CrossTalk at the Kroc

Episoade

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  204: CrossTalk- The Center of Hope 16.09.2026 31min

  When you hear the word homeless, what comes to mind?A statistic? A problem? Someone else's crisis?In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer sits down with Jeff Jarrett, Social Services Director for The Salvation Army Augusta Area Command, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about the ministry of the Center of Hope.At its heart, the Center of Hope is about far more than providing a bed for the night. It is about seeing people as Jesus sees them—individuals with names, stories, struggles, gifts, and dignity. As Jeff explains, the work begins not with judgment or assumptions, but with prayer, love, and a willingness to truly understand the person standing in front of you.Together, Jonathan and Jeff challenge some of the common stereotypes surrounding homelessness. Many people experiencing homelessness have income. Families and children can suddenly find themselves without a place to live. Others are navigating mental health struggles, incarceration histories, unemployment, addiction, or circumstances beyond their control.That's why the Center of Hope cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach.Through personal relationships, case management, job training, behavioral health partnerships, transportation assistance, and connections with community organizations, the team works to identify each person's specific needs and help them take meaningful steps toward stability.But the conversation makes clear that practical help is only part of the mission.The Salvation Army has long been known for the idea of "soup, soap, and salvation." Meet the immediate need. Restore dignity. And point people toward the transforming love of Jesus Christ.Volunteers also play a vital role in this ministry. Whether serving meals, sharing time, helping with programs, or simply listening to someone's story, volunteers often discover that they are being changed too. Preconceived ideas are challenged, relationships are formed, and the community begins to see homelessness not simply as a problem to solve, but as people to know and love.Ultimately, the Center of Hope is a reminder that the greatest transformation begins with Christ.Because homelessness may be a circumstance—but it is never someone's identity. Every person has a story, every person has value, and every person deserves to be seen with the love of Jesus.https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc
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  6: Major's Monday Minute 14.09.2026 1min

  The Shepherd knows your name
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  How To Bible: Start Here 13.09.2026 29min

  Sermon preached on September 6, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc Center by Lt. Jamie Dupree
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  203: CrossTalk- Miraculous: Possessed Man 09.09.2026 37min

  What happens when darkness comes face-to-face with Jesus?In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer is joined by Majors Marion and Dwayne Durham, Area Commanders for Greater New Orleans, for a powerful conversation through Mark 1:21–28. Together, they examine Jesus' first recorded miracle in Mark's Gospel—a dramatic encounter with a man possessed by an unclean spirit in the middle of the synagogue.The story begins with Jesus teaching in a way that leaves people amazed. Unlike the religious leaders, Jesus doesn't merely possess institutional authority—He speaks with divine authority. But before the crowd can fully understand who He is, an unclean spirit cries out and recognizes Jesus for exactly who He is: "the Holy One of God."Jonathan, Marion, and Dwayne explore the significance of this encounter and what it reveals about Christ. Jesus doesn't debate with the unclean spirit. He doesn't negotiate. He simply speaks—and the spirit obeys.The conversation also moves beyond the dramatic moment in the synagogue and into a practical question for believers today: What does spiritual authority really look like? Through personal stories and honest reflection, the group discusses spiritual discernment, the danger of confusing outward religion with inward transformation, and the importance of recognizing that any authority believers possess comes not from themselves, a title, a uniform, or a position—but through the name and authority of Jesus Christ.At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder about surrender and sanctification. Looking holy is not the same thing as becoming holy. Wearing the uniform, following traditions, or appearing religious cannot replace a life fully surrendered to Christ.Jesus meets us where we are—but through the work of the Holy Spirit, He refuses to leave us unchanged.Because Jesus does not merely teach the truth—He has authority over the darkness that enslaves us.https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc
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  5: Major's Monday Minute 07.09.2026 1min

  The Shepherd Knows Your Name
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  202: CrossTalk- The Salvation Army Central Territory's History 02.09.2026 32min

  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
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  4: Major's Monday Minute 31.08.2026 1min

  Never Alone
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  Seize the Day: Open Doors 30.08.2026 28min

