This past fall, The Salvation Army National Headquarters (NHQ) launched the “Understanding Holiness” video series, presented by Envoys Bill and Diane Ury, National Ambassadors for Holiness, in collaboration with Multi-Media Developer Joshua Duenke, from NHQ’s Christian Education department. These short videos are designed to empower officers and soldiers in the field with a deeper understanding of holiness.  

Looking at Scripture and the doctrines of The Salvation Army, Envoys Ury show the big picture of the Bible, from beginning to end, is holiness. “Every section of Scripture resounds with this revelation: I am holy, therefore you are to be holy,” said Envoy Bill. “The Lord states unmistakably who He is and immediately offers us the full meaning of our created and redeemed reality—to be what He intends because only He can make that possible.” Many of us may feel that holiness is something far removed from our day-to-day lives or that it is not practical, or even possible. However, we are called to be holy just as our Heavenly Father is holy. And He has made a way for us through the finished work of His son Jesus! Even now, the Holy Spirit is at work in the lives of believers, equipping us to be holy. This series is meant to provide a clear understanding of holiness and encourage believers to live it out each and every day.”

“Bill and I are always discussing what would be an effective way to give people access to ideas and teachings about holiness,” said Envoy Diane. “All four of our children are millennials, so we are aware that the way they search for content and answers is often through video more than through print. I used to be a young adults pastor, and that age group is dear to my heart. We shared with our NHQ Program Department our desire to make videos that would help people understand holiness. The response was immediate affirmation of the idea.” She went on to add that the plan is eventually to cover all 11 of the Army’s doctrines, so that viewers will have a greater understanding of their core beliefs. 

“Holiness is not a doctrine for us to debate. It is the life of God,” adds Envoy Bill Ury. “Our intent is to point anyone who is receptive to viewing and engaging with these beginning videos with the biblical basis of holiness. So, if these short vignettes can assist any context (small groups, holiness meetings, Sunday school classes, etc.) in engaging with ultimate reality, then they will have fulfilled the purpose we sense the Holy Spirit has laid on our hearts.” 

“We will never know [the series’] full impact, but there is no question that the Lord is going to use it to strengthen the witness of Salvationists across the nation and around the world,” said National Commander Commissioner Kenneth Hodder.