Youth Down South

REPLAY from 2025: In this episode, Emma sits down with Major Matt Satterlee and Jon Avery to explore the growing presence of AI in ministry. Together, they unpack the benefits, risks, and ethical questions surrounding tools like ChatGPT—asking how pastors, leaders, and teachers can use technology responsibly while still grounding their work in Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit...

This week, we're taking the podcast on the road! Emma Edelman is on location at Camp Grandview, sitting down with members of the summer conservatory staff, Caden Thomas and Tatyana Cummings, for a fun and encouraging conversation about camp life and camp ministry. From lighthearted rapid-fire questions and favorite camp snacks to heartfelt conversations about why they chose to serve and what they...

In this special solo episode of Youth Down South, Emma Edelman shares encouragement for youth leaders, camp staff, officers, volunteers, and ministry teams serving throughout the summer. Whether your days are packed with camps, VBS, and activities or your schedule feels a little quieter, this episode is a reminder that ministry continues beyond programs and events. From staying connected to young...

In this episode of Youth Down South, host Emma Edelman sits down with Major Anne Westmoreland and special guest Alina Pawar to discuss the exciting new 24/7 Territorial Prayer Initiative launching at Commissioning. Together, they explore the vision behind this territory-wide movement of prayer, its purpose and goals, and how Salvationists of all ages can participate as we journey toward the Territ...

In this episode, host Emma Edelman is joined by They unpack everything delegates, parents, and leaders need to know about this year’s Territorial Youth Institute—from the theme, special guests, and daily schedule to the tracks, electives, night programs, and application process. Whether you're considering attending for the first time or returning for another unforgettable summer, this episode offe...

In this episode of Youth Down South, host Emma Edelman is joined by Tom Hanton and Tim Burleigh from the Territorial Music & Arts Department to talk all things TMI 2026 — (Territorial Music Institute)! Together, they unpack what makes this summer music and arts institute such a meaningful experience for young people across the Southern Territory. From majors and electives to worship, concerts,...

This week on the Youth Down South Podcast, we sit down with Major Sandra Pawar, Territorial Mission, Evangelism, and Cultural Ministries Secretary, for a conversation about the exciting ministries, initiatives, and opportunities happening through Adult Ministries across the Southern Territory. From discipleship and leadership development to building stronger intergenerational connections within ou...

Get ready for a big summer across the territory! In this episode of Youth Down South, Emma sits down with returning guest Roberta Simmons-Smith to talk all things Commissioning and Bible Conference. From themes, dates, locations, and special guests to youth programming, childcare, young adult opportunities, worship experiences, and what attendees can expect this year, this episode is packed with h...

There’s a big goal happening across the territory—and it starts at the local level. In this episode of Youth Down South, Emma sits down with Majors Matt and Jamie Satterlee to unpack “The Big Three”—three key youth local officer roles every corps is encouraged to have: Junior Soldier Sergeant, Corps Cadet Counselor, and YPSM. They break down what these roles do, why commissioning matters, and how...

There’s something exciting happening across the territory—and it’s called Spotlight. In this episode of Youth Down South, Emma sits down with Tom Hanton (Territorial Worship Arts Education Director) and David Delaney (Potomac Divisional Music Director) to talk about this new (to most) initiative that’s already making waves. Together, they unpack the heart behind Spotlight—how it started, what it l...

In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at Salvationist Service Corps trip planning—what it takes to move from selection to sending. Emma is joined by Major Matt Satterlee and Kara Rodriguez to unpack everything from early decisions and pre-visits to how teams prepare spiritually before ever meeting in person. You’ll also hear how you can be praying for this year’s teams as they get read...

What does it really mean when God’s call turns into a lifelong commitment? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Ashish Pawar and Captain Josh Hinson to talk about the journey from calling to officership. Together, we explore what it looks like to discern God’s voice, walk through the cadet application process, and experience the transformational 730 days that shape a lifetime of ministry.   V...

