• Why 'Salvation' Army?
• How we work
• Who we are

Why 'Salvation' Army?

The movement, founded in London in 1865 by William Booth has spread from Britain to many parts of the world. Salvationists (as members of the Army are called) come from many cultural backgrounds and enjoy an international fellowship knowing no barriers of age, sex or race.

William Booth's original aim had been to send his converts along to the established churches of the day. Nowhere in his plans was there an intention to commence another Christian church. But he soon found that many of his converts would not go to church. The poor did not feel welcome in places like St Paul's and Westminster Abbey. They could not afford a special Sunday suit and many of the regular churchgoers were appalled when these shabbily dressed, evil-smelling people came to join them in worship. The poor soon got the message that they were not wanted and did not return.

Booth decided he would have to do something about the situation, and as a result formed the East London Christian Mission (later 'The Christian Mission'). The mission began to grow but very slowly. It lacked the impetus needed to attract and hold people's attention. But Booth's faith in God remained undaunted.

Early one morning in May 1878 Booth summoned his son, Bramwell, and his good friend, George Railton, to read the proofs of the Christian Mission's Annual Report. Its preliminary statement read:

'THE CHRISTIAN MISSION is A VOLUNTEER ARMY'

Bramwell strongly objected to this statement, saying he was not a volunteer for he felt compelled by God to do what he had to do. There was also the suggestion that the members could be compared with the 'Volunteers' who were part-time soldiers in Queen Victoria's forces--and the source of much ridicule and mockery. In a moment of inspiration Booth crossed out the word 'Volunteer' and wrote 'Salvation'. Thus, The Salvation Army was born.

The rapid deployment of the first Salvationists was aided by the adoption of a quasi-military structure. A similar practical organisation today enables resources to be equally flexible.

How we work

The military style of The Salvation Army proved to be a most effective stimulant to the progress of the Army's work in the fight against evil. This style of organistaion makes for good mobility and discipline.

The General

The General, based at International Headquarters in London, is the international leader of The Salvation Army and travels widely wherever the Army is active. He or she is elected by the High Council (a group of senior Salvation Army officers) for a term of five years or until the 68th birthday is reached when he or she must retire. The General is assisted in policy making by the Advisory Council to the General.

Territories

For the purpose of administration The Salvation Army is divided into 50 territories and commands each led by a territorial commander. The Army's work was pioneered in many lands by British officers, but indigenous leaders are now taking increased responsibility in their own countries. A considerable movement of Army personnel between territories, however, continues to be a vital factor which keeps the internationalism of the Army alive.

Divisions

Territories are divided into divisions, with a divisional commander leading a team of administrative officers in each one. Each division encompasses a number of corps and other Salvation Army centres. Where it is not possible for a corps to have its own full-time commanding officer, non-commissioned local officers are often asked to accept some responsibility for local leadership.

Corps

This is the local Salvation Army centre seen in most towns and cities across the country which has been established to proclaim the gospel. Each week a variety of people will meet for worship, fellowship, musical activities and other events.

There may also be a variety of community work such as lunch clubs, mother and toddler groups, counselling services and so on which are part of the corps programme. All are welcome to attend Salvation Army meetings.

Social Services Centres

Thrift stores, eventide homes, hostels and children's homes are just a few of the wide ranging activities the Army conducts around the world. These centres are mostly independent from corps, but are responsible to their divsional and territorial commanders in turn. Much of the Army's reputation is built on this work.

Who we are

There are various levels of Salvation Army membership: Officers, soldiers, local officers, adherents and employees, all helping the Army's work around the world...

Officers

Salvation Army officers have the status of ordained ministers and are employed by the Army in a professional capacity and on a full-time basis. They are members of The Salvation Army who have committed their life to doing God's will and serving others. They come from all walks of life - from varying backgrounds and occupations - to complete a two year residential course at a Salvation Army Training College. On commissioning (equivalent to ordination in other denominations) they receive the rank of lieutenant. After five years of satisfactory service they are promoted to the rank of captain and after a further fifteen years they receive the rank of major. All officers wear uniform. Women have always been accepted as officers on equal terms as men. Married women undertake the same training and receive the same commission as their husband.

The majority of officers are responsible for a Salvation Army corps (church), with a pastoral role and community service. Others serve in social service centres, Goodwill community centres or in an administrative capacity at headquarters. They receive a standard allowance of money whatever job they do and accommodation is provided. the hours of work are long and officers are expected to be ready for duty at any time of day or night, when people turn to them for help.

An officer's ministry includes preaching the Christian Gospel, distributing Salvation Army literature, visiting hospitals, institutions and prisons, counselling, conducting weddings and funerals, being a pastor to their congregation and administrating the church programme.

Soldiers

Members of The Salvation Army are called soldiers. They sign the 'Articles of War' which state the Army's beliefs and accept certain moral standards, eg, Salvation Army soldiers do not smoke or drink alcohol. It is a matter of personal choice whether or not they wear uniform as a witness to their faith. Most have their own job of work or profession.

Local Officers

Salvationists who accept particular responsibilities in a corps, eg, the finance of the corps, leadership of a musical group or children's work, are commissioned as local officers. they must be loyal, uniform-wearing members of the movement. They do not receive any renumeration for this work.

Adherents

People who choose to make The Salvation Army their spiritual home and place of worship, but who do not wish to make all the commitments which a soldier would be expected to make, may become adherents. They do not wear uniform.