Join Us for
General's Congress 2026
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What is Ordination and Commissioning?

The Salvation Army Ordination and Commissioning weekend is part of the high holy days and is an annual event where new officers, soldiers, and others gather to worship, celebrate and pray together. During this weekend, the cadets who have completed two years of training are ordained and commissioned to serve in various communities throughout The Salvation Army. The event is a celebration of the new officers’ commitment to serving others and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. It involves worship services, prayer, and devotion by Salvation Army leaders and special guests. The Commissioning is an essential moment in the life of The Salvation Army and serves as a reminder of its mission to “meet human needs in Christ’s name without discrimination.”

Schedule

Thursday

  • 5:00pm | Silver Star Dinner (invitation only) – Hotel Hershey

    7:00pm | CFOT Commencement – Great American Hall

Friday

  • 10:00am-12:00pm | Officers’ Councils Session 1  – Connection Theater

    10:00am-5:00pm | SA Historical Experience : Moments in Time – Cocoa Ballroom

    10:00am-5:00pm | Spiritual Life Development Experience : Journey of Promise – Hershey Towers

    12:00pm-1:00pm | Officers’ Councils Lunch – Tent

    1:30pm-3:30pm | Officers’ Councils Session 2- Connection Theater

    5:00pm | Long Services Order & Retirement Recognition Dinner (invitation only) – Connection Theater

    7:30pm | United Session 1: People “Opening Celebration” Great American Hall/Connection Theater

    9:30pm | Local Officers Gathering (invitation only) – Tent

Saturday

  • 9:00am-12:00pm | Territorial Star Search – Various locations

    9:00am | Adult Rehabilitation Center Breakfast – The Best Western Premiere (Central Hotel & Conference Center)

    9:00am-4:00pm | SA Historical Experience : Moments in Time – Cocoa Ballroom

    9:00am-4:00pm | Spiritual Life Development Experience : Journey of Promise – Hershey Towers

    2:00pm-3:30pm | Men’s Rally – Connection Theater

    2:00pm-3:30pm | Women’s Rally – Great American Hall

    2:00pm-3:30pm | Youth Rally – Jr. Soldiers – Tent

    2:00pm-3:30pm | Youth Rally – Corps Cadets – Empire Room

    7:30pm | United Session 2: Mission “Star Search Awards & Enrollments” Great American Hall/Connection Theater

    10:30pm | Young Adult Gathering – Connection Theater

Sunday

  • 9:30am | United Session 3: Legacy “Ordination & Commissioning” Great American Hall/Connection Theater

Friday: Opening Celebration

Saturday: Star Search Awards & Enrollments

Sunday: Ordination & Commissioning

Connection Theater

Step into the Connection Theater — a welcoming space that brings the Congress experience to life beyond the Great American Hall. 

Created for those who appreciate a relaxed, fellowshipdriven setting, this room offers the ideal mix of watching, gathering, and connecting. 

Catch the full live program on three large screens with crisp audio, whether you're in theater seating or enjoying coffee at a round table. It's not just another room — it's a shared community experience. 

Enjoy exclusive live music moments, surprise giveaways, and special greetings from The General, keeping the atmosphere vibrant throughout Congress. 

At its heart, the Connection Theater is a place of fellowship — a space to unite, reflect, and encourage one another as we live out our Holy Covenant and strengthen the bonds that connect our Mission, our People, and our shared future. 

Keepers of the Covenant

Efrad Arroyo

Efrad Arroyo

Williana Garcia

Williana Garcia

Yailyn Cordero

Yailyn Cordero

Mario Dino

Mario Dino

Raisa Santos

Raisa Santos

Mintae Hwang

Mintae Hwang

Sungyeon An

Sungyeon An

Daewon Kim

Daewon Kim

Carlos Mota

Carlos Mota

Yolanda Silvestre

Yolanda Silvestre

Luis Ortiz

Luis Ortiz

Mykaella Morales

Mykaella Morales

Sara Perkins

Sara Perkins

Wendell Perkins

Wendell Perkins

Brandy Reese

Brandy Reese

Hector Rivera

Hector Rivera

Elizabeth Torres

Elizabeth Torres

Omar Rivera

Omar Rivera

Rebeca Irizarry

Rebeca Irizarry

Delia Rojas

Delia Rojas

Yolmina Saint-Lot

Yolmina Saint-Lot

Joshua Wesbee

Joshua Wesbee

Jack Yambo

Jack Yambo

Denise Velazquez

Denise Velazquez

Special Guest:

General Lyndon Buckingham  
and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham 

General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Buckingham were ordained and commissioned in 1990 as officers of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. As well as appointments at home, they have also served in various Salvation Army territories, and assumed their current responsibilities as General and World President of Women’s Ministries at International Headquarters on 3 August 2023.

