Salvation Army Officership

Salvation Army officers are trained and commissioned to oversee operations of The Salvation Army. They proclaim the Gospel and serve as administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, youth leaders, and musicians. These men and women have dedicated their lives, skills, and service completely to God.
Salvation Army officers see lives changed as they bring hope and practical help to humanity as they share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Their  work will often be among the poorest and neediest of our society. All of them will make a difference: some as corps officers and others as administrators of Salvation Army rehabilitation centers for those recovering from addiction. Still other officers may work in Salvation Army social service centers, while some work with other cultures and in other countries. Each officer carries the message of love. Each officer is the voice of God in the place where he or she is needed.

A Salvation Army officer is a fully ordained & trained evangelical minister of the gospel.

‘Qualifications’ for Officership 
Though no academic or professional qualifications or experience are required for officership, the following must occur before a person is accepted as a candidate for officership:

Relationship
The most important component for anyone wanting to enter Christian service is a strong, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Once this relationship is established, the believer grows in his or her faith until they become a mature Christian and continues to grow throughout their life as a believer.

Soldiership
Active membership in a Salvation Army corps (church) is required for all those seeking to become Salvation Army officers. All members of The Salvation Army church are called soldiers. To become a soldier, one must possess a relationship with Jesus Christ, participate in fellowship and worship in a local congregation, and adhere to the doctrines and mission of The Salvation Army.

Calling
In addition to the above steps, each Salvation Army officer is called by God for a unique ministry. This calling may take many forms, but in all cases, it is an inner conviction that it is God’s plan for you to serve Him fully as an officer in The Salvation Army.

Becoming a Salvation Army Officer
Becoming a Salvation Army officer requires acceptance to and training at a school or college for officer training. For more information, visit the Path to Officership page.