The Salvation Army: A History of Service and Faith

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement that operates in more than 130 countries, providing various forms of assistance to the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized. The Salvation Army is also known for its distinctive uniform, its brass bands, and its social activism. But how did this movement start and what are its core beliefs and values?

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 by William Booth, a former Methodist minister who felt called to preach the gospel to the masses in the slums of London. He and his wife Catherine, along with a group of volunteers, formed the Christian Mission, which later became the Salvation Army in 1878. The name change reflected Booth's vision of a militant and disciplined organization that would fight for the salvation of souls and the transformation of society.

The Salvation Army adopted a military structure, with ranks, uniforms, flags, and orders. Its members were called soldiers, officers, and generals. They used music, drama, and street meetings to attract attention and spread their message. They also established various social services, such as shelters, soup kitchens, orphanages, hospitals, and schools, to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people they served.

The Salvation Army faced opposition and persecution from some segments of society, especially from those who profited from the exploitation and misery of the poor. They were often attacked by mobs, ridiculed by the press, and harassed by the authorities. But they persevered and expanded their work to other parts of the world, such as America, Canada, Australia, India, and Africa.

The Salvation Army's mission is based on the belief that God loves everyone and wants them to be saved from sin and its consequences. The Salvation Army's motto is "Blood and Fire," which symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses from sin and the fire of the Holy Spirit that empowers for service. The Salvation Army's doctrine is evangelical and Wesleyan, emphasizing personal conversion, holiness, and social justice.

“The Salvation Army's values are expressed in its four-fold mission statement: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army seeks to be relevant, compassionate, courageous, and trustworthy in its ministry. The Salvation Army also adheres to the ecumenical creeds and the principles of the Protestant Reformation.”

The Salvation Army is a global movement that continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs and challenges of the world. It is a movement that is committed to serving God by serving humanity with love and grace. It is a movement that invites everyone to join its ranks.