The Heart of Congress
English Salvationists Captain George Pollard and Lieutenant Edward Wright began the work of The Salvation Army in New Zealand on 27 March, 1883. Just nine months after ‘opening fire’, the very first congress took place at Christmas, in Dunedin.
Salvationists flocked from around the country to march the streets of Dunedin and celebrate and give glory to God for 5000 first-time decisions to follow Christ, over 500 soldiers, 30 officers and the establishment of 25 Salvation Army centres from Auckland to Invercargill!
In 1983, one hundred years later, a ‘Centenary Congress’ was held in Wellington at the newly opened Michael Fowler Centre. General Jarl Wahlstrom was the guest speaker and urged Salvationists to move into the next century ‘making a fresh commitment to the Lord and the cause of his Kingdom’.
So what is the purpose of a Salvation Army congress? In her 1989 congress address, General Eva Burrows explained:
‘A congress is much more than just an annual get-together … It’s an occasion to re-affirm our faith so that we are strengthened to go out to witness … It is an occasion to quicken the spiritual pulse of The Salvation Army and make us aware of the vital role we can play in this present age … to check up on our personal growth and re-dedicate ourselves to God for future service.’
Over the years, the style and shape of congress gatherings have changed and adapted to reflect the needs of the day, including the active embrace and participation of tangata whenua and Pacific peoples Salvationists from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. The purpose of congress, however, stands firm.
The most recent congress held in the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory took place in 2019 in Wellington. Special guests General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, who had served as northern division leaders from 2007–2009, were welcomed back into the territory with open arms. Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdowns and travel restrictions prevented Salvationists from gathering for congress for the next six years.
However, ‘Together’ Congress is scheduled for September 2025, in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, with Territorial Commander Commissioner Janine Donaldson affirming again the purpose behind calling Salvationists to gather in unity and celebrate.
‘The heart of congress remains unchanged. It’s a time to live out our faith, share deep hope and love, and focus again with renewed passion on sharing that hope and love in our communities … All those who are part of The Salvation Army are so welcome to come together, worship together, share together, encourage each other and inspire each other. There is a stronger anointing and clearer sense of God’s presence when we gather to worship corporately. It’s an opportunity to hear from God. To refocus on his purpose for us, both as individuals and as a movement so that when we return to our communities, we are more encouraged and equipped to serve … Let’s come with open hearts, expectant for what God will do in our time together!’
Source: Major Judith Bennett, Many Voices in Mission (2008).
