General Paul Alexander Rader was commissioned on June 14, 1962. President of Asbury University after retiring as General from the Salvation Army. He earned a doctorate in Missiology from Fuller Seminary. He was the first American General.

For the first time in its 129-year history, the Salvation Army has elected an American as its international leader–Paul A. Rader, 60, a regional commander based in the Los Angeles area.

The evangelistic church body organized along quasi-military lines is best known for its social service and disaster relief efforts. After its 1865 beginnings in London under founder William Booth, the denomination that is active in 100 nations has had a succession of British, Scandinavian, Australian and Canadian generals.

Rader was elected the 15th general in London on Saturday after six days of deliberations by the army’s High Council. The new general will return to Los Angeles on Friday and move to London, where the army is headquartered, Aug. 28, said Robert Bearchell, spokesman for the army’s 13-state Western Territory headquarters in Rancho Palos Verdes, where Rader has been commissioner since 1989.

With 450,000 officers, cadets and members, the U.S. branch founded in 1880 is the largest national component of the worldwide organization of 3 million Salvationists, as the denomination’s adherents call themselves.

Why has it taken so long for an American to be elected? “That’s a good question. We’ve always wondered why,” Bearchell said.

Rader came within one vote of being elected general last year, Bearchell said. However, the Canadian who won, Gen. Bramwell H. Tillsley, resigned this spring for health reasons, making another election necessary.

Rader is the best-educated general in the army’s history: His four degrees include a doctorate in missiology from Pasadena’s Fuller Theological Seminary in 1973. Born in New York City to prominent Salvation Army officers, Rader also earned degrees at Asbury College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, both in Kentucky.

In remarks released Tuesday, Rader said the army’s High Council sought to choose a leader who is adept in strategic use of its worldwide, yet limited, resources.

“Quite frankly, it is what I brought to the table. (A strategic approach) means having a clarified awareness of what our task is, where our resources ought to be invested in order to accomplish God’s purpose for the army at this moment in history,” he said. “We live in a world of crisis. . . . The world is on fire and bursting with opportunity at the same time.”

While serving as western territorial leader, Rader oversaw efforts to alleviate the misery that has come with California earthquakes and brush fires and a Hawaiian hurricane, as well as ongoing programs for runaways in Hollywood and alcohol and drug rehabilitation, among other projects. He was credited with expanding Salvation Army support for 7,800 employees and about 50,000 volunteers in the region.

Rader, who is fluent in Korean, spent 22 years on Salvation Army assignments in South Korea, interrupted only by studies at Fuller Seminary. He rose to the second-highest Salvation Army post in South Korea before returning to the United States in 1984 and assuming command of several Eastern U.S. posts.

Rader and his officer wife, Kay, who will serve as president of the army’s Women’s Organizations, have three adult children, all of whom have remained in South Korea.

Rader’s term of office will be five years, although he could be reelected and serve until age 67, Bearchell said.

Los Angeles Times, July 27, 1994

The Salvation Army salute to General Paul A. and Commissioner Kay F. Rader drew the largest audience ever to attend the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) since it opened just two years ago in Newark. The magnificent auditorium, which some say resembles the interior of St. Albert Hall in London, served as the venue for a spectacular stage presentation of music, drama, and ministry.

Prior to their own celebration, the Raders participated in the retirements of the national commander, Commissioner Robert A. Watson, and Commissioner Alice Watson the previous evening. Commissioner Joe Noland, USA East territorial commander, officiated at both events.

At the salute to the Raders, more than 3,000 spectators heard stirring melodies performed by the New York Staff Band, the Korean Children’s Home Band, Star Search Showcase participants, and congregational singing.

Broadway star and Salvationist Carol Dilley Jaudes (newly appointed director of Creative Ministries for the Eastern Territory) and company, presented an outstanding musical tribute, titled “Partnership in Mission,” that chronicled the lives and ministry of the Raders.

Commissioner Joe Noland presented the Raders with a substantial gift toward world services. He also announced that in honor of the Raders, an endowment would be established to fund the new Paul and Kay Rader Lectureship on Missiol-ogy at the School for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y.

General Rader touched hearts and stimulated minds with a thought-provoking message that was characterized by the slogan, “no reserve, no retreat, no regret!” Many years ago, a missionary, William Borden, who gave his life for the ministry, said those words before he died of meningitis. Rader used Borden’s example to challenge the audience to take action in their lives–now. “What then, does all of this mean to you?” he asked with outstretched arms. Rader said that they must take advantage of the day and not put off the mission God has called them to complete.

