The Salvation Army has earned worldwide respect for its integrity and effectiveness in helping the poor and disaster victims, but what is not as well known is that the Salvation Army is also a Christian denomination, a church with roots in the Wesleyan Holiness movement.
Number of Worldwide Members:
The Salvation Army has more than 500,000 officers and members in the United States alone. The organization serves more than 30 million people in the U.S. each year through its various social service programs. Throughout the world, the Salvation Army has more than 22 million officers, employees, adherents, and program participants.
Founding of the Salvation Army:
Former Methodist minister William Booth began evangelizing to the poor and wayward people of London, England, in 1852. His missionary work won many converts, and by 1874 he led 1,000 volunteers and 42 evangelists, serving under the name "The Christian Mission." Booth was the General Superintendent, but members began calling him "General." The group became the Hallelujah Army, and in 1878, the Salvation Army.
The Salvationists took their work to the United States in 1880, and despite early opposition, they eventually gained the trust of churches and government officials. From there, the Army branched out to Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, and Iceland.
• History of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles
Prominent Founders of the Salvation Army:
William and Catherine Booth.
Geography:
Today, the movement is active in more than 115 countries, involving 175 different languages.
The Salvation Army Governing Body:
The Salvation Army is headed by a General Superintendent, often called "The General," elected by a High Council comprised of all active Commissioners, except the spouse of the General, and all territorial commanders. A Chief of Staff is the administrative officer at the International Headquarters in London, England, implementing policy decisions. There is also a International Management Council and General's Consultative Council.
Officer ranks are lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel and commissioner (national commander). The Salvation Army ranked as the second largest charity in the United States in 2008 with $3.2 billion in donations.
Sacred or Distinguishing Text:
The Bible.
Notable Ministers and Members of the Salvation Army:
Eliza Shirley, George Scott Raiton, Aimee Semple McPherson, The Joystrings band.
Beliefs and Practices of the Salvation Army:
Salvationists believe in justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Further, they believe that "continuance in a state of salvation depends on continued obedient faith in Christ." They hold to entire sanctification, a doctrine taught by John Wesley. In their work, Salvationists do not criticize or judge other denominations or non-Christian religions, but work cooperatively toward common goals.
Salvation Army members do not practice sacraments in their church, but believe that one's entire life should be lived as a sacrament, in dedication to Christ. Worship services do not include a set order but generally have prayers, Bible readings, singing, instrumental music, Christian testimonies, and a sermon. Meetings are always open to the public.
To learn more about the beliefs of the Salvation Army, visit Salvation Army Beliefs and Practices.
(Sources: SalvationArmyusa.org, The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ: An Ecclesiological Statement, Philanthropy.com)