What Is the Purpose of the Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is a religious organization as well as a popular charity that often refers to itself as The Army. It runs programs around the world and helps people regardless of their faith. The Army expects all employees and church members to abstain from using alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances. The Salvation Army's stated purpose is helping people thrive and achieve goals, and for those who choose to do so, live a spiritual life as a member of The Army.

History

Husband and wife team William and Catherine Booth are the founders of the Salvation Army. Booth was a religious man who lived in England in the 1800s, and was at one time a Methodist minister. Booth resigned from the Methodist church and started an independent movement so he could continue his evangelical activities. William Booth was famous for converting people who others would not, such as gamblers, prostitutes, and alcoholics. Booth had many fellow Christians that worked along side him, and in 1878 he coined the phrase "Salvation Army" in describing this group. Today the Salvation Army is one of the largest sources of humanitarian aid.

Function

Salvation Army employees and volunteers do important charity work. The Army provides programs to communities around the globe, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, Christmas giving, youth programs, services to the elderly,disaster relief and missing persons programs. There are also recreation and music programs available for enrichment. These programs are funded through donations of cash, vehicles and profits from the well know Salvation Army Thrift Stores.

Features

Employees of Salvation Army branches consist of officers, administration, counselors, and teachers. Anyone pursuing an officer (employee) position in the Army must be accepted and complete two years of study at a Salvation Army College. The colleges are located in California, Georgia, New York, and Illinois. The Salvation Army also runs a music program. The Army is well known for its brass bands, which perform at community events.

Geography

The Salvation Army operates a program on every continent and can be found in more than 100 countries, providing services in more than 150 languages. The Army addresses specific cultural needs in each country in which it is based, and employs more than 100,000 people worldwide. It is one of the largest charities and social aid providers in the world, helping millions of people every year.

Identification

Members of The Salvation Army use military-like titles. National commanders are ordained ministers, and are generally referred to as officers. Officers must complete two years of Salvation Army college to become ordained, and graduate as clergy members. After college, they are considered cadets. After five years of further study, they can be promoted to captain major, lieutenant, colonel, corporal or commissioner. The international leader of the Salvation Army carries the title of general. Volunteers are referred to as soldiers. They can be identified by the pin that they wear on their shirts.

Resources

• The Salvation Army U.S. Home Page
• The Salvation Army International Home Page