Bible Conference 2025 Focuses On “Kingdom Living: Awaken Hope”

The Salvation Army Southern Territorial Bible Conference continues its legacy of spiritual renewal and theological education, drawing thousands of participants to Lake Junaluska in North Carolina. For over six decades, this annual event has served as a cornerstone of faith formation, offering a space for worship, teaching, and communal growth. This year’s conference, themed “Kingdom Living: Awaken Hope,” marked the culmination of a three-year series aimed at guiding members toward a deeper understanding of living out the Christian faith in daily life.

The conference opened with a powerful worship experience led by Grammy award-winning artist Rebecca St. James, whose set included both familiar hymns and contemporary worship songs. Her performance set a tone of reverence and adoration, inviting attendees to approach God with humility and gratitude. The event continued with a series of teachings and worship services designed to inspire and challenge participants to embody the values of the Kingdom of God.

Major Anthony Juliana, divisional commander for the Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Division, introduced the week’s focus, emphasizing the importance of hope as a steadfast, transformative force. “Hope’s not a fragile emotion,” he said. “It’s not wishful thinking. It’s not a vague optimism based on whether or not circumstances are going our way. Hope, real, living hope, is the unshakable confidence that what our Lord has promised, He will fulfill.” Juliana encouraged attendees to embrace hope as a foundation for living with purpose and integrity in their communities.

Throughout the week, the conference featured a variety of worship services, theological discussions, and spiritual exercises. Special musical contributions from Karl and Lauren Westwood, representatives of International Headquarters, and Captain Daniel Buckingham, mission officer for the Wellington City Corps in New Zealand, enriched the worship experience. Their leadership helped create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual reflection and growth.

The conference also included the celebration of new cadets entering Evangeline Booth College, highlighting the organization’s commitment to developing future leaders within the Salvation Army. These cadets, along with officers, members, and guests, engaged in a week of spiritual renewal, seeking to align their lives with the teachings of the Bible and the mission of the Salvation Army.

As the conference drew to a close, attendees were encouraged to carry forward the themes of hope, purpose, and Kingdom living into their daily lives. The event reaffirmed the Salvation Army’s dedication to spiritual growth, community service, and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

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