The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church and international charitable organization. It was founded in London, England in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth. The Salvation Army’s stated mission is “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
Some key beliefs of the Salvation Army include:
1. The Bible
The Salvation Army believes the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. It is the source of their teachings and practices. They affirm the truth found in the Apostles Creed and other historic Christian creeds. Some key Bible passages that shape their doctrine include:
– John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
– Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
– Matthew 25:35-40 – “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
2. Salvation through Faith in Christ
The Salvation Army teaches that all people are sinners in need of salvation. Salvation comes only through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Good works cannot earn salvation, but are the result of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
3. Holiness
The Salvation Army calls all Christians to pursue a life of holiness, consecrating themselves to God and seeking to live as Jesus did. Salvation results in a changed life that exhibits the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. The Sacraments
The Salvation Army practices two sacraments instituted by Christ:
– Baptism: The Salvation Army baptizes adults and older children upon their profession of faith in Christ. Baptism symbolizes being cleansed from sin and rising to new life in Christ.
– The Lord’s Supper: Also called Communion, the Salvation Army celebrates the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. It is open to all Christians who have accepted Christ as Savior.
5. Worship Services
Worship services in the Salvation Army incorporate singing, prayer, Bible reading and preaching centered around the Gospel. Music is an integral part of their worship, particularly singing and brass bands. Their mission statement is reinforced in their worship music and preaching.
6. Stewardship and Giving
The Salvation Army encourages generous financial giving to support their evangelistic and social work. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving expresses faith in God’s provision and love for others.
7. Serving the Needy
In response to Jesus’ teaching to serve “the least of these,” the Salvation Army is dedicated to supporting those in need. They operate shelters, food pantries, rehabilitation centers and disaster relief programs. Matthew 25:35-40 exhorts service to the poor and marginalized as service to Christ.
8. Sanctity of Marriage
The Salvation Army defines marriage as a lifelong, monogamous relationship between one man and one woman. This reflects the creation design in Genesis 2:24. They do not perform same-sex marriages, but believe all people should be treated with dignity.
9. Sanctity of Life
The Salvation Army believes that human life is sacred and created by God. Therefore, they oppose abortion and euthanasia as violations of the sanctity of life. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God knitting each person together in the womb.
10. Compassion for Addicted Persons
The Salvation Army operates rehabilitation programs to help people overcome addiction. They provide a supportive, faith-based environment focused on total life recovery. Galatians 6:1 says to gently restore those caught in sin.
In summary, The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church that believes in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, leading a holy life, and compassionately serving those in need. Their worship and social work flow out of their Christian faith.
History
The Salvation Army began in 1865 in London, England. Founders William and Catherine Booth sought to bring salvation and social work to the impoverished masses in London’s East End. Both were Methodist preachers.
In 1865, William Booth established the East London Christian Mission, which became known as the Salvation Army in 1878. They worked to evangelize and meet social needs like poverty through “soup & soap” ministries.
Some key events in Salvation Army history include:
– 1878: “The Salvation Army” name adopted.
– 1880s: Salvation Army spreads to America, Australia, France, Switzerland and India.
– 1912: Founder William Booth dies. His son Bramwell succeeds him as General.
– 1950s: Salvation Army begins in areas of Africa and Eastern Europe.
– Present: Active in 131 countries, providing shelter, food, rehabilitation and disaster relief.
The Salvation Army has grown from a one-man mission in London to an international force tackling issues of emergency assistance, poverty, addiction and trafficking. Their evangelistic zeal and social work set them apart in Victorian England.
Organizational Structure
The Salvation Army has a hierarchical, quasi-military organizational structure. It includes:
– General: International leader, based in London.
– Commissioners: National/territorial leaders.
– Divisional Commanders: Oversee larger divisions of territory.
– Corps Officers: Administer local corps community centers.
– Soldiers/Members: Adults who have signed the covenant to serve God in the Salvation Army.
– Adherents: Regular attendees who have not become soldiers.
This clear chain of command allowed the Salvation Army to spread quickly. Yet, ordination is open to both men and women, which was unusual at their start. Local corps operate autonomously to serve community needs.