  Sermon preached on August 30, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc by Lt. Jamie Dupree
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  201: CrossTalk- The Booth Children 26.08.2026 50min

  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
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  3: Major's Monday Minute 24.08.2026 1min

  God's Peace
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  Seize the Day: Forward to the Fight 24.08.2026 16min

  Sermon preached on August 23, 2026 at the Salvation Army Augusta Kroc Center by Major Jonathan Raymer
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  Seize the Day: Priorities 20.08.2026 27min

  Sermon preached on August 16, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc by Major Jonathan Raymer
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  200: Salvation Army History- Women in Ministry 19.08.2026 31min

  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
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  2: Major's Monday Minute 17.08.2026 1min

  Fear Not
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  Seize the Day: Under Fire 16.08.2026 26min

  Sermon preached on August 9, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc Center by Major Jonathan Raymer.
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  199: Salvation Army History- The American Salvation Army 12.08.2026 32min

  Can conflict strengthen a movement instead of destroying it?In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer welcomes Colonel Eddie Hobgood for a fascinating look at one of the most overlooked chapters in Salvation Army history—the split that led to the formation of the American Salvation Army, often known as Moore's Army. What began as disagreements over leadership, legal authority, property ownership, and governance eventually became one of the defining moments that shaped the Salvation Army we know today.Together, Jonathan and Colonel Hobgood trace the origins of the conflict, exploring the ministry of Thomas Moore, the challenges of operating an international movement within the unique legal and cultural landscape of the United States, and the tensions between patriotism and global mission. They also uncover the surprising origins of the Salvation Army's Eagle Crest, the enduring tradition of displaying the American and Salvation Army flags together, and the crucial role Evangeline Booth played in preserving unity during a turbulent season.More than a history lesson, this conversation reveals timeless principles for today's Church. It reminds us that effective ministry requires both conviction and accountability, that the gospel must be communicated within the culture it seeks to reach, and that our highest allegiance is always to the Kingdom of God. Even in moments of disagreement and uncertainty, God remains faithful, using difficult seasons to refine His people and strengthen His mission.Whether you're passionate about Salvation Army history, Christian leadership, or the lessons the past can teach the present, this episode offers valuable insights into how God can bring unity, growth, and renewed purpose out of conflict.Because history doesn't just tell us where we've been—it teaches us how to faithfully move forward.https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc
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  Seize the Day: Every Corner 11.08.2026 33min

  Sermon preached on August 2, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc by Lt. Jamie Dupree
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  1: Major's Monday Minute 10.08.2026 1min

  God is near the brokenhearted
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  Obscure: Endor 09.08.2026 26min

  Sermon preached on July 26, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc Center by Joseph Bottoms.
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  198: Salvation Army History- 1929 05.08.2026 34min

  What happens when an organization built on strong leadership must confront one of the greatest crises in its history?In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer is joined by Colonel Eddie Hobgood to examine one of the most pivotal moments in Salvation Army history—the events of 1929. Together, they unpack the unprecedented High Council that led to the removal of General Bramwell Booth, the founder's son, and the constitutional changes that forever reshaped the governance of The Salvation Army.Far more than a historical retelling, this conversation explores the tension between honoring a cherished legacy and making difficult decisions for the future of the mission. Jonathan and Colonel Hobgood discuss William Booth's original vision for leadership, the challenges of succession, the influence of Evangeline Booth, and the emotional weight carried by leaders who were forced to make one of the hardest decisions in the Army's history.The episode also highlights the lasting impact of the 1929 High Council: ending lifetime appointments, replacing hereditary succession with elected leadership, creating greater accountability, and ensuring that The Salvation Army would remain a global movement capable of adapting while staying faithful to its mission.Whether you're a Salvationist, a student of church history, or simply interested in how God works through imperfect people and difficult seasons, this episode offers a compelling reminder that God's mission is greater than any one leader. History isn't merely about looking back—it's about learning how God's faithfulness continues to guide His people forward.Because sometimes the most difficult chapters in our history become the foundation for our strongest future.https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc