The Salvation Army in India reached a historic milestone with the successful hosting of the National Officers Council (NOC) 2025, held from 3rd to 6th November 2025 at Joe Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram, Chennai. The event, themed “Revive Us Again,” brought together 500 officers from six Territories across India, along with leaders and officers from the India National Office, Kolkata, for a time of spiritual renewal, unity, and inspiration.
This landmark Council also commemorated the 160th Founder's Day of The Salvation Army, adding deeper significance to the occasion. In the 143-year history of The Salvation Army in India, no gathering of such magnitude and spiritual depth had ever taken place, making NOC 2025 a truly transformative experience for all participants.
A Vision Birthed in Prayer and Faith
The vision for this national gathering was prayerfully birthed in the hearts of Commissioners John Kumar Dasari and Mani Kumari Dasari, International Secretaries for South Asia Zone, IHQ, London. Their dream of uniting officers from across the nation for a time of revival and renewed fellowship became reality through months of dedicated planning, supported by the Coordination Committee, Territorial Leaders, and the India National Office Leadership.
The Council featured dynamic worship sessions, inspiring messages, reflective discussions, and meaningful fellowship, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual awakening. Officers departed with renewed zeal, strengthened unity, and a revived passion to serve their communities with faith and courage.
Opening Day: A Celebration of Unity and Purpose
The Council commenced on 3rd November with a vibrant group photograph, symbolising the unity of Salvation Army officers across India. The welcome procession, bearing the Indian National Flag and the Salvation Army Flag, set a tone of reverence and celebration.
Distinguished leaders, including Commissioners John Kumar and Mani Kumari Dasari, joined Commissioners Ted and Debbie Horwood, International Secretaries for Program Resources, IHQ London, who graced the occasion as Chief Guests.
Praise and worship sessions led by each territory filled the atmosphere with songs of faith and devotion. The Territorial Commander of the hosting territory welcomed delegates and shared the vision behind the Council.
Prayer and Encouragement: A Sacred Beginning
The prayer session began with the chorus “Move, Holy Spirit, Move in My Life,” led by Colonel Rani Phula Pradhan, Territorial Commander, and Colonel Rani Phula Pradhan, Territorial President for Women’s Ministry, ISWT and Commissioner Vanlalfala, Territorial Commander, INT, invoking divine guidance and blessing.
Commissioner John William Polimetla, Territorial Commander, IWT Chairman of the Coordination Committee, expressed gratitude to the host territory and recognised the divine purpose behind each officer's presence.
In a stirring declaration, Commissioner John Kumar Dasari proclaimed, “Hallelujah! We are in the Kingdom of God!” He reminded officers of their shared unity and mission, urging them to return not only with memories but with spiritual fire. His challenge, “Take the fire and give the fire to your people,” became a defining call for revival.
Keynote Address: Commissioner Ted Horwood
Commissioner Ted Horwood delivered a compelling keynote address, introducing the Global Strategic Framework, which is built around People, Mission, and Legacy. He addressed key challenges such as congregational growth, leadership development, and sustainability. Urging officers to pursue revival, Christ-like living, and effective mission.
Commissioner Mani Kumari Dasari reinforced the message, drawing from Ezekiel's vision to show that God's Word brings life even to hopeless situations. The session ended with the hymn “Thou Christ of Burning, Cleansing Flame” and a heartfelt prayer for revival across India.
Bible Studies: Deepening Spiritual Roots
Two transformative Bible studies enriched the Council:
- Commissioner Daniel Raju Dasari, Territorial Commander, ICT, led “A Cry for Renewal” (Psalm 51), focusing on David's repentance and restoration. Officers were reminded that confession and forgiveness are the foundations of enduring ministry.
- Commissioner Lalhlimpuii, Territorial President for Women’s Ministry, ISET shared “Transformed by the Power of Love,” illustrating how encounters with Jesus changed lives—Mary Magdalene, Zacchaeus, the Prodigal Son, and Paul. The message affirmed that divine love heals, restores, and empowers.