Worship Practices
Salvation Army worship combines traditional church worship with a focus on their social mission. Typical practices include:
– Singing hymns and songs accompanied by brass bands.
– Preaching based on the Bible.
– Prayers.
– Scripture readings.
– Communion/Lord’s Supper celebrated periodically.
– Collection for ministry needs.
– Occasional testimony by those served by the Army.
The motto “Heart to God, Hand to Man” sums up their worship and work. Joyful music expresses their faith while meeting social needs applies it. Worship equips Salvationists for evangelism and service all week long.
Programs and Ministries
The Salvation Army is known for an immense array of social programs and ministries, including:
– Homeless shelters.
– Drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
– After-school programs.
– Legal aid services.
– Child sponsorship.
– Anti-human trafficking efforts.
– Youth camps.
– Food pantries.
– Thrift stores.
– Disaster relief.
– Services for senior citizens.
This “soup, soap and salvation” approach meets both spiritual and physical needs. They serve anyone in need, regardless of belief, seeking to demonstrate God’s love.
Fundraising
The Salvation Army is well-known for its creative and consistent fundraising efforts, including:
– Red Kettle Campaign: Bell-ringing volunteers collect donations in red kettles during Christmas season.
– Door-to-door and mail appeals.
– Planned giving from estates and wills.
– Online and electronic donations.
– Thrift stores selling donated goods.
– Donations of cars, boats, properties.
– Foundations, corporations and grants provide support.
– Recognizable uniforms, shield logo and “Doing the Most Good” tagline.
These fundraising streams allow them to serve over 25 million Americans each year. Donors can designate local, national or worldwide projects to support.
Controversies and Critiques
While respected for their charitable work, the Salvation Army has also faced controversies and critiques over some practices and beliefs, such as:
– Views on homosexuality. Their position statement affirms marriage between man and woman.
– Concerns over proselytization of those seeking their services.
– Strict adherence to founder William Booth’s theological principles.
– Unwillingness of some to work with and recognize other churches.
– Use of authoritarian control over members and officers.
– Harsh practices in their maternity homes during the 20th century.
Despite criticisms, the Salvation Army remains one of the world’s largest providers of poverty relief. Their commitment to meeting human needs is exemplary.
Comparison to Other Denominations
The Salvation Army shares many core doctrines with mainstream Protestant denominations but has some key differences:
– Similar to Methodists in emphasis on holiness, works of piety and mercy.
– Like Baptists in only recognizing adult baptism, not infant baptism.
– Distinct hierarchy and societal reform focus contrast Presbyterian polity.
– Less focus on theological education than Lutherans.
– More lenient on alcohol than Seventh-day Adventists.
– Less sacramental than Anglicans and more like low-church evangelicals.
Though non-creedal, their 11 doctrines align with evangelical Protestant theology. Their social work sets them apart from most Protestant denominations.
Relationship to the Universal Church
The Salvation Army sees itself as a branch of the universal Christian church. As their website states:
“The Salvation Army believes in the spiritual principles of unity and cooperation between Christian denominations and, therefore, occasionally meets and networks with other Christians.”
They seek to work alongside other churches in meeting needs yet maintain their distinct identity and mission. While self-governing, they connect through partnerships and parachurch ministries. Their founder’s motto remains: “We believe in the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man.”
Demographics
The Salvation Army has an international presence while remaining most prominent in English-speaking countries. Notable demographics include:
– Active in 131 countries.
– Serves over 23 million Americans each year.
– Has around 1.7 million members worldwide.
– Led by General Brian Peddle since 2018.
– In 2021, roughly 120,000 active and retired officers.
– Women make up over half of candidates for officership.
– About 26,000 corps community centers worldwide.
While shrinking in the Global North, Salvation Army officership continues growing rapidly in Asia, Africa and Latin America. They adapt their methods to reach young people and new cultural contexts.
Conclusion
In summary, the Salvation Army is dedicated to sharing the Gospel and demonstrating God’s love to all people without discrimination. Through their corps community centers, they provide spiritual guidance and social services to millions worldwide. Their bold evangelistic spirit and servant-hearted work continue transforming lives today.