The Salvation Army
A. Schmitt
= International Christian religious and charitable movement organised and operated on a military pattern founded by William Booth (1829 - 1912) in 1865
After his marriage in 1855 he spent several years as a Methodist minister, travelling around the country, preaching and sharing God`s word to all who would listen. One day in 1965 he preached to a crowd of people in the street in the East End of London (slum). The listeners were so impressed by his powerful preaching that they asked him to lead a series of meetings.
To the poor and wretched of London's East End, Booth brought the good news of Jesus Christ and his love for all men. He formed his own movement which he called `The Christian Mission`. Slowly the mission began to grow. Mission stations to feed and house the poor were established. Soon, they had much disorderly opposition in some places. But they did not care for that. In 1878 the `The Christian Mission` changed, after 13 years, its name into `Salvation Army`.
He and his son established the Army on a military pattern, with William Booth as general for life. The idea of an army fighting sin caught the imagination of the people and the Army began to grow rapidly. It spread quickly over England, Wales and Scotland and then expanded internationally.
Today, their members come from many different cultural backgrounds and enjoy an international fellowship knowing no barriers of age, sex or race. The Salvation Army operates as a religious and charitable organisation all around the world.
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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.
1. The General:
- issues all orders and regulations
- based at the International Headquarters in London
- is the international leader of the Salvation Army
- travels widely wherever the army is active.
- is elected by the High Council for a term of 5 years
- makes the policy
2. The Officers:
- command a corps or other responsible jobs like chief of staff
- are the equivalent of ministers of other Protestant churches
- complete a two year residential course at a training college
- on commissioning they receive the rank of a lieutenant
after 5 years: captain
after 15 years: major
- are employed on a full-time basis
- have to wear uniforms
3. The Soldiers:
- ordinary members of the Salvation Army
- most have their own job
- can wear a uniform
- converts who desire to become a soldiers in the Army are required to sign the "Articles of War" (which state their beliefs and accept certain moral rules, e.g. no drugs and alcohol) and they volunteer their services
4. The Local Officers:
- accept particular responsibility in a corps, e.g. the finance of the corps
- do not get money
- wear a uniform
5. The Adherents
- believe in the doctrines of the Salvation Army, but who do not wish to make all the commitments
6. The basic unit of the Army is the corps
- local centre seen in most big cities across the country
- each week, people meet there for worship, singing or other events
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Not all Salvation Army members wear a uniform. It's a personal choice to do so, but the reasons for wearing it remain unchanged.
It stands for
- a commitment in the war against evil
- a personal testimony to the wearer's own Christian faith and practice
- the availability of the Salvationist to anyone needing a helping hand or a listening ear Partly because of pride and because of economic necessity (a uniform cost the 3 weeks`salary in 1890) many Salvationists wore their uniforms on any occasion.
According to culture and climate, different uniforms may be worn, but they are all navy blue and show the rank.
Their Objects:
1. advancement of - the Christian religion
- education
- the relief of poverty
2. the spiritual, moral and physical reformation of all who need it
3. the reclamation of - the vicious
- criminal
- dissolute
- degraded
4. visitation among the poor, lowly and sick
5. a church for everybody, everyone is welcome
The doctrines:
- include the basic principles of a Protestant church
- ignore controversial issues
- say that the sacraments are not necessary to the salvation of the soul
- lay the greatest emphasis upon the need for conversation
- self-sacrifice for the sake of the salvation army
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Their work:
An important work of the Salvation Army in all parts of the world is its reclamation and permanent regeneration of alcoholics.
Internationally The Salvation Army works in more than 100 countries. There are over 14 000 Corps, as well as a range of social, medical and educational community services.
The world-wide programme includes:
- accommodation for the homeless
- occupational centres
- food for the hungry
- care for the elderly
- health care in own hospitals
- children programmes (e.g. holiday camps, play centres, ...)
- education
- family welfare aid
- fighting leprosy
- help for the blind and for handicapped people
- alcoholism and drug addiction
- searching for missing relatives (e.g. after a war)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Salvation Army (A. Schmitt)
What is The Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army is an international Christian religious and charitable movement founded by William Booth in 1865. It operates on a military pattern and is dedicated to spreading the Christian faith and helping those in need.
Who was William Booth?
William Booth (1829-1912) was the founder of The Salvation Army. He was a Methodist minister who began preaching to the poor in the East End of London in 1865. His powerful preaching led to the formation of "The Christian Mission," which later became The Salvation Army.
How did "The Christian Mission" become The Salvation Army?
In 1878, after 13 years, "The Christian Mission" changed its name to "Salvation Army." William Booth and his son established the Army on a military pattern, with William Booth as General for life. This structure helped the organization grow rapidly and spread internationally.
What is the military structure of The Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army is organized with a military-style hierarchy:
- The General: Issues orders, leads the international organization, and sets policy. Elected by the High Council.
- Officers: Command corps, equivalent to ministers, complete training, and wear uniforms. Ranks include Lieutenant, Captain, and Major.
- Soldiers: Ordinary members who have signed the "Articles of War," committing to certain moral rules and volunteering their services. May wear uniforms.
- Local Officers: Accept responsibility in a corps (e.g., finance) without pay. Wear uniforms.
- Adherents: Believe in the doctrines but don't wish to make all the commitments.
What are the "Articles of War"?
The "Articles of War" are a document that converts who wish to become soldiers in The Salvation Army must sign. It outlines their beliefs and acceptance of certain moral rules, such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
What is a "corps" in The Salvation Army?
A "corps" is the basic unit of The Salvation Army, a local center found in many cities. It's where people meet weekly for worship, singing, and other events.
Why do Salvation Army members wear uniforms?
Wearing a uniform is a personal choice. It represents a commitment to the fight against evil, a testimony to Christian faith, and availability to help others. Uniforms are typically navy blue and display the wearer's rank.
What are the core objects of The Salvation Army?
The main objects of The Salvation Army include:
- Advancement of the Christian religion.
- Advancement of education.
- Relief of poverty.
- Spiritual, moral, and physical reformation of those in need.
- Reclamation of the vicious, criminal, dissolute, and degraded.
- Visitation among the poor, lowly, and sick.
- Providing a church for everyone.
What are the doctrines of The Salvation Army?
The doctrines include basic principles of a Protestant church, avoid controversial issues, and emphasize the need for conversion and self-sacrifice for the sake of the Salvation Army.
What kind of work does The Salvation Army do internationally?
The Salvation Army operates in over 100 countries and provides various services including:
- Accommodation for the homeless.
- Occupational centers.
- Food for the hungry.
- Care for the elderly.
- Health care in hospitals.
- Children's programs.
- Education.
- Family welfare aid.
- Fighting leprosy.
- Help for the blind and handicapped.
- Alcoholism and drug addiction treatment.
- Searching for missing relatives.
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- A. Schmitt (Author), 1998, The Salvation Army, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/95532
