The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church (In India, it is a member church of NCCI). Our message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by the love of God. Our mission is to make known the good news about Jesus Christ and to invite others to become his followers too.
The confidence we have in a loving and caring God finds outward expression in our love for humanity and our practical response to human need.
To provide a comprehensive overview of The Salvation Army, please refer to the IHQ-approved document titled "THE SALVATION ARMY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST - AN ECCLESIOLOGICAL STATEMENT."
The Salvation Army has been serving in India since 1882, started by Major Tucker (later Commissioner Booth-Tucker, IPS officer), who took the Indian name of Fakir Singh and commenced the Army's work in Bombay on 19th September 1882.
The Salvation Army established its presence through community service, education, health, disaster management, and social reform initiatives.
The six Territories and the National Office in India are:
Our uniforms symbolise our commitment to service and make us part of witness and our word a sign of calling in the community. They stand as a testament to our dedication to helping others, emphasising our mission to "save to save others" ("S" – "S").
It is a symbol of our beliefs, our commitment to God, and our promise to serve and love others.
The Salvation Army encourages a covenantal relationship with God, promoting growth in faith and spiritual life. Committed individuals are called "Soldiers," who affirm a spiritual covenant. The Salvation Army Soldiers shall:
- Publicly declare their Christian faith
- Commit to the organisation's spiritual principles
- Sign the "Soldier's Covenant"
- Actively engage in the ministry and activities of The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army uses a quasi-military-style hierarchy to reflect its foundational principles. An officer is a Salvationist who serves as a minister of the Christian faith and fulfils many additional roles not typically performed by clergy in other denominations.
These ranks symbolise:
- A spiritual "battle" against social injustice
- A clear organisational hierarchy
- The progression of leadership roles
- Practical leadership and spiritual dedication from Soldier to General
The Salvation Army encourages a covenantal relationship with God, promoting growth in faith and spiritual life. Committed individuals are called "Soldiers," who affirm a spiritual covenant. The Salvation Army Soldiers shall:
- Publicly declare their Christian faith
- Commit to the organisation's spiritual principles
- Sign the "Soldier's Covenant"
- Actively engage in the ministry and activities of The Salvation Army
An officer of The Salvation Army is a Salvationist who is, in essence, a minister of the Christian faith, but who also fulfils many roles not usually performed by clergy of other denominations. Officers are trained, commissioned, and given a quasi-military rank to reflect their leadership responsibilities.
You can volunteer through your local corps, centres, and programs. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who share our commitment to serving others. Contact your nearest Salvation Army centre to learn about specific opportunities.
You can support our work through:
- Volunteering
- Partnerships
- Prayer support
- Corporate collaborations (CSR initiatives)
- Planning to give
- Event sponsorship
- Skills and expertise sharing
- In-kind contributions
- Financial donations
The Salvation Army Church community is a religious denomination and functions as part of the global Christian Church. In India, religious communities are not required by law to register as legal entities. Their legitimacy comes from their religious identity, doctrines, and governance.
However, in 1953, a Section 8 Company named “The Salvation Army” was incorporated in India to promote the religious and charitable objectives of the international movement. This company manages hospitals, schools, vocational training, skill development centres, and various social programs.
Additionally, The Salvation Army Property Company Private Limited also holds assets on behalf of the movement.
After the inception of the Republic of India in 1950, “The Salvation Army” was incorporated as a charitable company under the Companies Act. This decision was influenced by the legal and operational needs of the time.
The Salvation Army already had a widespread presence across multiple states, actively engaged in charitable, religious, and social activities. A company structure provided a centralised and uniform legal framework suitable for national operations.
Trusts and societies are governed by state laws, each with different rules and compliance requirements. This decentralised system posed challenges for a multi-state organisation. A charitable company, however, ensured:
- Uniform governance across India
- Standardised compliance and reporting
- Better transparency and accountability
- A single legal identity for nationwide operations
We maintain transparency through:
We operate through various Boards, Councils, and committees with stakeholder participation.
- Regular financial audits
- Compliance with legal requirements
- Professional governance mechanisms
- Clear and regular reporting practices
- Technology-enabled administrative processes
- Public annual reports
- Impact assessment studies
- Stakeholder consultations
- Digital transparency initiatives
We measure impact through:
- Regular monitoring and evaluation
- Community feedback systems
- Success story documentation
- Beneficiary tracking
- Social audit processes
- