Adherent:
A person who regards The Salvation Army as his/ her spiritual home but has not chosen to make the commitment of ’soldiership’ in The Salvation Army (see Soldier).
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 Salvation Army’s motto, referring to the symbolism of the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ and the purifying, illuminating fire of the Holy Spirit.
Cadet:
A Salvationist undertaking theological and practical training for officership. The first cadets were trained in 1879.
Chief of the Staff:
The second-in-command officer of the worldwide Salvation Army.
Citadel:
Often used to refer to any property used for Salvation Army worship. Similar in usage to the terms ‘fortress’ and ‘temple’.
Command:
A smaller type of Salvation Army ‘territory’ (see Territory) directed by a designated ‘Officer Commanding’.
Congress:
Central gatherings held in divisions, regions, territories or internationally, attended by officers and their fellow Salvationists.
Corps:
A Salvation Army church similar in concept to that of a parish, sometimes comprising several congregations, to share the good news about Jesus Christ and serve the community.
Corps Cadet:
A young Salvationist who undertakes a course of Bible study, Salvation Army doctrine and history, and practical training in his/her corps.
Corps Sergeant-Major:
Similar to the chief ‘elder’ or lay leader in other Christian denominations, the CSM is the chief local officer for public work who assists the corps officer (CO) with meetings (worship services) and usually takes command and responsibility in the CO’s absence.
Crest:
See Symbols & Characteristics.
Dedication Service:
The Salvation Army’s equivalent to a christening service, it consists of a public presentation of infants to God. It differs from christening or infant baptism in that the main emphasis is upon specific vows made by the parent/s concerning the child’s/children’s upbringing.
Disposition of Forces:
A directory of contact details mainly for Army officers, programs and centres.
Division:
A number of corps grouped together, directed by a divisional commander (similar in responsibility and administrative role to bishops in other churches).
Farewell Orders:
The transfer of officers to new appointments.
Flag:
See Symbols & Characteristics.
Furlough:
Holidays for officers.
General:
The officer elected (by the High Council) to lead the international Salvation Army worldwide. All appointments are made, and all regulations issued, under the General’s authority.
High Council:
A group called together on a needs-basis, the High Council elects the General in accordance with The Salvation Army Act 1980.The High Council comprises the Chief of the Staff, all active (as opposed to retired) commissioners except the spouse of the General, and all territorial commanders.
International Headquarters:
The General directs Salvation Army operations throughout 108 countries of the world through the administrative departments of International Headquarters (IHQ) in London, which are headed by International Secretaries.
International Secretary:
An officer appointed by the General to supervise and represent Army work (mostly overseas) at International Headquarters.
Junior Soldier:
A boy or girl who, having come to faith in Christ and signed the junior soldier’s promise, is enrolled as a Salvationist.
League of Mercy/Community Care Ministries:
Commenced in 1892 as the League of Mercy, Community Care Ministries - on a worldwide basis - seeks to respond to spiritual and social needs through visitation in the community in which it is located.
Local Officer:
A soldier appointed to a position of responsibility and authority in the corps, who carries out the duties of the appointment without being separated from his/her regular employment/lifestyle and without receiving remuneration from The Salvation Army.
Meeting:
A church service.
Mercy Seat, Penitent Form or Holiness Table:
A bench or table provided as a place where people can kneel to pray, seeking salvation or sanctification, or making a special consecration of their life to God’s will and service.
Officer:
A Salvationist who, responding to God’s call, is trained and commissioned as a full-time minister of religion of The Salvation Army.
Outpost:
A locality in which Army work is carried on and where it is hoped a society or corps will develop.
Promotion to Glory:
The Army’s description of the death of Salvationists, with ‘glory’ symbolising life after death in God’s presence.
Quarters:
This refers to the house provided for Salvation Army officers, their spouses and their families.
Ranks:
Ranks of officers currently in use are lieutenant, captain, major, lieut-colonel, colonel, commissioner, general.
Red Shield:
See Symbols & Characteristics.
Red Shield Appeal:
An annual financial appeal to the general public, to fund The Salvation Army’s social work.
SAGALA (Salvation Army Guards and Legion Association):
A branch of work with children in and out of The Salvation Army’s worshipping community, similar to girl guides/boy scouts.
Salvation:
The work of grace which God accomplishes in a repentant person whose trust is in Jesus Christ. The deeper experience of this grace, known as holiness or sanctification, is the outcome of wholehearted commitment to God.
Salvationist:
A member of The Salvation Army, whether an officer or soldier.
Secretary:
Departmental head.
Soldier:
Lay member.
Songster:
A member of a songster brigade.
songster brigade:
Salvation Army choir.
Swearing-In:
The public enrolment of Salvation Army soldiers.
Territory:
For administrative purposes, The Salvation Army is split into world Territories. Usually each country forms a single Salvation Army Territory, but some where the Army is strong numerically are divided into two or more Territories.
timbrel:
Similar to a tambourine.
The Order of the Founder:
This order of merit marks meritorious Christian example and witness, and distinguished or memorable service.
The Order of the Silver Star:
Inaugurated in the USA in 1930, and extended internationally in 1936, this order expresses gratitude to parents of commissioned officers in The Salvation Army.
Uniform:
See Symbols & Characteristics.
War Cry:
The Salvation Army’s official flagship journal, many issues of which are published in many countries. The War Cry was first published in 1879.
Young People’s Sergeant Major:
A local officer responsible for the young people’s work, under the commanding officer.