In each of their appointments the Buckinghams have displayed a desire to see the great news of the gospel shared.

Bronwyn is inspired by the belief that God has a new truth to reveal to her daily and compelled by the promise in Philippians 1:6 (NIV) that he is continuing to fulfil his good work within her. She desires to be the woman God is calling her to be and is passionate to be part of an Army where the next generation will choose to embrace their leadership calling.

Lyndon is passionate about finding ways for The Salvation Army to be more effective in fulfilling its mission. He is determined to be faithful to the covenants he has made and is motivated by verses from Paul’s letter to the Colossians: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV1984).

The Buckinghams are blessed to be parents and grandparents. They are continually encouraged and challenged by the desire of their adult children to serve God in their generation.

Anthony Evans

Anthony Evans’ deep faith has been the foundation of everything he has set out to accomplish in his life and ministry. Growing up the son of influential pastor, Dr. Tony Evans, among siblings Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Shirer and Jonathan Evans, all whom which have become impactful speakers, authors, and spiritual leaders themselves, Anthony’s path is unique and all his own. From Billboard charting artist, worship leader, producer, author, and actor, everything Anthony does comes from a heart of faith and his desire for that faith to make an impact inside and out of the four walls of the Church.

As an accomplished vocalist, Anthony has produced 11 solo projects, two of which have hit the #1 spot on Billboard’s Gospel Album chart. His newest release, “Revive,” is infused with Anthony’s refreshing re-commitment to God after a devastating, extended period of loss, unanswered questions and heartache. Sustaining him through dark times, Anthony has learned to be grateful for the opportunities God has provided him to share his talents in unconventional ways not normally afforded to a Christian artist. Opportunities like performing and starring in Disney’s Hollywood Bowl Production of “Beauty and the Beast,” appearing as an artist on, and later becoming a talent producer for NBC’s hit show, “The Voice,” and producing and arranging music for major Hollywood networks and production houses. In addition to his music, ministry and global travel as a worship leader, Anthony has authored/co-authored three books, Unexpected Places, Divine Disruption and When Faith Meets Therapy.

In everything, Anthony’s desire is to share his life and authentic faith with transparency and honesty, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in him will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6

Special Guest:

 Anthony Evans

Anthony Evans’ deep faith has been the foundation of everything he has set out to accomplish in his life and ministry. Growing up the son of influential pastor, Dr. Tony Evans, among siblings Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Shirer and Jonathan Evans, all whom which have become impactful speakers, authors, and spiritual leaders themselves, Anthony’s path is unique and all his own. From Billboard charting artist, worship leader, producer, author, and actor, everything Anthony does comes from a heart of faith and his desire for that faith to make an impact inside and out of the four walls of the Church.

As an accomplished vocalist, Anthony has produced 11 solo projects, two of which have hit the #1 spot on Billboard’s Gospel Album chart. His newest release, “Revive,” is infused with Anthony’s refreshing re-commitment to God after a devastating, extended period of loss, unanswered questions and heartache. Sustaining him through dark times, Anthony has learned to be grateful for the opportunities God has provided him to share his talents in unconventional ways not normally afforded to a Christian artist. Opportunities like performing and starring in Disney’s Hollywood Bowl Production of “Beauty and the Beast,” appearing as an artist on, and later becoming a talent producer for NBC’s hit show, “The Voice,” and producing and arranging music for major Hollywood networks and production houses. In addition to his music, ministry and global travel as a worship leader, Anthony has authored/co-authored three books, Unexpected Places, Divine Disruption and When Faith Meets Therapy.

In everything, Anthony’s desire is to share his life and authentic faith with transparency and honesty, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in him will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6