Commissioners Robert A. and Alice Watson entered honored retirement before a capacity crowd in New York’s Centennial Memorial Temple. The retirement salute, conducted by Rader, recognized the Watsons for more than 40 years of service as officers.

The General praised the Watsons for “staying the course” and for doing it with “remarkable distinction.” He saluted them for their constancy and devotion to God and for their national leadership. The General also thanked him for serving on the Advisory Council to the General.

The Watson children, Captain Robert A. Watson, Jr., Captain Carol Ditmer, and Charles Watson, along with members of the national advisory board praised the Watsons by way of a videotape prepared by the Office of Media Ministries.

In response, Commissioner Alice Watson gave witness to the grace of God in their lives during good and hard times. Commissioner Robert Watson challenged his audience to make a choice-between the “grave” of separation from God, and the “grace” one receives when he or she puts on the full armor of God and then stands for him on the “solid rock” of Salvation, sanctification, and service.

Colonels Bill and Gwen Luttrell represented the West. “The weekend was filled with countless moments of challenge and anticipation as God’s presence evidenced himself on each occasion,” Luttrell said. “We are confident that our great God will continue to do great things in our blessed Army, even as he has done down through the years as we stay yielded to his will and purpose.”

During the weekend, the Raders also participated in the retirements of former Western officers Lt. Colonels Albert and Ruth Avery.

We want to join with the global community in celebrating the life and faithful service of General (Dr.) Paul Alexander Rader of Lexington, Kentucky who passed away peacefully at the age of 90 and was Promoted to Glory on January 18, 2025 at 6:10pm.

Born in the Bronx in 1934, and raised in a wholly committed legendary Salvation Army family, Rader spent his undergraduate years at Asbury University, then studied at Asbury Theological Seminary and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary graduating with BA, BD and MTh degrees.

At Asbury, he met and married his wife, Kay (Fuller), who graduated with a BA degree in education. Together, they entered The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in New York in September 1960 and were commissioned a year later.

Rader and his wife were missionaries in South Korea for 22 years serving in a variety of capacities including principal of the training college and administrative leaders. During his years in Korea (1961-1983), Rader rose in The Salvation Army ranks from Lieutenant to Colonel. It was also during this period that he received his Doctorate in Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary(1971-1973). In January 1989, Colonel Rader was appointed Chief Secretary of the USA Eastern Territory, and in October 1989 was promoted to the rank of Commissioner and became leader of the USA Western Territory.

In 1994, Rader was elected the first American-born General of The Salvation Army with an unprecedented unanimous vote and held this London-based role of international leader until 1999. Together, General (Dr.) Rader and his wife travelled to over 75 countries in order to bring encouragement, inspiration and growth to the work of The Salvation Army around the world. Upon retirement General (Dr.) Rader served as president of Asbury University from 2000 through 2006 and was Asbury's 15th president. General (Dr.) Rader retired as president in 2006 and lived his remaining years in Lexington, Kentucky with his beloved wife Kay.

General (Dr.) Rader was a Godly man who lived in service to others and, most of all, to Christ. He was a lifelong learner with a deep commitment to education, the power of prayer and holiness. He was the most devoted of husbands to his wife of 68 years, Kay, and her strongest supporter as they shared in ministry side by side. He was also the most devoted of fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers leaving a legacy of love, integrity, humility and conviction. General (Dr.) Rader is survived by his wife, Kay, and three children: Edie (Jack) Moon, JP (Helen) Rader, Jennie (Ray) Purvis; 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren along with countless extended family members and friends.

A memorial service celebrating the life of General (Dr.) Paul Alexander Rader will be held in Hughes Auditorium on the campus of Asbury University on Saturday February 1, 2025 at 1:00pm.

The greeting of the family will begin at 11:30am to 12:30pm in Hughes Auditorium. A reception is to be held after the service in the Shaw Collaborative Learning Center of Asbury University. 1 Macklem Dr., Wilmore, KY 40390.

• Raders, Watsons Celebrated On Eve of their Retirement
• Wikipedia
• Biography
• Promoted to Glory: General (Dr.) Paul A. Rader
• Obituary
• Paul Rader, Former Leader of Salvation Army and Asbury University, Has Died
• Salvation Army Elects L.A.-Area Chief to Top Post : Aid: Paul A. Rader, 60, a regional commander, is the first American to head the worldwide evangelistic and social service organization