What does The Salvation Army believe?

Due to its founding by a Methodist Minister, our doctrines are similar to that of Methodism. In fact, we only have 11 simple doctrines and they have remained unchanged since they were created in the 1800s.

1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.

In other words: God helped and guided good people to speak and write what is in the Bible, so that from it we may learn the way God wants us to live and the things he wants us to believe.

2. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

3. We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

4. We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.

In other words: There is only one God and he is altogether perfect in every way. He is the creator, preserver and ruler of all things. We should not worship anyone or anything else. The Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit are one God. Jesus is both truly God and truly human; he has both God’s nature and human nature.

5. We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.

In other words: Our first parents, by their disobedience, lost their awareness of God’s favour, and came under the power of sin; because of this we are all inclined to do wrong.

6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.

In other words: On the cross Jesus suffered and died for the sins of everyone, so that whoever wants to may be saved.

7. We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.

8. We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.

In other words: To be saved we must be truly sorry for doing wrong and trust in Jesus; then the Holy Spirit will make us new people. Salvation is a free gift from God. It is received when we believe in Jesus; and when we are saved we know it and show it.

9. We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.

10. We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In other words: To stay saved we must trust in Jesus to help us, and we must go on doing as he wants us to do. Saved people are given the opportunity and responsibility to be used by God to help him. When they have given themselves to him fully, they can be given power to serve him, and be kept from sinning.

11. We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.

In other words: Death is swallowed up in victory; we ourselves go on living in a new and different way. At the end of the world Jesus will judge all people. Those who have chosen him to be their saviour will be happy to live with him as their King, for ever. Those who have not done so will always be unhappy because they chose what separates them from all that is good and lovely.

How is The Salvation Army Structured?

Every church (or Corps as we call them) is run by a combination of ordained pastors called Officers, and supported by Local Officers who are lay leaders. These officers receive two years of seminary style residential training before being commissioned as Salvation Army Officers. The members of the Salvation Army are called Soldiers and sign a covenant when they are enrolled. Becoming an Adherent is also an option for those who do not want to become full members, yet consider The Salvation Army their home church.    

Much like other worldwide Christian denominations, the local officers report to a senior leader of their division, called the Divisional Commander who oversees The Army's work in Missouri and Southern Illinois - called the Midland Division. That individual in turn reports to the Territorial Commander who oversees The Army's work in the Midwest - called the Central Territory. They then report to the international leader of The Salvation Army, The General, who is based in London, England - our International Headquarters. 

Even though The Salvation Army has denominational distinctives due to our military stylings, we have always been known for accepting and welcoming people from all walks of life, without discrimination. We serve to show the Love of God, and it is our mission to tell people more about Him. 

Why the Uniform?

The Salvation Army has been around since 1865. Our founder, William Booth, started the organization as a grassroots effort with boots on the ground in London. He didn't have buildings, but he did have a dedicated following who saw desperate need among the poorest of people, and took to the streets to offer help. What better way to be recognized by those in need?

Why Officers?

As the organization grew, Founder William Booth used military-style rankings to define the hierarchy of leadership. Leaders adopted a uniform apparel that mirrored military styles. Their mission was to serve others in Jesus' name: meeting not only physical needs like food and shelter, but also spiritual needs. Booth described their work as providing "soup, soap and salvation" - eventually changing the organization's name to The Salvation Army. Though we started as volunteers, over the last 150 years The Salvation Army has grown into a multinational organization with volunteers, full-time staff, and officers that serve those most in need without discrimination.

Operations of The Salvation Army are supervised by trained, commissioned officers. They proclaim the gospel and serve as administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, youth leaders, and musicians. These men and women dedicate their time and skills to a lifetime of service Doing The Most Good. Church members of The Salvation Army are called soldiers. Along with officers, they are known as Salvationists.
 

Officer Training College

Because officers function as directors of our business units, they are required to complete a two-year program at The Salvation Army's accredited training college. The curriculum provides extensive instruction and guidance, including nonprofit management, business administration, and theological studies. Upon graduation, students - known as "cadets" - are ordained as officers and given their first assignment Doing The Most Good in a local community.

Visit our candidates website to learn more on the process of becoming an officer.