compass2026

An exploration of The Salvation Army’s global strategic framework designed to revitalize our spiritual and missional life.

Get ready for an exciting divisional gathering and training event experience at compass2026!

Registration Deadline: March 23, 2026

Maximum Participants: 200

CLICK ON THE RED BUTTON ON THE RIGHT TO GET YOUR TICKETS.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

Anyone directly involved in Salvation Army ministry and mission within the BC Division whether they are staff, volunteers, or key congregation members. Ministry Unit leaders should determine which mission partners attend from their unit in consultation with their Area Commander or Regional Director.

EVENT OBJECTIVES

This conference will lean into the vision of General Lyndon Buckingham’s call to return to the original calling of The Salvation Army through Empowering People, Enhancing Mission Impact and Establishing an Enduring Legacy

HOTEL BOOKING

When booking kindly identify that you are with The Salvation Army.

Please reserve accommodation early and check hotel’s cancellation policy.

Best Western Plus Regency Inn & Conference Centre

32110 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, V2T1A1

(604) 853 3111

Rate: $ 169.00 ++ / 30-day block reservation until March 27, 2026

For faster booking, use the link below:

https://gamma.app/docs/Salvation-Army-Conference-April-27-30-2026-adkhz1jwypz3q0h?mode=doc

TRAINING EVENT SCHEDULE

April 28, 2026 Tuesday

7:30 am - 8:30 am Registration

8:30 am - 9:30 am Opening Session

9:45 am – 10:45 am SESSION 1: EMPOWERING PEOPLE

10:45 am – 11:30 am Coffee Break

11:30 am – 12:30 pm SESSION 2: EMPOWERING PEOPLE

12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Lunch

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm SESSION 3: EMPOWERING PEOPLE

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Break

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm MISSIONAL CONNECT

April 29, 2026 Wednesday

7:30 am – 8:30 am Registration

8:30 am – 9:30 am Plenary Session

9:45 am – 10:45 am SESSION 4: ENHANCING MISSION

10:45 am – 11:30 pm Coffee Break

11:30 pm – 12:30 pm SESSION 5: ENHANCING MISSION

12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Lunch

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm SESSION 6: ENHANCING MISSION

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Break

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm MISSIONAL CONNECT

April 30, 2026 Thursday

8:00 am - 8:30 am Registration

8:30 am – 9:30 am Plenary Session

9:45 am – 10:45 am SESSION 7: ENDURING LEGACY

10:45 am – 11:30 am Coffee Break

11:30 am – 12:30 pm SESSION 8: ENDURING LEGACY

12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Lunch

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm MISSIONAL CONNECT

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm Closing Session

WORKSHOPS AND SPEAKERS

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

THEME: EMPOWERING PEOPLE

OPENING SESSION | 8:30 - 9:30 am

Keynote Speaker:

Ken Shigamatsu, Author and Pastor of Tenth Church

Topic:

Becoming Your True Self

SESSION 1 | 9:45 - 10:45 am

1.A | LIFE-GIVING RHYTHMS Part 1

with Ken Shigamatsu

We will explore how busy people can experience Christ in daily life—at home, at work, and at play—by creating a “rule of life.” We will discover a rhythm that nurtures, rather than undermines, a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

1.B | What is Your Why? with Jenea Gomez ???

1.C | UNDERSTANDING EMERGING TRENDS IN YOUTH MINISTRY

with Sid Koop

One of the “constants” of youth ministry culture, is that it is rarely constant. Change is inevitable, and change seems to be happening faster and faster. In this workshop, we will look at 5 changing trends in the youth ministry culture, and how an unchanging God would have us respond.

1.D | Communities of Practice & Ministry – Harnessing the Strengths of the Body of Christ Part 1 with Major Neil Wilkinson ???

1.E | TRAUMA STEWARDSHIP

with Major Barb Stanley

“Based on the work of Laura van Dernoot Lipsky”

This workshop will explore how to bear the weight of human tragedy in alignment with our humanity, values and belief. We will discuss the three levels of trauma stewardship and work together on developing a personal stewardship strategy. Come ready to work in small groups.

SESSION 2 | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

2.A | LIFE-GIVING RHYTHMS Part 2

with Ken Shigamatsu

We will explore how busy people can experience Christ in daily life—at home, at work, and at play—by creating a “rule of life.” We will discover a rhythm that nurtures, rather than undermines, a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

2.B | What is Your Why? with Jenea Gomez ???

