What is The Salvation Army? Seriously...

The Salvation Army is an evangelical Christian church known for charitable work. It is an international movement that currently works in 121 countries. It has its International Headquarters (IHQ) at 101 Queen Victoria Street. London, England.

It was founded in 1865 by William and Catherin Booth, preachers working in the impoverished East End of London. Initially titled The Christian Mission, the growing group later developed a quasi-military structure and was renamed The Salvation Army, adopting uniforms, flags and military terminology. William Booth was born in Nottingham in 1829 but was based in London from 1849 where, after working as a pawnbroker's assistant, he set himself up as an itinerant preacher. William Booth became the General of The Salvation Army, famous for his preaching, charitable passion and use of innovative technology. He died in 1912.

In 1880, two men named John Gore and Edward Saunders (not Al Gore and Colonel Harland Sanders) decided to start The Salvation Army in Australia. They held a street meeting in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and their parting invitation to those standing around listening was, 'If there is any man here who hasn't had a decent meal today, let him come home to tea with me.' This meeting under a tree was held without permission or request of IHQ, but became the beginning of The Salvation Army in Australia.

The Salvation Army's stated mission is to perform evangelical, social and charitable work and bring the Christian message to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. The organisation's ministry extends to all, regardless of age, gender, colour or creed without discrimination. Today, The Salvation Army (yes, the full name includes the 'The') is a global leader in social work and emergency relief, taking the love of God where it is needed most.

Ephesians 6:10-17 says;

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

When you think of The Salvation Army, what are the first things that come to mind (music, people, buildings)?

Some people fight for money and success. Some people fight against other people. What is The Salvation Army fighting against in our world?

Do you see any similarities between the spiritual warfare that Paul describes above when talking about the armour of God  and the identity of The Salvation Army?

What weapons and armour do we have? How do you think they might work?

The Church is a community working and struggling together against the darkness in our world. As such, we become an army fighting a spiritual war. The Salvation Army began as an organised force in this war against darkness. In a world where many suffer and die from violence and sin, we are all invited to fight as soldiers with the armour of God.

Think about it. Pray about it.***