Education Tours

Eligible Officers and soldiers may seek approval to attend annual education tours.
The 2026 tour will be to Greece and give pilgrims the opportunity to visit cities where Paul preached.

September 11-23, 2027

September 16-28, 2028

*Tours are exclusively for Salvation Army Officers and soldiers.*

Leadership

Major Lydia Pearson

Major Lydia Pearson was born and raised in Geneva, NY. After high school, Major Pearson obtained an AAS in Christian Ministry from Houghton College, followed by a BS in Christian Education from Nyack College and an MA in Adult Education from Teachers College-Columbia University.

Major Pearson has been an officer for 39 years, serving as Territorial Education Secretary since 2020. Previous assignments have included Springfield, MA; Trenton, NJ; Jamaica Queens, NY; Suffern, NY; Cleveland, OH; Albany, NY; and Bridgeport, CT.

Ministry in The Salvation Army has allowed Major Pearson to travel for ministry and vacation. In 2010, she completed her childhood goal of visiting all 50 states. She has also traveled to 25 countries. Major Pearson especially enjoys visiting US national parks and witnessing God’s great creation. Major Pearson welcomes any opportunity to preach God’s Word and encourage His people.

Major Dwayne Barnes

Major Dwayne Barnes was born and raised in Guyana, South America. After high school, he obtained an AAS in Business Administration from Queensborough Community College, followed by a BS in Organizational Management from Nyack College, an MA in leadership and an MA in Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Mental Health Services from Capella University.

Major Barnes has been an officer for 16 years, serving as Assistant Education Secretary from 2023. Previous assignments have included Harlem, NY; Poughkeepsie, NY; Manhattan, NY; Nyack, Bermuda; and Hamilton. 

Major Barnes’ ministry in The Salvation Army has not only been a source of spiritual fulfillment but has also provided him with unique travel opportunities. In 2015 and 2017, he was invited to Congo, Brazzaville, as a guest for their Holiness Convention and Youth Summit. These experiences, he claims, have been transformative, pushing him to extend his reach to humanity on a larger scale and enriching his calling.

Major Dwayne Barnes

Major Dwayne Barnes was born and raised in Guyana, South America. After high school, he obtained an AAS in Business Administration from Queensborough Community College, followed by a BS in Organizational Management from Nyack College, an MA in leadership and an MA in Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Mental Health Services from Capella University.

Major Barnes has been an officer for 16 years, serving as Assistant Education Secretary from 2023. Previous assignments have included Harlem, NY; Poughkeepsie, NY; Manhattan, NY; Nyack, Bermuda; and Hamilton. 

Major Barnes’ ministry in The Salvation Army has not only been a source of spiritual fulfillment but has also provided him with unique travel opportunities. In 2015 and 2017, he was invited to Congo, Brazzaville, as a guest for their Holiness Convention and Youth Summit. These experiences, he claims, have been transformative, pushing him to extend his reach to humanity on a larger scale and enriching his calling.

Lifelong Learning

Continuing Education Program

In June 2013, the Eastern Territory launched a collaborative relationship with Asbury University to conduct a continuing Education Program. During their five years, lieutenants must earn 30 academic credits to be promoted to Captain. Upon completion of the continuing Education Program, officers may elect to submit a degree proposal to the necessary councils for consideration.

Auxiliary Captain and Envoy Training

A/Captains and Envoys participate in three online classes each year focused on the Bible, Doctrine, Preaching and Teaching.

10, 20, & 30-Year Renewal Enrichment Convocation

Every year, The Education Department holds a three-day Seminar for officers who have completed 10, 20, and 30 years of Ministry. The seminar focuses on flourishing in Ministry, holiness, longevity in mission, etc.

Preaching Seminar

The Preaching Seminary is held at Asbury Theological Seminary. Under the instruction of professors at Asbury Theological Seminary, officers learn about different aspects of preaching. They also have the opportunity to preach in small groups and receive feedback from their peers and seminary staff.

Pastoral Counseling Seminar

The counseling seminar is held at Crestview Conference Center at Territorial Headquarters. Using the book Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling, officers learn how to help their counselees discover a solution and put it in motion speedily and productively. The goal is healthy change by supporting the counselee to see and work on the solution with God’s activity already present in their life.

News

Tuition Discount Partners

Free classes – cityvisioninstitute.org

Degree Programs – cityvision.edu

University link – phoenix.edu/usaeast

University link – ohiochristian.edu

Scholarship of $250-$500 per semester

University link – houghton.edu

Tuition for Houghton online courses will be discounted 20% off the rates per credit hour for associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level students who come to Houghton through The Salvation Army partnership.

Resources

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