2.C | PRINCIPLES FOR PASSING FAITH ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION

with Sid Koop

Youth workers, there are few callings more significant than passing faith on to our students. At times, this seems like an overwhelming task. Our voice and influence can seem small compared to the presence of other voices at school, online, in their friendship groups (especially as they reach middle and late adolescence!!). But your voice is not small. God has uniquely positioned your voice to carry much weight. And as followers of Jesus, He has uniquely positioned us as a community to collectively pass on the love of Jesus to our kids. God has called you and your students to a time such as this, and He is powerful, wise and for you…and for your teens. Let’s talk about what it practically looks like to embrace His mission for the next generation.

2.D | Communities of Practice & Ministry – Harnessing the Strengths of the Body of Christ 2 with Neil Wilkinson ???

2.E | OVERCOMING OVERWHELM

with Major Barb Stanley

Don't get used to being tired! How do we do less of what erodes us and more of what sustains us? Together we will work through some guided questions that will help us attend to being "distracted, disconnected, attached and depleted." We will also learn 3 body-brain exercises to help us use and understand why our bodies are a gift.

SESSION 3 | 1:45 - 3:00 pm

3.A | SABBATH-A PALACE IN TIME

with Ken Shigamatsu

We will reflect on how Sabbath reminds us that our worth doesn't come from what we produce, but from the simple glorious fact that we are cherished as God's children. We'll explore how we can delight in the Sabbath by finding joy in God, life, and the people who matter most.

3.B | PATHWAY OF HOPE

with Kevin Elsasser

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative provides individualized services to families with children who desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability that repeats generation after generation. It seeks to address the root causes of poverty in addition to The Army’s history of compassionate serving. By helping families overcome challenges like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education, we can lead families down a path toward increased stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency.

3.C | DEVELOPING NEXT GENERATION LEADERS AND HOW CAMP CAN PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE

with Sid Koop

There has always been a need for youth ministries to be intentional about developing leadership in the next generation. But perhaps now more than ever, with the need for community and church leaders seeming to grow and grow, we need to be more intentional….in our churches, and in partnership with our camps. This workshop will unpack key principles for developing next gen leaders, and how our ministries, and especially camp, can play a key role in that journey.

3.D | WHO ARE THESE QUIRKY SALVATIONISTS?

with Dave MacPherson

A fun walk through the history of The Salvation Army. We’ll explore some of the events that formed the early Army while transforming lives. William and Catherine Booth’s early calling was to “Go straight for souls and go for the worst”. Today our mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. What did that look like in 1865, and what does it look like today?

3.E | Lessons from the field: Emergency Disaster Services (TBA) ???

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

THEME: ENHANCING MISSION

OPENING SESSION | 8:30 - 9:30 am

Plenary Speaker: Danielle Strickland

Topic: A Power for Mission

SESSION 4 | 9:45 - 10:45 am

4.A | FORMING A CHRIST CENTERED CULTURE IN YOUR WORKPLACE Part 1

With Rev. Al Breitkreuz

In this workshop, we will explore how the most client-centered approach to ministry is, in fact, a Christ-centered approach, recognizing the central role of the gospel in shaping everyday practice.

4.B | Dr. Derrick.Mohamed ???

4.C | Holy Spirit Driven Mission 1 with Danielle Strickland ???

4.D | FOUR CATEGORIES FOR EVALUATING AND DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE YOUTH MINISTRY

with Sid Koop

Sometimes it seems like building an effective youth ministry is essentially blind luck. Maybe you get it right, maybe you don’t. But what if there were a few key focus areas that could help you better evaluate your ministry and be more intentional about developing your ministry? In this workshop, we will look at 4 key categories for evaluating and developing and effective youth ministry.

4.E | INFLUENCE THAT HEALS: EXPLORING THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF POWER IN LEADERSHIP Part 1

with Dr. Jeff Beck

This workshop explores how leaders in social services can use power ethically - shifting from control to service. Drawing on Christian stewardship, it will examine six forms of power and how servant minded leadership fosters trust, dignity, and healing influence within their teams and the communities they serve.

4.F | Talking Circles: Healing in leadership 1

with Ray Aldred ???

SESSION 5

5.A | FORMING A CHRIST CENTERED CULTURE IN YOUR WORKPLACE Part 2

With Rev. Al Breitkreuz

In this workshop, we will explore how the most client-centered approach to ministry is, in fact, a Christ-centered approach, recognizing the central role of the gospel in shaping everyday practice.

5.B | Dr. Derrick Mohamed ???

