¡Gloria a Dios! Soldiers Learn to Preach 

by Colonel Richard Munn

One of the sacred privileges afforded to corps officers is the regular opportunity to preach and teach. A significant amount of training and preparation for that purpose is included in the College for Officer Training curriculum and continuing education courses.  

St. Paul exhorts young Timothy concerning “correctly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, EHV). We would want it no other way. 

And yet, The Salvation Army vigorously affirms the “priesthood of all believers,” namely, that grace is not mediated through ordained clergy only. So, what happens when soldiers sense a calling to preach, especially if they are not trained or schooled in that noble art? It can create dissonance.  

Stepping up? Senior Soldier Raissa Di Caterina of the Queens Temple Corps, N.Y., saw a need, and filled it. She organized a preaching seminar for soldiers called “Equipped: Preaching, Teaching and Speaking with Purpose and Power / Equipado: Predicar, Enseñar y Hablar con Proposito y Poder.”  

Wonderful. 

For you, our Good News e-newsletter readers, we contacted Di Caterina for the story behind the story.

How did the very novel idea for a preaching seminar for soldiers, organized by soldiers, come about? 

At my first Territorial Soldiers Express Council (TSEC) meeting in 2024, one of the main themes discussed was ministry opportunities for non-officers within the corps. The discussion highlighted some divisions that had a yearly preaching workshop for their soldiers. I thought, if it can happen in another division, it can happen here. I shared the idea with my corps officers, and we immediately started planning. I felt very supported to plan this event from a soldier’s perspective and to consider the themes and tools that are necessary for empowered teaching, preaching, and speaking.  

How responsive were people to the idea? How many people attended? 

People were very responsive to the idea. In total we had 65 individuals registered for this event and had a full house on the day.  

Who did you recruit to help you and present on the day? 

I recruited the leaders of the Greater New York Division to help me and present on this day. These leaders are deeply involved with the soldiers of this division, and they would be able to present practical and empowering information and tools with the population and their needs in mind.  

What were your intended outcomes for the seminar? 

For leaders and soldiers within the corps to feel empowered and equipped so that if God calls them to teach, speak, or preach, they feel a confidence that they can. Another intended outcome is a renewed hunger for teaching and examining the Word. This was the first time that many soldiers were taught about hermeneutics and homiletics and what it means for their walk with God.  

Any final insights or encouragement for our SAconnects e-newsletter readers? 

You don’t need a title to make an impact. As a soldier, you are already called, equipped, and empowered to serve. If God has placed an idea on your heart, don’t let doubt hold you back — start where you are, with what you have. Lean on your corps and community for support, and trust that God will provide what you need to bring your vision to life. Obedience and faithfulness will always open doors! 

Thank you, Raissa, what a great initiative. Well done. The SAconnects team is cheering you on.  

USA East colleagues, “Go do thou likewise.”