"WITH HEART TO GOD AND HAND TO MAN"
The Salvation Army, founded in 1865, is an international religious and charitable movement organized and operated on a quasi-military pattern and is a branch of the Christian Church. Its membership include officers (clergy), soldiers/adherents (laity), members of varied activity groups and volunteers who serve as advisors, associates and committed participants in its service functions.
The motivation of The Salvation Army is love of God and a practical concern for the needs of humanity. This is expressed by a spiritual ministry, the purposes of which are to preach the Gospel, disseminate Christian truths, supply basic human necessities, provide personal counseling and undertake the spiritual and moral regeneration and physical rehabilitation of all persons in need who come within its sphere of influence regardless of race, color, creed, sex or age.
The following list will prove helpful in ‘translating’ our language and expression:
Adherent- A person who regards The Salvation Army as his/her spiritual home but has not made a commitment to soldiership.
Articles of War (Soldier’s Covenant) - The statement of beliefs and promises which every intending soldier is required to sign before enrolment.
‘Blood and Fire’ - The Army’s motto; refers to the blood of Jesus Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Corps - A Salvation Army unit established for the preaching of the gospel and service in the community.
Corps Cadet - A young Salvationist who undertakes a course of study and practical training in his or her corps, with a view to becoming efficient in Salvation Army service.
Corps Sergeant-Major - The chief local officer for public work who assists the corps officer with meetings and usually takes command in their absence.
Division - A number of corps grouped together, under the direction of a divisional commander.
General - The officer elected to the supreme command of the Army throughout the world. All appointments are made, and all regulations issued, under the General’s authority (see under High Council).
Junior Soldier - A boy or girl who, having professed conversion and having signed the Junior Soldier’s Promise becomes a Salvationist.
Local Officer - A soldier appointed to a position of responsibility and authority in the corps; carries out the duties of the appointment without being separated from regular employment or receiving remuneration from the Army.
Mercy Seat or Penitent Form - A bench provided as a place where people can kneel to pray, seeking salvation or sanctification, or making a special consecration to God’s will and service. The mercy seat is usually situated between the platform and main area of Army halls as a focal point to remind all of God’s reconciling and redeeming presence.
Officer - A Salvationist who has left secular concerns at God’s call and has been trained, commissioned and ordained to service and leadership. An officer is a recognised minister of religion.
Promotion to Glory - The Army’s description of the death of Salvationists.
Ranks of officers - lieutenant, captain, major, lieut-colonel, colonel, commissioner, general.
Salvation - The work of grace which God accomplishes in a repentant person whose trust is in Christ as Savior, forgiving sin, giving meaning and new direction to life, and strength to live as God desires. The deeper experience of this grace, known as holiness or sanctification, is the outcome of wholehearted commitment to God and enables the living of a Christlike life.
Self-Denial Appeal - An annual effort to raise funds for the Army’s worldwide operations; also known as the annual appeal in some countries.
Soldier - A converted person at least 14 years of age who has, with the approval of the census board, been enrolled as a member of The Salvation Army after signing the Articles of War (Soldier’s Covenant).
Territory - A country, part of a country or several countries combined, in which Salvation Army work is organised under a territorial commander.
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