Both studies inspired reflection and heartfelt recommitment to God's service.
Abide: Sustaining Our Spiritual Life
In a powerful session, Commissioner Ted Horwood spoke on “Abide: Sustaining Our Spiritual Life,” urging officers to embrace the courage of pioneer leaders. Drawing from Exodus 3 and Judges 6, he reminded officers that God calls us not in perfection but in potential. Scriptures such as Philippians 4:13 and Ephesians 3:20 affirmed God's empowerment.
Following this, a powerful altar call took place, engaging and inspiring officers to renew their commitment to God’s Mission.
Women's Ministries: Empowering and Equipping
Commissioner Mani Kumari Dasari conveyed greetings from the World President of Women's Ministries, highlighting transformation, empowerment, and social justice. The devotional resource “Living Justice” was introduced, with plans for translation into regional languages.
Commissioner Debbie Horwood celebrated the strength and influence of women in ministry, drawing lessons from Deborah and Esther, and calling for renewed gender partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
Breakout Sessions: Equipping for Impact
Officers attended focused breakout sessions on key topics, including:
- Spiritual Life Development
- The Salvation Army Distinctives
- Officer Wellness
- Sustainability
- Artificial Intelligence in Ministry
- Accountability in TSA Operations
- Freedom of Religion in India
These interactive sessions provided practical tools, new insights, and creative strategies for effective ministry and leadership.
Cultural Nights: Celebrating Diversity and Unity
The second and third evenings featured Cultural Nights, where all six territories presented vibrant music, dance, and drama. These performances celebrated India's diversity and the unifying power of Christ, fostering deep fellowship and joy among delegates.
Final Day: A Spirit-Filled Conclusion
The concluding day began with praise and worship led by the India Central Territory and India National Office delegates. Commissioner Mani Kumari Dasari opened with Psalm 100, followed by prayers of thanksgiving and blessing led by Colonel Lalbuliana, Territorial Commander, IET.
Gratitude was expressed to all who contributed to the Council's success- organisers, volunteers, Joe Beach Resort staff, and territorial teams. Commissioner Mani Kumari affirmed that officers were returning to their fields renewed in mind, revived in spirit, and ready to impact lives.
Colonel Andrews Christian facilitated a meaningful sharing session, where officers reflected on their experiences and testified to a renewed sense of passion and vision for ministry.
Closing Reflections and Revival Message
Commissioner Ted Horwood delivered closing remarks, encouraging officers to embrace change and carry the mission forward to future generations. Lt. Colonel Zothanmawia, Chief Secretary, IWT, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks, reminding everyone that “It is the blood of Christ that connects us all.”
In the final moments, Commissioner John Kumar Dasari preached a stirring revival message from 1 Kings 18, urging officers to:
- Repair the Altar – Restore personal relationship with God
- Soak in the Word – Let Scripture refresh and renew
- Meditate Daily – Draw strength from God's presence
- Seek Intimacy – Cultivate closeness with Christ
- Be Empowered – Experience the fire of the Holy Spirit
The Council concluded with the hymns “Send the Fire” and “All to Jesus I Surrender,” capturing the essence of the gathering—total surrender and spiritual renewal.
Conclusion: A Divine Encounter
The National Officers Council 2025 was not merely a conference—it was a sacred encounter with God. Through powerful worship, Spirit-led teaching, and heartfelt fellowship, officers were renewed in vision, rekindled in passion, and reawakened to their divine calling.
As one delegate testified, “It is the blood of Christ that connects us all. Because of His grace, we are here.”
NOC 2025 stands as a living testimony of what God can do when His people unite in prayer, purpose, and passion. Truly, the cry of every heart was heard and answered:
“Revive Us Again, O Lord!”
Reported by Major Amrik Masih, Editor, All India War Cry, India National Office, Kolkata
