A movement where Christ is named
The Salvation Army
Relief & justice · Founded 1865 · by William Booth · London, United Kingdom
The Salvation Army is an international Christian church and charitable movement that began in 1865 when William Booth started preaching to the poor of London's East End. Organized along military lines, its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. It now serves in many countries through worship, social services, and disaster relief.
What they do
The Salvation Army runs shelters, food programs, addiction recovery centers, and services for people who are homeless or in crisis. Its officers and volunteers offer practical care alongside spiritual support in local communities.
Its emergency disaster teams respond to floods, fires, storms, and other crises, providing food, water, shelter, and comfort to survivors and first responders.
Beyond immediate relief, the movement supports families, seniors, and children through community centers, and it worships as a church with congregations gathering for prayer and teaching.
The Scripture behind the work
Where the door leads
The Salvation Army serves in the name of Jesus, joining the preaching of the gospel to hands-on care for the hurting. Soup, soap, and salvation has long described its heart. If you want to know the Christ it points to, visit a local corps for worship or come alongside its work as a volunteer.
Connect to the real thing
The Living Bread is a door, not the destination. The life is with Christ and his people.
People also ask
Is The Salvation Army a church?
Yes. It is both a Christian denomination with worshiping congregations and a charitable organization that serves people in need.
Why does it use military ranks and uniforms?
Founder William Booth organized the movement like an army to reflect its disciplined mission to fight poverty and share the gospel, and that structure continues today.