You are in: About The Salvation Army
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an International movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination.
What we do
The Salvation Army is an integral part of the Christian Church, although distinctive in government and practice. The Army's doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasize God's saving purposes. Its objectives are "the advancement of the Christian religion... of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole." (Salvation Army Act 1980)
In less formal terms that means helping as many people as possible, as effectively as possible and as a practical expression of Christian belief. While some might separate Salvation Army programs along the lines of spiritual programs and social welfare programs, to us they are mutually codependent. Our founder, General William Booth, summed it up when he expressed his belief that you can't speak to a man about his eternal soul when all he can think about is his empty stomach.
The Salvation Army provides help to those who need it most, regardless of color, creed, religion or orientation. But every hungry soul fed, every homeless soul sheltered and every needy child comforted is done so because of a conviction to take the love of Jesus to "the least of these."
And so WHAT WE DO is best expressed with our slogan: Heart to God & Hand To Man
The Salvation Army's History
The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth, a former Methodist minister, in London, England in 1865. Booth's vision started with a ministry to the down and out of London's East End, and quickly spread around the globe. By the time of Booth's death, in 1912, the organization was at work in 58 countries.
George Scott Railton started The Army's official work in the United States in 1880. The organization gained widespread recognition in this country for its work during the First World War when Salvation Army "donut girls" served coffee and donuts to the troops behind the trenches in Europe. Service to the victims of natural disasters and soup kitchens to feed the starving masses during the great depression continued to build the reputation of "America's favorite charity."
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Dedication of the Winston-Salem Outpost
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Local History
The Salvation Army in Winston-Salem has been in operation since 1907. The first services of The Salvation Army focused on the poor and indigent of our city. Early intervention services included shelter, food, and clothing for Winston-Salem's poor and homeless. In 1953, The Salvation Army began offering preventative programs by forming the Red Shield Boys Club. Several years later, the Club was expanded to serve girls.
In the mid-seventies, The Salvation Army opened a Community Corrections Center which served as a half-way house for federal prisoners. Today this facility also includes a homeless shelter for families and houses the Salvation Army's Social Services Offices.
In addition to meeting basic needs and offering enrichment programs, The Salvation Army provides spiritual guidance and instruction through weekly worship services, Bible studies, music instruction, and character-building activities. These services are made available at the Washington Park Corps (services in English), the International Corps (services in Spanish) and the Kernersville Corps (services in Korean).
In the mid 1980's, the Winston-Salem Salvation Army extended its social services to neighboring Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties. Eligible individuals and families that benefit from The Salvation Army's Emergency Assistance Program receive cash grants for rent and utilities, food, clothing, medicine, and emergency lodging.
Other programs run by The Salvation Army Winston-Salem Area Command include Disaster Services, Christmas Assistance and nursing home and institutional visitation.
Our Structure
Early on in its history, The Salvation Army was set up with a quasi-military structure patterned after the ranks of the British Armed Forces. This structure has contributed to a reputation for discipline and mobility that serves the organization well. The Salvation Army is actually made up of several sub-groups, equally important, and instrumental in accomplishing the mission of spreading the gospel and serving humanity.
Officers
Commissioned from one of four Colleges for Officer's Training in the United States, officers are full-time personnel with responsibility for leadership of both the spiritual and social welfare work of The Salvation Army. Their ranks descend from General (the international leader stationed at International Headquarters in London) down to captain (the rank assigned upon commissioning). The Area Commander for the Winston-Salem Area is Lt. Colonel Jack T. Waters. He can be reached by calling (336) 723-6366.
Soldiers
Soldiers are members who maintain their congregational church home at The Salvation Army and have signed a statement of beliefs, pledging to live up to a high code of moral conduct. They usually are employed outside of The Salvation Army in all manner of vocations and careers.
Advisory Board Members
Advisory Board members supply the back-bone of public support that sustains The Salvation Army in a local community. Normally comprised of influential business leaders and public officials, this board of volunteers advises The Salvation Army on matters of community priorities and needs. They also serve as ambassadors among the influential - enlisting financial support for the cause.
The Winston-Salem Advisory Board Members
Chairman: Andy Brown
Vice-Chairman: Ellen Parsley
Secretary/Treasurer: Mike Huffman
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Jane Poe
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Jean Adams
Suzanne Baker
Max Barnhardt
Ellen Bliven
John Brady
Andy Brown
Ken Carlson
Richard Davis
Al Dull
Neal Foster
Richard Glaze
Mike Huffman
Kay Johnson
Harry Joyce
Aubrey Kirby
Donna Lambeth
Doug Leckie
Martha Martinat
Leigh Myers
Jim Nanton
Ellen Parsley
Lucy Paynter
Jane Poe
Deborah Reaves
Ben Salt
Guy Shuman
Lincoln Sherk
Bill Smith
Charlie Stott
Jack Sutton
Bryan Thompson
Bob Vaughn
Win Welch
Jon Witherspoon
Life Members
Dr. Ken Carlson
Dr. Cal Jeffers
Margaret Tennille
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Publications
Southern Spirit online - As the Southern Territory's official newspaper, Southern Spirit informes readers of interesting and newsworthy events, programs, and resources of The Salvation Army.
The War Cry is published bi-weekly by The Salvation Army USA National Headquarters and is of interest to Christians everywhere. Subscriptions: $10 per year.
The Young Salvationist provides young people with biblically based inspiration and resources 10 times a year for only $4.50.
To subscribe, please mail a check payable to The Salvation Army, your name, address and phone number to:
Circulation Manager
Salvation Army National Publications
P.O. Box 269
Alexandria, VA 22313