Heart to God & Hand to Man

So what do you believe?

Due to its founding by a Methodist Minister, our doctrines are similar to that of Methodism. In fact we only have 12 simple doctrines and they have remained unchanged since they were created towards the beginning of our history

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How are you Structured?

Every church (or Corps as we call them) is run by a combination of ordained pastors called Officers, supported by Local Officers who are lay leaders. These officers receive two years of seminary style residential training in Chicago, IL before being commissioned as Salvation Army Officers. The members of the Salvation Army are called Soldiers and sign a soldiers 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 MO and Southern IL - called the Midland Division. That individual in turn reports to the Territorial Commander who oversees The Army's work in the American Midwest - called the USA Central Territory. They then report to the international leader of The Salvation Army, The General who is based in London, England. The current General is Brian Peddle (pictured below), more information can be found about him here. 

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. 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. An itinerate pastor named 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, 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 - also 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.