International leadership
The Salvation Army's International leader is called the General, who leads the work in over 131 countries.
To become General of The Salvation Army, a person (man or woman) must be a Christian who is commissioned as an officer (minister) in The Salvation Army. The electing body, referred to as the High Council, is composed of all active commissioners and territorial commanders in the world.
The General resides in London where The Salvation Army began its work in 1865. The founders of the Army were William and Catherine Booth. They chose a quasi-military command structure in 1878 when their congregation, The Christian Mission, changed its name to The Salvation Army.
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, originally from the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, are passionate representatives of The Salvation Army.
They have served as officers since they were commissioned in 1990 as members of the Ambassadors for Christ Session. Commissioner Lyndon was appointed Chief of the Staff on 3 August 2018 and Commissioner Bronwyn as World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development on 1 January 2021, having previously served as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.
They assumed their current responsibilities as General and World President of Women’s Ministries on 3 August 2023.
Appointments around the world
Over the years of their officership they have served in corps appointments in New Zealand and Canada, as Territorial Youth and Candidates Secretaries, Divisional Leaders and Territorial Programme Secretaries.
On 1 February 2013 the Buckinghams were appointed to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory, firstly as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively, before assuming territorial leadership in June 2013. On 1 January 2018 they were appointed to lead the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham as Territorial Leader for Leader Development.
Bronwyn and Lyndon are blessed to be parents and grandparents. They are continually encouraged and challenged by the desire of their adult children to serve God in their generation.
The great news of the gospel
In each of their appointments the Buckinghams have displayed a desire to see the great news of the gospel shared.
Bronwyn is inspired by the belief that God has a new truth to reveal to her daily and compelled by the promise that he is continuing to grow and stretch her (Philippians 1:6 NIV). She desires to be the woman God is calling her to be and is passionate to be part of an Army where the next generation will choose to embrace their leadership calling.
Lyndon is passionate about finding ways for The Salvation Army to be more effective in fulfilling its mission. He is determined to be faithful to the covenants he has made and is motivated by verses from Paul’s letter to the Colossians: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV 1984).
Both are intent on enjoying life, endeavouring to stay fit by walking and rowing. They enjoy reading, watching good movies and are avid supporters of New Zealand’s ‘All Blacks’ rugby union team!