The Shepherd Knows Your Name

History is more than dates, places, and old photographs. It is the story of people who answered God's call—and the lives that were changed because they did.

In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer sits down with Nancy Gazelle, Director of the Salvation Army Central Territory Museum, for a fascinating journey through the history, people, and mission of the Salvation Army across America's heartland.

From the movement's earliest beginnings in St. Louis, Michigan, and the greater Chicago area, to the cultural influence of Scandinavian Salvationists throughout the Midwest, Jonathan and Nancy explore the stories that helped shape the USA Central Territory. One of the most remarkable themes is the Salvation Army's willingness to embrace people where they are—allowing different communities to bring their language, traditions, and cultural heritage into the life of the Church.

The conversation also turns to one of the most recognizable chapters in Salvation Army history: the Doughnut Lassies of World War I. Nancy shares how Salvationists served soldiers on the front lines, providing practical assistance, spiritual care, coffee, donuts, letters home, transportation, medical support, and—perhaps most importantly—a reminder that someone cared. Their service helped transform America's perception of The Salvation Army.

But this episode is about more than looking backward.

It is a reminder that the mission continues. The same movement that once used street meetings, parades, brass bands, and doughnuts to reach people is still asking an important question today: How do we meet people where they are and share the love of Christ?

As Jonathan and Nancy discuss preserving history through museums, pop-up exhibits, and digital resources, one truth becomes clear: we remember the people who came before us not so we can live in the past, but so we can faithfully carry the mission into the future.

Because history isn't just about where we've been—it's a reminder of why we're still here.

https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc

Never Alone

Sermon preached on August 30, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc by Lt. Jamie Dupree

What happens when your family isn't simply part of a movement—but is at the very heart of it?

In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Hobgood for the fourth and final conversation in their August series on Salvation Army history. This time, they turn their attention to the eight children of William and Catherine Booth—the family behind the movement that would become The Salvation Army.

Growing up in a home where the mission never seemed to stop, the Booth children experienced a childhood unlike almost any other. They were raised inside the movement their parents founded, surrounded by preaching, travel, leadership, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of calling. All eight eventually became Salvation Army officers, but their stories took dramatically different paths.

Jonathan and Eddie walk through each of the eight children, uncovering remarkable stories of innovation, leadership, sacrifice, heartbreak, and even conflict. From Bramwell Booth, who helped give The Salvation Army its name and helped launch its shelter ministry, to Ballington Booth, Kate Booth, and Herbert Booth, whose departures from the Army created deep wounds within the Booth family. They also explore the quiet faithfulness of Marie, the extraordinary ministry of Evangeline Booth, and the often-overlooked service of Lucy Booth.

But this isn't simply a story about famous Salvationists.

It's a story about a broken family filled with gifted, passionate, stubborn, faithful, and imperfect people. Some changed the world through spectacular ministry. Others served quietly without much recognition. Three eventually left The Salvation Army, yet continued serving Christ and impacting the Kingdom beyond the movement.

And perhaps that's the greatest lesson of all.

The Booths weren't "stained glass saints." They were human beings. Their successes and failures, their faithfulness and brokenness, remind us that God has always used imperfect people to accomplish extraordinary things.

The Booth family is gone. But the Army they raised is still marching.

Because you don't have to be perfect for God to use you—you simply have to be faithful.

https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc

God's Peace

Sermon preached on August 23, 2026 at the Salvation Army Augusta Kroc Center by Major Jonathan Raymer

Sermon preached on August 16, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc by Major Jonathan Raymer

Can God call women to preach the gospel? For The Salvation Army, the answer has been a resounding yes since its earliest days.

In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer is joined by Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Hobgood to explore one of the defining convictions of the Salvation Army: the biblical foundation for women in ministry. Against the backdrop of ongoing conversations within the wider Church, they examine why this issue has shaped the Salvation Army's identity from the very beginning.

The conversation traces the remarkable story of Catherine Booth, whose courage and theological conviction challenged the cultural norms of Victorian England. From her response to critics of women preaching to her first sermon in 1860, Catherine demonstrated that God's calling is not limited by gender. Jonathan and Colonel Hobgood also unpack the biblical case for women proclaiming the gospel, highlighting figures such as Deborah, the Samaritan woman, Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, Priscilla, Philip's daughters, and the promise of Pentecost that God's Spirit would be poured out on both sons and daughters.

More than a historical discussion, this episode is a celebration of the countless women whose faithful ministry has shaped The Salvation Army and advanced the Kingdom of God around the world. It is also a reminder that God equips those He calls, and the Church is strongest when every believer is empowered to use their gifts for His glory.

Whether you're wrestling with this topic, studying Salvation Army history, or simply seeking to better understand God's call, this conversation offers a thoughtful, biblical, and grace-filled perspective rooted in Scripture and the Army's heritage.

Because the question has never been whether God calls women—it has always been whether we will recognize the people He has already called.

https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc

Fear Not