In this special Holy Week episode, we are joined by Lt. Colonels Allan and Fiona Hofer, Territorial Secretaries for Program in the USA Southern Territory. Together, they reflect on the significance of Easter and share an encouraging word for Salvationists, leaders, and volunteers as they journey through the days leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. This conversation offers a meani...

In this episode, the youth department sites down to explore an exciting new chapter for youth discipleship in The Salvation Army: the digitalization of the Corps Cadet program. We unpack what Corps Cadets is, why this transition to a digital platform is happening now, and how it will better equip leaders to disciple young people. Listeners will gain insight into what’s changing, what’s staying the...

In this episode of Youth Down South, we’re highlighting another great resource coming out of the territory. Emma sits down with Ashley Escobar from the Women’s Department to talk about the Open Air Podcast—a podcast created to encourage, equip, and connect women through meaningful conversations about faith, life, and ministry. Ashley shares the vision behind the podcast, who it’s designed for, and...

In this episode, Emma is joined by Melissa Powell and Kara Rodriguez to talk about one of their favorite parts of ministry—getting out across the territory to visit camps, youth councils, and divisional events. They share why these visits matter, what they’ve learned from youth leaders and young people, and how the Youth Department hopes to encourage those serving on the front lines of youth minis...

REPLAY! This episode first aired in June 2025, but it is still relevant every year. If you listened the first time, listen again! If you missed it the first time, you won’t want to miss it now! In this episode, we take a bird’s eye view of officer moves within the Southern Territory—how the process works and how we, as church members and leaders, can support officers and their families, especially...

In this episode of Youth Down South, we’re talking about what it really takes to build a volunteer dream team — not just filling positions, but intentionally recruiting, training, and developing leaders who thrive. Emma is joined by Roberta Simmons-Smith and Danielle Rowland for a practical, honest conversation about moving from “gap filling” to team building. We talk onboarding, creating ownershi...

In this episode of Youth Down South, we sit down with Chris Benjamin, Director of Production and Operations for Soundcast at Territorial Headquarters, to talk all things podcasting, production, and the power of storytelling. Together they unpack what Soundcast is, meet the team behind the mic, and take a closer look at the podcasts you may already know and love including, Words of Life and Heartbe...

In this episode of — Real Talk with E.B. — Emma is joined by E.B. and Jeremy Rowland to talk about Youth in Action and the many ways young people can serve through The Salvation Army. From local corps opportunities to camps, mission trips, and creative ministry, this conversation encourages young people to discover their gifts, step into leadership, and live out their faith through service. Listen...

In this episode, Melissa Powell joins Emma to share three brand-new Youth Down South resources to help you prepare for the upcoming ministry season. We talk about our new Valentine’s Day resource, introduce the Lent and Easter series that continues The Journey That Changed the World from Advent, and preview our brand-new VBS coming in early March, Galaxy Quest. The Valentine’s Day and Lent/Easter...

In this episode, we are joined by Kristin Mudge and Brad Rowland from Southern Spirit for an encouraging and practical conversation about writing. They talk about why writing matters, how young people and young adults can get involved, and what it really looks like to take that first step—even if you don’t see yourself as “a writer.” This episode offers helpful insight into submitting articles, wr...

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Chris Raymer to talk about his journey before officership and how his civilian career helped shape the leader and officer he is today. From hospitality and high-pressure work environments to communications ministry, Chris shares how God used every season to prepare him for what came next. We’ll explore calling, discernment, transferable skills, and how eve...

In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about EQUIP 2026—a Southern Territory conference centered on training, connection, and growth for youth and young adult leaders. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime EQUIP participant, this conversation breaks down what to expect, why EQUIP matters, and how this conference is designed to equip, refresh, and inspire leader...

In a season filled with passionate conversations and important questions, we’re invited to consider how following Jesus shapes the way we live and engage the world around us. Faithful in the Public Square explores what it looks like to live with Christ-centered integrity and grace in a divided world. In this episode of Real Talk With E.B., we’re joined by David Delaney from the Potomac (PMC) Divis...