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Glossary of Salvation Army Terms

    A person who regards The Salvation Army as his/her spiritual home but has not made a commitment to soldiership. Read more: adherent membership

    A group of influential citizens who, believing in the Army’s programme of spiritual, moral and physical rehabilitation and amelioration, assist in promoting and supporting Army projects.

    The Salvation Army’s motto; refers to the blood of Jesus Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit.

    A Salvationist who is in training for officership.

    A soldier who has been accepted for officer training.

    The officer second-in-command of the Army in a territory.

    A building used for worship and community service.

    The tricolour flag of The Salvation Army. Its colours represent the blood of Jesus Christ (red), the fire of the Holy Spirit (yellow) and the purity of God (blue).

    A document presented publicly, authorising an officer or local officer to fulfil a specified ministry.

    Central gatherings often held annually and attended by most officers and many soldiers of a territory, region or division.

    A Salvation Army unit established for the preaching of the gospel, worship, teaching and fellowship and to provide Christian-motivated service in the community.

    A young Salvationist who undertakes a course of study and practical training in a corps, with a view to becoming effective in Salvation Army service.

    The chief local officer for public work who assists the corps officer with meetings and usually takes command in his/her absence.

    A public presentation of infants to the Lord. This differs from christening or infant baptism in that the main emphasis is upon specific vows made by the parents concerning the child's upbringing.

    A number of corps grouped together under the direction of a divisional commander (may also include social service centres and programmes), operating within a territory.

    The officer in charge of the Army in a division.

    A Salvationist whose duty is to visit corps, societies and outposts, for the purpose of conducting meetings. An envoy may be appointed in charge of any such unit.

    The officer elected to the supreme command of The Salvation Army throughout the world. All appointments are made, and all regulations issued, under the General's authority. Read more: leadership of the international Salvation Army

    A centre for the rehabilitation of parolees, or people with alcohol or drug addiction (USA).

    A rehabilitation centre, usually located in inner city areas.

    Composed of active commissioners who are territorial commanders or who hold an international or national headquarters or territorial leadership appointment (except the spouse of the General), territorial commanders with the rank of colonel and territorial leaders with the rank of colonel. The High Council elects the General in accordance with the Salvation Army Act 1980.

    Women's Ministries (which commenced when the Home League was inaugurated in 1907) provide a wide variety of activities in all countries of the global Salvation Army.

    A boy or girl who, having accepted Jesus as their Saviour, has signed the Junior Soldier's Promise and become a Salvationist. Read more: Junior Soldier's Promise

    Salvationists who visit prisons, hospitals and residential homes, in their own time, bringing the gospel and rendering practical aid.

    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 renumeration from the Army.

    The Salvation Army Medical Fellowship, instituted in 1943 by Mrs General Minnie Carpenter, is an international fellowship of dedicated medical personnel.

    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.

    A Salvationist who has been trained, commissioned and ordained to service and leadership, in response to God's call. An officer is a recognised minister of religion.

    An order instituted by General George Carpenter in 1941 to mark the Army’s appreciation of distinguished service rendered by non-Salvationists who have helped to further its work in various ways. Read more: Salvation Army honours

    A locality in which Army work is carried out and where it is hoped a society or corps will develop.

    Established in each corps for the pastoral care of soldiers and adherents and maintenance of the membership rolls.

    The Salvation Army's description of the death of Salvationists.

    Lieutenant, captain, major, lieut-colonel, colonel, commissioner, General.

    A symbol saying 'The Salvation Army' in the local language, identifying personnel, buildings, equipment, mobile units and emergency services.

    A financial appeal to the general public; also known as the Annual Appeal in some countries.

    Care for the physical and spiritual needs of military personnel and their families.

    The work of grace which God accomplishes in a repentant person whose trust is in Christ as Saviour, forgiving sin, giving new direction to life, and strength to live as God desires. Read more: our faith

    An annual effort by Salvationists and friends to raise funds for the Army's worldwide operations.

    A local officer appointed for specific duty, usually in a corps.

    A company of soldiers who work together regularly in a district, without an officer.

    A converted person at least 14 years of age who has, with the approval of the pastoral care council, been enrolled as a member of The Salvation Army after signing the Soldier's Covenant.

    The statement of beliefs and promises which every intending soldier is required to sign before enrolment. Previously called 'Articles of War'. Read more: the Soldier's Covenant

    A territorial commander and spouse in their joint role of sharing spiritual leadership and ministry, providing pastoral care and exemplifying the working partnership of officer couples. Read more: leadership of the international Salvation Army

    A country, part of a country or several countries combined, in which Salvation Army work is organised under a territorial commander. Read more: The Salvation Army around the world

    A local officer responsible for young people's work in a corps, under the commanding officer.