A historical and descriptive introduction. Local practice varies; the examples below are not a judgment of a community’s faithfulness.
When and how it began
William and Catherine Booth’s London mission began in 1865. In 1878 it adopted the Salvation Army name and a military-style organizational structure.
Beliefs and practices
Evangelical faith, holiness, conversion, and practical care are joined together. It is a church as well as a service organization. It ordinarily does not administer water baptism or Communion, emphasizing the spiritual realities they signify.
A typical worship service
A corps service may feature songs, prayer, testimony, Scripture, and preaching. Brass bands are part of its heritage but are not present everywhere.
What the worship space looks like
A corps hall can include a platform, flags, a mercy seat for prayer, and adjacent community-service facilities.
Branches and differences
Ordained leaders are called officers; committed members may be soldiers. The military language concerns organization and spiritual service, not an armed force.
Sources & further reading
Historical overviews support the account of origins. Official church documents describe the community’s own beliefs and practice.
- World Council of Churches · historical overview ↗
- Salvation Army · Worship ↗
- Salvation Army · Faith and sacramental practice ↗
Reviewed September 24, 2026. Broad family descriptions do not settle local policies or every contested point of history.