5.C | Holy Spirit Driven Mission 2 with Danielle Strickland ???

5.D | SEVEN KEY TASKS FOR BUILDING A HEALTHY YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM

with Sid Koop

In this seminar we talk about 7 tasks you need to perform in order to build a healthy and effective team. You will receive a tool to help you assess your team in each of these areas, and practical ways to activate each task.

5.E INFLUENCE THAT HEALS: EXPLORING THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF POWER IN LEADERSHIP Part 2

with Dr. Jeff Beck

This workshop explores how leaders in social services can use power ethically - shifting from control to service. Drawing on Christian stewardship, it will examine six forms of power and how servant minded leadership fosters trust, dignity, and healing influence within their teams and the communities they serve.

5.F | Talking Circles: Healing in leadership

with Dr. Ray Aldred ???

SESSION 6

6.A | LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: STAGES & EXPERIENCES OF A BUILDING PROJECT

with Jim Coggles

In these days of increasing needs and aging infrastructure, TSA leaders may be contemplating improving their spaces for mission and ministry. Navigating a capital project of any size from vision to completion can be a complex journey. One that will be exciting and at times, challenging and even overwhelming. There are many steps, expectations, conversations, and accountabilities. Not to mention, unique experiences, given no two projects are alike. In this workshop Jim will share from his experiences in projects of different types and sizes from his time around the Division. Whether you are currently engaged in a capital project or are just starting to feel led to take the next step in exploring the possibility in your ministry unit setting, there will be space in this workshop to ask questions, engage in conversation, and hopefully come away encouraged.

6.B | Ages & Stages of Care with Lori Pinksen ???

6.C | Holy Spirit Driven Mission 3 with Danielle Strickland ???

6.D | RE-THINKING IDENTITY

with Sid Koop

The most significant question our students are asking is the question of identity… who am I? Culture tells them to first “look in,” then around, and maybe finally up in order to affirm whatever identity their emotions have chosen for themselves. This process leaves our students fragile, insecure, self-protective, and ultimately without freedom. The Gospel flips the cultural script on its head. The Gospel calls us to look up, then around, and finally in, to figure out what needs to be re-ordered to align with the identity God has given to us… the identity we have been created for. This is freedom. How do we build our youth ministry so that it helps students discover who they actually are… and embrace the resilient, loving, and freedom-giving identity they have been made for?

6.E | THE THREE TRAITS THAT CHANGE TEAMS: LESSONS FROM LENCIONI’S THE IDEAL TEAM PLAYER

with Dr. Jeffrey Beck

This workshop explores developing practitioners who serve with humility, sustained commitment, and relational awareness. Ideal team members put client dignity first, collaborate across roles, and pursue outcomes that strengthen individuals, families, and communities rather than personal status. Lencioni identifies these as those who are hungry, humble, and smart.

6.F | LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: LAUNCHING NEW MISSIONAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

with Captain Renee McFadden

Integrated mission explores meeting practical and holistic needs in the communities where we serve and minister. Consider various factors and potential best practices that may influence the launch of new community programs in your local area. Discover how listening to people with lived experience and building relationships with community partners can create an authentic and relevant place of grace and connection in our ministry units.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

THEME: ENDURING LEGACY

OPENING SESSION | 8:30 -9:30 am

Plenary Speaker: Danielle Strickland

Topic: Leading For Legacy

SESSION 7 | 9:45 – 10:45 am

7.A | CREATING SANCTUARY: BUILDING A FRAMEWORK FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH Part 1

with Daniel Whitehead

This workshop will explore how churches can uniquely offer spiritual friendship to those navigating mental health challenges. Participants will develop frameworks and language to understand mental health through a faith lens, reflect on their own journeys, while building empathy, and confidence; knowing their role, and what falls beyond it.

7.B | OUR STORY: A PATHWAY TO SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AND DISCIPLE-MAKING

with Captains Rob & Jen Henson

This workshop shares a discipleship pathway shaped by a longing for deeper life with God. Abide, Grow Character, and Lead Well are core units of study within a group mentorship rhythm, alongside retreat experiences focused on freedom and Spirit-led renewal. Participants will explore a lesson together and practice listening for God’s voice.

7.C | How to Create a 2-5 Year Mission Delivery Plan Part 1 with Neil Wilkinson ???

7.D | CULTIVATING TRUST IN ACTION Part 1

with Dr. Cheryl Heykoop

Come explore trust in action. Through reflective and interactive activities, we will explore what trust means to each of us, what our trust needs are, how we build (and want to build) trust, and how we create a culture of trust within our teams.

