Salvationist Podcast

Across Canada, about 27 percent of people aged 15 and older live with a disability. In a country of 41 million, that translates to about 11 million people—including many people in our Salvation Army context. So, how is our territory working to improve accessibility, to ensure everyone belongs?  On this episode, we’re joined by Colonel Margaret McLeod, chief secretary, and Major Christine Johnston,...

From April 17 to May 4, the Canada and Bermuda Territory was honoured to host General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham. During their tour, The Salvation Army’s international leaders travelled from coast to coast, from St. John’s to Vancouver, encouraging Salvationists to keep Jesus at the centre of all we do.  On their final day in Canada, they joined the Salvationist podcast...

Since Alpha Canada was established in 1998, more than 1.4 million people in Canada have experienced Alpha. It’s a great tool for churches to introduce people to Jesus and also help believers deepen their faith.  Many ministry units in the Canada and Bermuda Territory are running Alpha, including Moncton Citadel Community Church in New Brunswick. On this episode, we hear from Moncton’s corps office...

It was nicknamed “The Beast”—the massive wildfire that ripped through Fort McMurray, Alberta, in May 2016. It forced the entire city of almost 90,000 people to evacuate and spread across approximately 590,000 hectares—an area larger than Prince Edward Island.  For this episode, we’re marking the 10-year anniversary of the fire by talking to officers and Salvationists who were there in Fort McMurra...

At The Salvation Army's New Hope Leslieville shelter in Toronto, a monthly jam session gives residents an opportunity to experience the joy of music, thanks to Harmonies for Hope. The program is led by a volunteer, Rob Dixon, who shares how an encounter with a man experiencing homelessness inspired Harmonies for Hope, and how the program creates moments of beauty and dignity for people who ot...

On this past Christmas Day, a fire broke out at The Salvation Army in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, completely destroying the building. It was a devastating blow for Salvation Army ministry in the community. But with the support of the town and its people, the Army is still giving hope amid the ashes, ensuring the mission continues even without the home base of a building. On this episode, we are j...

For Captains Chris and Nichole Maxwell, two Salvation Army officers from Australia, moving to Canada was a leap of faith. They had never visited the country prior to moving here, they'd be bringing three young children with them, and it was in the middle of a pandemic. But trusting in God’s calling to overseas service has been an immense blessing for the Maxwells and for their church, Kingsto...

Today, Auxiliary-Captain Matthew Pittman is the corps officer at Robert's Arm-Pilley's Island Corps—back at the very church where he grew up in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. But 10 years ago, he couldn't have been further away from a life of ministry. On this episode of the Salvationist podcast, Auxiliary-Captain Matthew shares his journey, from addiction and depression to salvat...

On this episode, Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander, and Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray, director of international development, sit down for an enlightening discussion about this year's Partners in Mission campaign.  The Partners in Mission Self-Denial Campaign is an annual effort to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s ministry internationally. For the Canada and Bermuda Territory, thi...

The Salvation Army was born on the streets of London, England, and urban ministry is still central to our calling. But since its founding, the Army has expanded far beyond the urban centres, and in the Canada and Bermuda Territory today, about half of our ministry units are in urban settings, while the other half are in rural areas.  What are the different strengths and challenges in city and rura...

In The Salvation Army, we have an abundance of gifted composers and songwriters, both experienced and emerging. And that’s why Music Editorial, which is based in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, began a composition mentoring program.  Through the year-long program, an experienced composer or songwriter meets one-on-one with a new one, giving them practical as well as spiritual support, cr...

The Canada and Bermuda Territory currently has about 9,300 employees spread across hundreds of ministry units, making up a significant amount of the leadership in the Army today.  So how is our territory equipping our employees for success? And how can we better harness the skills and diversity in our ranks?  On this episode of the podcast we’re sitting down with Paul Carew, who is the leadership...

