As a Member of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection, Cadet Jonathan George will be commissioned in 2027. The War Cry asked Cadet George about his calling experience and his advice for anyone feeling called to officership. Read the full interview at thewarcry.org.

How did you experience God’s calling to officership? 

My call to officership was most strongly felt in March of 2024. I’d been considering it, but it was not until I felt an outpouring of the Holy Spirit during worship at Future All Stars Weekend at Star Lake Camp that I truly understood my call. I felt God telling me to go to the altar and give everything I had, then and there. I began the candidate process in September 2024 and was accepted as a Proclaimer of Transformation by December. 

What is the greatest joy you are experiencing as a cadet? 

The greatest joy I’m experiencing as a cadet is the desire to dig into God’s Word and really strive for holiness. My desire to be close with God has only grown stronger since dedicating my life to service in The Salvation Army. I wake up each morning energized that I get to start fresh and live my life in a way that’s honoring the Lord. On top of that, it is truly a blessing that I get to make this faith journey surrounded by friends and mentors doing the same here at the College for Officer Training. 

What is your advice for someone who feels called to officership but hasn’t yet responded? 

First and foremost, consider why you have not yet started. If we truly feel a divine call for service, who are we to deny God His beautiful and perfect plan for us? When Jesus called His first disciples, they acted immediately. Matthew 4:19–20 says, “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed Him.” 

If the reason for hesitation is fear, then pray for boldness. If it’s busyness or lack of time, pray for energy. If it’s because you still have a tiny bit of doubt in your heart that this is what God wants for you, pray for clarity. God listens to and answers those who earnestly seek Him … I urge anyone who hears the call to officership to throw off any fear, doubt, insecurity, or excuses of any kind and embrace Him. I know that then, God will use you in glorious ways for His will here on earth.

Illustration by Richard Chance