7.E | TRAUMA STEWARDSHIP

with Major Barb Stanley

This workshop will explore how to bear the weight of human tragedy in alignment with our humanity, values and belief. We will discuss the three levels of trauma stewardship and work together on developing a personal stewardship strategy. Come ready to work in small groups.

SESSION 8 | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

8.A | CREATING SANCTUARY: BUILDING A FRAMEWORK FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH Part 2

with Daniel Whitehead

This workshop will explore how churches can uniquely offer spiritual friendship to those navigating mental health challenges. Participants will develop frameworks and language to understand mental health through a faith lens, reflect on their own journeys, while building empathy, and confidence; knowing their role, and what falls beyond it.

8.B | FROM BURNOUT TO RENEWAL: A JOURNEY INTO GOD’S RESTORING PRESENCE

with Captains Rob & Jen Henson

This workshop tells the story of a ministry journey from burnout to renewal through learning to draw near to God’s presence. Alongside stories of freedom, healing, and God at work, participants will be invited to slow down and spend time resting together in God’s presence amid the demands of ministry.

How to Create a 2-5 Year Mission Delivery Plan 2 with Neil Wilkinson ???

8.D | CULTIVATING TRUST IN ACTION Part 2

with Dr. Cheryl Heykoop

Come explore trust in action. Through reflective and interactive activities, we will explore what trust means to each of us, what our trust needs are, how we build (and want to build) trust, and how we create a culture of trust within our teams.

8.E | OVERCOMING OVERWHELM

with Barb Stanley

Don't get used to being tired! How do we do less of what erodes us and more of what sustains us? Together we will work through some guided questions that will help us attend to being "distracted, disconnected, attached and depleted." We will also learn 3 body-brain exercises to help us use and understand why our bodies are a gift.

FINAL WORSHIP AND PLENARY WRAP UP | 3:15 – 4:00 pm

Closing Remarks: Lt. Col. Tiffany Marshall, Divisional Commander

BIOGRAPHY

KEN SHIGAMATSU

Ken Shigematsu is the Senior Pastor of Tenth Church, a vibrant, diverse, multi-site church in Vancouver, B.C. Before entering pastoral ministry, he worked for Sony in Tokyo. Ken is an award-winning, bestselling author of God in My Everything, Survival Guide for the Soul, and Now I Become Myself. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and serves as a Teaching Fellow with Practicing the Way. Ken lives in Vancouver with his wife, Sakiko, and their son, Joey.

SID KOOP

From camp speaker to local youth pastor to youth ministry professor, Sid draws from over 30 years of youth ministry experience. Sid Koop is the Executive Director of Truth Matters Ministries / Youth Worker Community, where he and his team are dedicated to equipping, empowering, and relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation know Jesus. YWC is shaping ministry to adolescents in Canada through digital resources, the Coalition, youth worker training events, and youth ministry coaching and consulting, equipping and encouraging thousands of youth workers each year. Currently, his “most important” role is working for his wife at Green Bay Bible Camp as the Director of Leadership Development and Discipleship.

MAJOR BARB STANLEY

Qualified educator, counsellor, and ministry leader with over 25 years of experience serving individuals and communities through spiritually grounded, clinically informed care. Deeply committed to integrating Christian faith with psychological well-being and equipping others—especially leaders within the church—to live resilient, Christ-centered lives.

MAJOR KEVIN ELSASSER

Major Kevin Elsasser has been an officer for eleven years and currently lives in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. He has been married for twenty-seven years and has two adult children. He loves hiking and teaching. He is a member of Toastmasters and has been awarded the prestigious “Rookie of the Year” award. He enjoys studying God’s Word and making it easy for others to understand. He is a past president of the Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club and is currently the president of the Sonshine Lunch Club at the local soup kitchen in Courtenay. He is honoured to come and share with you the Pathway of Hope program. In 2025, the team was awarded the Best Practices Award for Pathway of Hope operations. His prayer is that after today, you will be better equipped to change lives through the Pathway of Hope program.

MAJOR DAVID MACPHERSON

Major Dave Macpherson is a retired Salvation Army officer who has spent more than 20 years serving in senior leadership, pastoral ministry, and nonprofit management. His roles have included Corps Officer/Pastor, Divisional Youth Secretary, Executive Director, and, most recently, Regional Director for Social Mission in the British Columbia Division. He loves bringing people together around a shared vision. Dave is a collaborative leader who values relationships and teamwork, with a gift for building healthy, mission-driven communities. A thoughtful and engaging communicator, he brings both experience and heart to his leadership, encouraging others while helping organizations move forward with clarity and hope.

