“The War Cry” asked Lieutenant Cesar Rodriguez, who was recently commissioned as a lieutenant in the Western Territory, to share about his calling and experiences in training.

How did you experience God’s calling to officership?

My calling didn’t happen at one big dramatic moment; it was more of a slow and steady push from the Holy Spirit. It started as a quiet feeling that God wanted more from me, not just in serving but in fully surrendering. Through prayer and reading scripture, I began to see how God was bringing together my gifts, experiences and passion for ministry. The more I followed His lead, even in small ways, the clearer His direction became. Eventually, I realized that officership wasn’t just a possibility, it was the path that God had been guiding me toward all along. Saying “yes” brought a peace I’d never felt before, like I was finally stepping into the work He had created me to do.

What is the greatest joy you are experiencing as a cadet?

The greatest joys for me are knowing that God is preparing me, I heard His call and said “yes” with excitement, and I’m never walking this journey alone. Jesus is with me every step of the way, and that keeps me going. Being a cadet can be challenging. I want to be a good example, not just for others or for the church I represent, but most of all for Jesus, and honestly, there’s no greater joy than that. 

What is your advice for someone who feels called to officership but hasn’t yet responded?

If you feel God tugging you toward officership, my advice is simple: Stop running from the conversation and start leaning into it. Pray honestly and ask God to make His calling clear. Talk with your corps officer, a mentor or someone already in ministry. God often speaks through the people around us. And don’t wait until you feel perfectly ready; none of us ever are. God equips the ones He calls. Just take one small step of obedience at a time. A single “yes” today can lead to the next “yes” tomorrow. If God is calling you, trust that He will show you the way forward and walk with you every moment of the journey.

Illustration by Richard Chance