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General Information 

On this page:
Brief History of CFOT
Purposes of The Salvation Army
Doctrines of the Salvation Army
CFOT Mission and Vision
Institutional Student Learning Outcomes
Foundational Education Framework
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Statement
Participatory Governance 
 

The Salvation Army College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT) has as its purpose the training of men and women to effectively serve God as officers in The Salvation Army. 

CFOT is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), an accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

 

BRIEF HISTORY OF CFOT
The Salvation Army is one of the largest non-profit Christian humanitarian organizations in the world with permanent centers of operation in 132 countries. Founded in 1865, its objectives have remained constant and are emphasized in its mission statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based in 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 needs in His name without discrimination.

Military language, dress and organization were adopted early on to encourage discipline, stewardship, and commitment to this mission. Members of Salvation Army congregations were called soldiers and ministers/pastors were called officers. Like military corps, local Salvation Army churches were identified as a corps; Salvation Army soldiers who were studying to become officers were referred to as cadets in training. This terminology is still in use today.

Within each geographic region around the world, The Salvation Army maintains schools and colleges for the purpose of training cadets to enter full-time ministry as Salvation Army officers. The College for Officer Training (CFOT), USA Western Territory, is one of four training schools/colleges in the United States.

In the area now covered by the Western Territory, training in "Salvation Warfare" began with the arrival, from England, of the first Salvation Army Officers. A men's training garrison was established by the San Francisco No. 2 Corps in 1885. In 1890, a women's training garrison was also opened in San Francisco. About the same time, the "Salvation Castle Training Garrison" was opened in Oakland, California. Later, other "garrisons" opened in Portland, Oregon and Tacoma, Washington. This system continued until 1905 when all training of officers from the western United States was moved to Chicago, Illinois. 

In 1920, the United States was divided into four administrative areas and the Western Territory was created. The School for Officer Training was established in San Francisco, California, where it  remained until 1975 when it moved to its current location in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Initially, the training program lasted one year. In 1960, The Salvation Army moved to a two-year training program. During the late 1970s, the Universal College Program was initiated as a joint program with Azusa Pacific College. Cadets successfully completing the approved course of study were awarded an Associate of Arts degree by Azusa Pacific College.

In March 1986, CFOT was granted "full institutional approval" as a California Degree Granting Institution by the California State Department of Education, Private Post-secondary Education Division, pursuant to California Education Code Section 94311(d). Since 1990, CFOT has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

 

PURPOSES OF THE SALVATION ARMY
The purpose of The Salvation Army is to love God and man, preach the gospel, and express a practical concern for the needs of humanity. This is referred to as having a, “Blood and Fire” spirit for the mission of The Salvation Army. 

The Salvation Army was founded by the Reverend William Booth, who felt called to leave his ministry in the Methodist Church to minister to the poor in the East End of London, England. Originally called the Christian Mission, the movement was renamed The Salvation Army in 1878 when a military form of organization was adopted to facilitate its progress.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian movement with a complex network of worldwide social service activities. Today, continuing efforts are being made to adopt methods and strategies to meet the new demands and conditions of our time. Yet, the underlying principles and convictions laid down by its Founders still remain the guiding force in today’s Army.


International 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 needs in His name without discrimination.

 

DOCTRINES OF THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army’s strong emphasis on regeneration and sanctification, conviction that the gospel is for the whosoever, and concern for humanity’s free will all find their roots in Methodism and the teachings of John Wesley. The Salvation Army’s 11 Doctrines are an expression both of personal faith and a common vision. They are consistent with the classical Christian creeds and identify Salvationists as members of the body of Christ on earth. The 11 doctrines are:

  • We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God; and that they only constitute the divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
  • We believe there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect—the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things—and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
  • We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost—undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.
  • We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the divine and human natures are united; so that He is truly and properly God, and truly and properly man.
  • We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocence but, by their disobedience, they lost their purity and happiness; and that in consequence of their fall, all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
  • We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world, so that whosoever will, may be saved.
  • We believe that repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.
  • We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself. 
  • We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ. 
  • We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be “wholly sanctified”, and that their “whole spirit and soul and body” may “be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” ‘(I Thess. 5:23).
  • We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.

 

CFOT MISSION AND VISION

CFOT Mission Statement
The mission of the College for Officer Training is to develop people in spiritual maturity, knowledge, and capabilities as necessary for effective ministry as a Salvation Army officer enabling them to advance the Kingdom of God and sustain the mission of The Salvation Army. 


Vision for Spiritual Formation
CFOT recognizes that spiritual maturity is foundational to the officer’s role as spiritual leader and role model. The officer’s own spiritual life must be healthy for their own sake and for the sake of the congregation, employees, and clients of The Salvation Army. CFOT therefore endeavors to guide each cadet in their continued personal spiritual formation through instruction, discipleship, Bible study, personal counseling, and reserved time for meditation and prayer. While at CFOT, the cadet will identify, develop, and exercise their spiritual gifts, and understand that spiritual formation and pursuit of holiness is a lifelong process. They will be trained to lead others through spiritual formation experiences, just as they were guided. 


Vision for Academic Excellence
Consistent with its mission, CFOT provides cadets with the opportunity to gain necessary skills and knowledge through an academic program of the highest quality and rigor. 

Whether it be in the classroom, on-campus practicum experiences, or off-campus internship opportunities, academic excellence at CFOT is achieved by ensuring that all instructors’ content and methods of instruction meet generally accepted academic and professional standards. Through regular and ongoing professional development opportunities, CFOT ensures that instruction is based on evolving pedagogy, technology, and learning needs; that instructors employ a variety of appropriate teaching methods; and that evaluation of cadet achievement is based on authentic assignments and activities that reflect the responsibilities and challenges cadets will face in their future ministry. 

