Glossary

Adherent

A person who regards The Salvation Army as his spiritual home but has not made a commitment to soldiership.

Advisory Board

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

ARC/Adult Rehabilitation Center

Serves alcoholics in its program of counseling, work therapy, recreational activities and spiritual counseling. The center is self supporting and depends mainly on the sale of donated items from its thrift stores.

'Blood and Fire'

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

Cadet

A Salvationist who is in training for officership.

Candidate

A soldier who has been accepted for officer training.

Chief of the Staff

The officer second-in-command of the Army throughout the world.

Chief Secretary

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

Citadel

A building used for worship and community service.

Colors

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

Command

A type of small territory.

Command Leaders

A married officer couple appointed to a joint role of spiritual leadership, ministry, administration and pastoral care.

Commission

A document presented publicly, authorizing an officer or local officer to fulfill a specified ministry.

Community Care Ministries/League of Mercy

Salvationists who engage in a caring ministry by responding to the spiritual and practical needs of the community.

Congress

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

Corps

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

Corps Cadet

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.

Corps Sergeant-Major

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

Dedication Service

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

Division

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

Divisional Commander

The officer in charge of the Army in a division.

Envoy

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.

General

The officer elected tot he supreme command of the Army throughout the world. All appointments are made, and all regulations issued, under the General's authority.

General Secretary

The officer second-in-charge-of the Army in a command (or, in some territories, a large division).

Halfway House

A center for the rehabilitation of parolees, or people with alcohol or drug addiction.

Harbor Light Center

A rehabilitation center, usually located in inner-city areas.

High Council

See High Council.

Home League

A national women's organization calling for the promotion of home ideals through a fourfold program.

International Headquarters (IHQ)

The offices in which the business connected with the command of the worldwide Army is transacted.

International Secretary

A position at IHQ with responsibility for the oversight and coordination of the work in a specific geographical zone or functional category, and for advising the General on zonal and worldwide issues and policies.

Junior Soldier

A child who, having accepted Jesus as their Savior, has signed the Junior Soldier's Promise and become a Salvationist.

League of Mercy

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

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.

Medical Fellowship

Men's Fellowship Club

A service club program within a Salvation Army corps providing fellowship and recreational activities for men.

Mercy Seat or Penitent Form

A bench provided as a place where people can knell 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 been trained, commissioned and ordained to service and leadership in response to God's call. An officer is a recognized minister of religion.

Officer Commanding

The officer in charge of the Army in a command

Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service

Order of the Founder

Outpost

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

Pastoral Care Council

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

Promotion to Glory

The Army's description of the death of Salvationists.

Ranks of Officers

See Officer Ranks.

Red Shield

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

Red Shield Appeal

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

Red Shield Defense Services

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

Salvation

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

Self-Denial Appeal

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

Sergeant

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

Service Center

A facility which allows for the social service functions of The Salvation Army, but does not have a chapel. Usually staffed by an employee.

Service Unit

An all volunteer committee comprised of various community members, usually a sheriff, banker, etc. who provides basic Salvation Army services of assistance of food, utilities, and traveler's aid, but has no Salvation Army facility in their town.

Society

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

Soldier

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.

Soldier's Covenant

The statement of beliefs and promises which every intending solider is required to sign before enrollment. Previously called 'Articles of War'.

Territorial Commander

The officer in command of the Army in a territory.

Territorial Leaders

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.

Territory

A country, part of a county or several countries combined, in which Salvation Army work is organized under a territorial commander.

Women's Auxiliary

An advisory organization functioning as a fund raising and volunteer service group. An officer representative is an official member of each women's auxiliary.

Young People's Sergeant-Major

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