DANIEL WHITEHEAD

Daniel Whitehead is the CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, bringing over 25 years of public speaking, teaching, and preaching experience. He has delivered hundreds of sermons across five continents, including England, the United States, Canada, India, countries throughout Africa, Russia, and Albania. Daniel is a regular preacher at Tenth Church and one of their most frequent guest preachers outside the staff team. His expertise spans television hosting, media interviews, and workshops that integrate mental health awareness with faith-based community support. He specializes in equipping church communities to offer compassionate, informed spiritual friendship while maintaining appropriate boundaries in mental health care. Daniel is a certified mediator and holds a double master’s degree in theology from Regent College, where he has also taught.

REV. AL BREITKREUZ

Rev. Al Breitkreuz brings over 20 years of pastoral experience to his current role as Program Manager at the Centre of Hope in Abbotsford, BC, where he has ministered for the past 10 years. Al holds master’s degrees in both literature and theology, which enable him to appreciate the significance of a gospel-narrative approach to ministry. He is married to his wife, Tracy, and has five adult children, with his first grandchild on the way.

DR. JEFFREY BECK

Dr. Jeff Beck (DMin) is an Assistant Professor of Leadership at Trinity Western University in Langley and Richmond, B.C. He is an ordained minister with the PAOC and has been involved in Christian leadership and pastoral ministry for 40 years. He holds a doctoral degree from Trinity International University and a master’s degree from Regent College. He is the 2025 recipient of the Davis Distinguished Teaching Award from Trinity Western University. He has been married for 40 years and has four adult children and 1.5 grandchildren (so far). He enjoys reading, golfing, kayaking, biking, chai tea lattes, and chai frappes.

REV. DR. RAY ALDRED

Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred, Cree from Treaty 8, was first ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and now serves in the Anglican Church of Canada. He directs the Indigenous Studies Program at the Vancouver School of Theology, partnering with the Indigenous Church in theological education. Formerly, he was Assistant Professor of Theology at Ambrose Seminary, chaired Indigenous Pathways, led the First Nations Alliance Churches of Canada, and now consults with Indigenous Alliance Churches. A frequent speaker, he promotes heart-language ministry. Married 44 years, Ray and wife Elaine have spent 20 years training trauma support facilitators and coordinating Marriage Encounter ministries.

JIM COGGLES

Jim Coggles is the Executive Director of Vancouver Harbour Light. Jim has served in the BC Division for over 25 years in various ministry settings across the province, including the past 20 years in social mission facilities in the Lower Mainland. He has experience with small- and medium-scale capital projects in B.C. and, for the last 10 years, has been part of the Vancouver Harbour Light Nine Stories of Hope building project and capital campaign—The Salvation Army’s largest-ever undertaking in Canada and Bermuda.

CAPTAIN RENEE MCFADDEN

Captain Renee McFadden has pastored The Willows Church with her husband, Dave, for over eight years. In 2021, they helped the corps launch the Willows Family Life Centre, co-located with the church in a leased space in Langley City—a community-service expression of The Salvation Army focused on holistic care for families. With a background in teaching, Renee has begun pursuing graduate studies in peace and justice. She also enjoys travelling by car, boat, plane, or hot air balloon.

CAPTAINS ROB & JEN HENSON

Rob and Jen Henson met at church over 30 years ago and began serving in ministry together, united by a shared love for God and people. For the past eight years, they have served as officers. Jen brings a background in teaching and a calling to a life of prayer, while Rob brings years of leadership experience and a steady, pastoral presence. Rob currently serves on the Territorial Gender Equity Committee. Together, they care deeply about spiritual renewal and helping others draw near to God in everyday life. They are parents to Elijah and Isaac and enjoy hiking with their golden retriever, Buddy.

DR. CHERYL HEYKOOP

Cheryl Heykoop is an Associate Professor in the School of Leadership Studies at Royal Roads University and a former program head for the Master of Arts in Leadership. Cheryl has worked in a range of leadership contexts, including post-conflict and disaster recovery, the reintegration of children affected by armed conflict, international child protection, and health care systems transformation. Through her work, Cheryl uses creative strategies to engage people, understand their lived experiences, and create meaningful change in their lives, organizations, and communities.

For any Eventbrite registration inquiries, feel free to email Cristina Lee at cristina.lee@salvationarmy.ca