Additionally, CFOT’s commitment to academic excellence includes ensuring that all cadets are equipped for success through tutoring, testing for learning differences, and the availability of appropriate accommodations.

CFOT systematically evaluates all aspects of the academic program in pursuit of continuous quality improvement and to ensure that academic excellence is sustained.


Commitment to Ministry Support
CFOT recognizes that to advance the Kingdom of God and sustain its mission, The Salvation Army needs, in addition to its officers, trained and equipped lay-leaders and employees. To this end, the College provides non-officer personnel with opportunities to develop in spiritual maturity, knowledges, and capabilities as necessary for effective ministry through their roles and responsibilities with The Salvation Army, and to whom the above vision statements also apply. 

 

INSTITUTIONAL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Spiritual Maturity
Upon graduation, cadets will demonstrate the spiritual maturity necessary to “advance the Kingdom of God and sustain the mission of The Salvation Army.” This will require that cadets possess:

  1. A commitment to developing and living Christlike characteristics within their personal life and ministry (shown through commitment to holy living, the practice of spiritual disciplines, growth in spiritual maturity, stewardship, and the presence of spiritual fruit).
  2. An understanding and acceptance of their spiritual gifts and a commitment to the development of these gifts for effective use in ministry
  3. The spiritual maturity and social and emotional intelligence necessary for effective officership.
  4. A desire to recognize and affirm the image of God in all people. 
     

2. Knowledge
Upon graduation, cadets will demonstrate the knowledge necessary to “advance the Kingdom of God and sustain the mission of The Salvation Army.” This will require comprehensive knowledge of the following areas:

  1. The Bible and its interpretation and application.
  2. The theology of the Christian church and Salvation Army distinctives.
  3. Salvation Army administrative and business principles, practices, procedures and policies.
  4. The contexts and cultures in which the Salvation Army operates.
     

3. Capabilities
Upon graduation, cadets will demonstrate the capabilities necessary to “advance the Kingdom of God and sustain the mission of The Salvation Army.” This will require capabilities in the following areas:

  1. Communicating in written, spoken, visual, and artistic forms to diverse audiences.
  2. Engaging and leading congregations in worship, programming, and outreach activities.
  3. Christian leadership that demonstrates integrity and reflects a sensitivity to diversity and equity.
  4. Developing and managing resources (fiscal, human, physical and technology)  

In order to facilitate the achievement of these 12 Institutional Student Learning Outcomes, CFOT is committed to providing the following:

  • A vital Christian environment built upon Wesleyan holiness principles.
  • High quality integrated spiritual development, learning, and living programs. 
  • Mission-driven classroom and field experiences.
  • Strategic plan-based budget and resourcing of programs to support the mission of the College.

 

FOUNDATIONAL EDUCATION FRAMEWORK
CFOT’s General Education framework is designed to ensure the development of the broad knowledge, skills, and competencies that are foundational to the cadets’ studies and key to effectiveness as a Salvation Army officer, namely, communication, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, information literacy, civic responsibility, and the ability to engage with diverse perspectives.

 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
The College for Officer Training will be a place that celebrates the imago Dei of all humanity. Richness in diversity and unique contributions of culture are valued and celebrated, as together the fabric of community reflects beauty in the Kingdom of God. All individuals will be educated, equipped, valued, encouraged to thrive, and become the follower of Jesus they are called to be.

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Officer serves as a catalyst to leverage best practices and to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities, ages, nationalities, social and economic status, and physical ability can thrive and be engaged in the training college experience.

Any questions or concerns regarding DEIA should be addressed to Captain Joy Groenleer.

 

PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE

Purpose and Process
The College is committed to promoting communication and information sharing among and between the various councils of the College to enhance the quality of decision-making. Informed decisions are a product of engaging people representing important functions and expertise at the College and providing an opportunity for input, discussion, and review of important matters. At CFOT, there are in existence numerous councils whose definitions, memberships, and roles within the organization are detailed and updated annually in the CFOT Staff Manual.  The councils are active and engaged, meeting regularly to fulfill their responsibilities to the College and its cadets. 

Board of Governance
The Board of Governance serves as the official governing body of the College. The Board’s bylaws refer to the Board as the “educational authority for the College,” an educational unit of The Salvation Army, whose responsibilities include the oversight of education and training at the College. The Board’s powers include approval of the curriculum and the training and field experience as well as being responsible for the overall quality, integrity, and financial stability of the College. The Board is also required to ensure that the religious and moral content of the College’s programs and courses of study are consistent with Salvation Army beliefs and principles. The Board has an active role in assessing the performance of the Training Principal and in assessing on an annual basis its own performance. For more information visit the Board of Governance page. 

Executive Council
The College’s Executive Council is the primary decision-making committee on the campus. The Executive Council has an additional responsibility in consultation with the Principal for determining those matters that also need to be referred to the Crestmont Council for a board decision. These are usually the more substantive issues and/or policies that require additions or revisions to mission, program, staffing or budget. Matters involving the Academic Council, Personnel Council, and the Command Finance Council are significant areas of decision making, and councils that routinely refer recommendations for action or consideration to the Executive Council. Every effort is made by the Board of Governance and the Executive Council (as well as all other councils) to match meaningful and appropriate data with informed decision-making.

Constituent Participation
The goal of the College is to appoint cadets, officers, and staff representatives to the councils who have an informed and genuine interest in such governance and program matters and have them use assessment data and experience to make recommendations and decisions in support of the College and its cadets. The council process at CFOT is vital to the College’s effectiveness.

 

For more information view the CFOT Guide to Shared Governance.

 

 

 

Reviewed/Updated: July 2025