Planting Seeds of Scriptural Holiness 

by Envoy Steven Bussey 

Envoy Steven Bussey

Across our territory, a renewed call is echoing — a challenge from our Territorial Commander Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz for every corps to engage in intentional weekday Bible study. This is not merely a programmatic initiative; it is a return to our Wesleyan and Salvationist DNA, where Scripture, community, and mission intersect to form mature disciples. Recently in Spring Valley, New York, we were privileged to witness one expression of that vision beginning to blossom.

We opened our home for the launch of a new Spring Valley Corps Bible Study, gathering around homemade, fresh-milled flour pizzas and a spirit of warm fellowship. Soldiers and friends came ready for worship, prayer, soul-searching conversation, and a deep dive into the Word. We began with Seedbed’s OneBook study on the Psalms, a journey into some of Scripture’s most formative texts. (Special thanks to CJ for the excellent recommendation!)

Our study focused on Psalms 1 and 2, the twin gateways to the entire Psalter. Psalm 1 calls us to root our lives in the law of the Lord, promising flourishing for those who meditate on Scripture day and night. Psalm 2 lifts our eyes to the sovereign reign of Christ, the King to whom the nations belong and in whom all people find refuge. Together, these psalms ground our identity and direct our mission. The group found the content both spiritually rich and imminently practical.

One of the great strengths of the Seedbed OneBook materials is how deep yet accessible they are. They offer solid Wesleyan biblical scholarship presented in a way that anyone — new believer, seasoned soldier, or curious seeker — can understand and apply. This makes them an ideal resource for replication across local corps, divisions, and the entire territory.

If you’re interested in exploring OneBook resources, visit the Seedbed site: OneBook Bible Studies.

Some studies (like Psalms, Mark, and Thessalonians) are excellent entry points. Others (such as Romans and Isaiah) go deeper and require a bit more theological stamina. All remain thoroughly biblical, Wesleyan, and mission aligned.

As we looked around the living room, taking in the laughter, prayer, open Bibles, and the closing notes of worship, we felt a clear and growing conviction: This cannot remain a single group. Our hope is to see multiple home-based studies emerge across the Spring Valley Corps … across our division … and ultimately throughout our territory.

Imagine a Salvation Army where hundreds of “companies” — to use the classic Salvationist term for small groups — meet regularly to pursue holiness and mission through Scripture.

This is precisely the heart of our Territorial Commander’s challenge: to see every soldier in the territory actively studying Scripture during the week. This is not about adding tasks to already busy schedules. It is about recovering the early Wesleyan Holiness and Salvationist rhythm of life, where holiness, fellowship, accountability, and mission were cultivated in small groups that met in homes.

And so, here is the challenge for you: Why not start one where you are?

To help, the Spiritual Life Development Department has practical resources, including “A Guide on How to Start a Bible Study” and much more.

Remember: The key is warmth, welcome, and relationship. Small is good for a home-based Bible study; deep is better than big. It can be a mix of soldiers, adherents, seekers, and friends. Set a consistent weekly time. A typical 75- to 90-minute session can flow from light fellowship (with snacks or a meal if desired) to opening prayer, Scripture reading, guided discussion, time for personal reflection or accountability, and closing prayer or worship.

A territorial awakening 

Let’s take this challenge seriously — and joyfully. Let’s cultivate living rooms full of Scripture, fellowship, and holy conversation. Let’s reignite the Wesleyan Salvationist vision of spreading Scriptural Christianity one company at a time.

May this be the beginning of a territorial awakening to the Word.