)
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 smash hit, with more than 200 children affirming their belonging.
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