In one or two paragraphs, please describe your calling to officership.

My calling to officership was a journey that unfolded over time. I first become connected to The Salvation Army in 2010 and began leading youth ministries in 2011. But it wasn’t until 2017, during the Fuego, Young Adult Retreat, that the call became undeniable.  That Saturday evening, I felt the Spirit’s pull so strongly it silenced everything else. My wife and I hardly spoke during the program, but as we prepared for bed, we looked at each other and asked, “You felt it, didn’t you?” We both knew –  we were called for officership. 

We entered the College for Officer Training (CFOT)in 2020. However, in 2021 our journey paused for a season of healing and restoration. Returning in 2023 and now preparing for commission in 2025 is a powerful testimony of God’s grace and reconciliation. This journey has confirmed that God’s timing is perfect, and His call is never revoked. 

How has your time at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) been transformative?

My time at CFOT has deepened my relationship with God and expanded my capacity for ministry. I was introduced to a variety of spiritual disciplines and encouraged to discover which practices best nourish my soul. The training helped me grow not only as a preacher but also as a pastoral care giver – teaching me how to listen deeply, lead with compassion and shepherd with humility. I now feel better equipped to serve both from the pulpit and in personal connection with others. 

What was your favorite part of being a cadet?

Surprisingly – for an introvert like me – it is the community. Being surrounded by people who share a common mission and who care deeply for one another has been one of the most meaningful aspects of this experience. The mutual support, encouragement, and fellowship have been both uplifting and strengthening for my family and me.

What does being a “Champion of the Mission” mean to you? 

To be a Champion of the Mission is to lead with boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. It means living in such a way that people know, through both word and deed, that I follow Christ. I believe that we’re called not just to carry the message, but to embody it – to be a visible and active witness of God’s love in every space we enter.

What are you most looking forward to doing or experiencing in your first appointment?

I’m most excited to build relationships – both within the corps and throughout the community. Wherever we are appointed, I want to listen well, serve faithfully, and grow alongside the people we’re called to lead. Ministry begins with connection, and I look forward to meeting the people God is already through and among.

What advice or encouragement would you give to someone who feels called to be an officer but hasn’t answered the call yet?

Start with prayer, and then step into service. Be present at your corps. Say “yes” to opportunities, even the small ones. Get involved in every aspect of ministry you can and stay close to your corps officers. Ask questions, seek wisdom, and listen closely to God’s voice. Often, it’s in the doing that clarity comes.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse to share with readers? What makes it meaningful to you?

“Be still, and know that I am God!” – Psalm 46:10a

Amid the demanding pace of training and ministry, this verse has been a grounding reminder for me. It’s a call to rest in God’s sovereignty, to release control, and to remember that our strength comes from stillness in His presence.  

What person from Salvation Army history is inspiring to you? Or what current Salvation Army leader is inspiring to you? Why?

I’ve always been inspired by George Scott Railton.  His tireless passion for evangelism and his creativity in advancing the gospel remind me that we’re called to innovate for the sake of the Kingdom.  Among today’s leaders, I’m most inspired by those who lead with humility – who speak to everyone, regardless of title or position, and treat all the people with respect and dignity. That’s the kind of leadership I strive to follow and embody. 

How can anyone – any average reader of The War Cry – be a champion of God’s mission wherever they are?

You don’t need a pulpit to preach the gospel. You can be a champion of God’s mission by simply being faithful where you are. Speak openly about your faith – at work, at the grocery store, in conversations with friends or neighbors. Let people see the love of Christ through your actions, and don’t be afraid to share your story. The mission field is all around us, and God uses everyday encounters to change lives.