Structure of the Salvation Army

The General, with headquarters in London, is the international leader of The Salvation Army. In the United States, the functions of The Salvation Army are coordinated by the national commander, whose office is at the national headquarters in Alexandria, Va.

For administrative purposes, the nation is divided into four territories: the Central with headquarters in Des Plaines, Ill, The Eastern with headquarters in West Nyack, New York, the Southern with headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., and the Western with headquarters in Long Beach, Calif. Each territory is under the leadership of a territorial commander.

Territories are made up of units known as divisions. There are 40 in the United States and each is headed by a divisional commander. Divisions consist of corps centers for worship and service, which are the basic units of The Salvation Army, and various specialized centers or shelters. The functions of each corps include religious and social services which are adapted to local needs. Each corps is under the supervision of a corps officer.

Salvation Army fund-raising campaigns are conducted on a local and regional basis. There is no fund-raising at the national level. The normal sources of funds are the traditional Christmas kettle campaign, government contracts, direct-mail program, corporate and foundation gifts and planned giving. In most areas, The Salvation Army is a member agency of local affiliates of the United Way of America where such affiliation has proven to be beneficial to The Salvation Army.

Nationwide uniformity of policy is the responsibility of the Commissioners? Conference, whose membership includes the national commander, the four territorial commanders, the national chief secretary and the four territorial chief secretaries. Standing commissions devise and evaluate strategic initiatives to further the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army and then make recommendations to the Commissioner's Conference.

Advisory organizations, comprised of representative community, corporate and civic leaders, perform a valuable service by providing advice as liaison between The Salvation Army and the community. The advisory organizations interpret community needs to The Salvation Army and facilitate the development of resources, enabling The Salvation Army to respond to critical community needs. A national advisory board makes its recommendations to the Commissioner's Conference.

The Salvation Army is a participating member in various religious and human services associations, coalitions and conferences having similar principles and practices.

Legally, each of the four Salvation Army territories in the United States function as a tax-exempt corporation with the national commander as Chairperson of the Board.

The Salvation Army's church membership consists of adherents, soldiers and officers. Adherents are persons who have elected not to be enrolled as soldiers but consider The Salvation Army to be their place of worship. Soldiers are persons who have signed a declaration of faith and practice known as A Soldier's Covenant and worship and serve through a local corps.

Officers are the clergy of The Salvation Army. They have either completed training as cadets or auxiliary captains and have been ordained and commissioned to officership. All officers are engaged in continuing education.

With its Christian heritage and motivation, The Salvation Army continues its unique service to all people in the name of Christ.