World Evangelisation
The Salvationist's Commitment to the Great Commission
Salvation Army soldiers are radical disciples of Jesus Christ. They can be described as Great Commission Christians, fulfilling the final instructions Jesus gave to his disciples:
| 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28) |
One of The Salvation Army's doctrines makes it clear that the atoning sacrifice of Jesus applies to all people. It states: '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.'
Salvation Story, the Army's Doctrine Book, develops the theme and shows how we can share in the mission of the church for the whole world.
The Holy Spirit empowers the Church for mission
In affirming and sanctioning our callings, the Church sends us out to share in the mission of God who sent Jesus to reconcile the world to himself.
As members of Christ's Church we carry out God's mission in Christ's name in various ways including:
- by our presence in the world,
- by our public proclamation of the gospel,
- by personal evangelism,
- by pointing to evidence of the Holy Spirit's power to transform lives,
- by identifying with and offering compassionate service to the poor and disadvantaged,
- and by working with the oppressed for justice and liberty.
All of these ministries seek life-transformation. When any of them is ignored or neglected the mission of the Church suffers. As members of Christ's Church we are all engaged in mission to the whole person and the whole world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
When soldiers of The Salvation Army sign The Soldier's Covenant and are accepted into membership, they make a personal commitment, '. . .convinced that the love of Christ requires the devotion of their lives to his service for the salvation of the whole world.'
Many songs in The Song Book of The Salvation Army have a world evangelisation theme:
The World for God
In every land where man is found,
Let us make known the story
Of love divine; its praises sound
And give to Jesus glory.
Give to Jesus glory,
Give to Jesus glory,
Proclaim redemption's wondrous plan
And give to Jesus glory.