For Women’s History Month, Salvationist is spotlighting inspiring Salvationist women from across Canada and Bermuda, so we're delighted to welcome Dr. Lucinda McQuarrie to the podcast.  Dr. Lucinda is a lifelong Salvationist and a medical doctor in Langley, B.C. On this episode we talk about her faith journey—from being an officers’ kid, to her current ministry as a lay leader at The Salvatio...

As we prepare to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we sit down with Corinne Peterkin, who is the Indigenous liaison at The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in Winnipeg. Corinne shares some of her own personal story as a Sixties Scoop survivor, and she walks us through the many ways the Centre of Hope is living the journey of reconciliation today. As she notes, reco...

What started as a fun hobby for Captain Matthew Trottier has become a meaningful ministry as he uses his magical talents to share the gospel message. As "Major Magic," Captain Matt proves that anything can be used for God’s glory—even a rabbit in a hat.  Major Magic will be performing at Oakville Community Church's Fall Family Carnival this Saturday, September 13, 2025. Visit their...

This summer, John Lam retires after 30 years of ministry with the Canadian Staff Band, including 17 years as bandmaster. As he wraps up his time with the band, Lam reflects on his life and faith, from his life-transforming experience at National Music Camp, to a time of personal tragedy and how God has been faithful to him, to some of his most memorable experiences with the staff band, and why mus...

In The Salvation Army, it’s common to have specific appointments for women’s ministries, as well as for children and youth. But in many places, there is no equivalent position for men’s ministries.  Not so in the Ontario Division, where Captain Josh Howard is the divisional men’s ministry resource officer, along with his appointment as corps officer in Orillia. On this episode of the podcast we ta...

About 50 percent of Gen Z in North America identify as "nones," meaning they don’t have any religious affiliation. The big question is: why? Why have so many left the church? And for those who haven’t, why have they stayed?  This episode features a roundtable discussion with Major April McNeilly, who has been researching Gen Z and Jesus for her master’s degree; and her daughter Rebekah M...

In Uniacke Square, a public housing neighbourhood in Halifax, you’ll find a Salvation Army centre that doesn’t look much like a Salvation Army centre, aside from the sign out front and the bright Red Shield. Occupying three adjoining rowhouses, Open Arms Halifax offers a second home for many residents. It’s a place to belong, to receive support, and to experience the love of Jesus in practical way...

"Together we can move mountains, one hill at a time." That's the motto of Pink Days, a new program at The Salvation Army in Surrey, B.C. Through Pink Days, the Army supports women of all ages and stages, with a particular focus on mothers and newcomers who may not have established networks in their new home.  Major Diane Cross, corps officer at Surrey Ministries, gives us an overvie...

The Salvation Army has always had a flair for the dramatic. Drama, in its various forms, has been a part of our ministry since the beginning. But why? What did the Founders and Salvationists since then understand about the power of this art form that has kept it alive in the Army for more than 150 years? How did we get from Evangeline Booth’s pop-up street performances to modern-day musicals and T...

From its beginning, The Salvation Army has been committed to gender equality. And in many ways, we have lived up to this commitment, and our women officers have flourished as ministers and leaders. But in some areas, gender inequity persists and there is more work to be done. On this episode, Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander for Canada and Bermuda, and Lt-Colonel Wanda Vincent, gende...

Today's kids and teens have never known a world without the internet or smartphones. And while there are many benefits to online life, there are also risks.  Kids who spend more time on screens are more likely to show symptoms of anxiety and depression. And a recent study of Ontario teens found that one in five had experienced cyberbullying.  So, there are many reasons for parents, youth lead...

As executive director of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg, Greg Kyllo leads by example. He has experienced addiction first-hand, having struggled with alcoholism for many years. Now sober for 19 years and a member of The Salvation Army's Heritage Park Temple, Greg shares his personal journey, his professional insights into sobriety and an encouraging message for those who might be s...

Every year, many people participate in something called “Dry January,” a recent trend where people give up drinking for the month. For some, it’s a kind of post-holiday detox; for others, it’s an opportunity to rethink their relationship with alcohol generally. The Salvation Army has long held a sober stance on alcohol. But where does that position come from? And how is it still relevant today?  I...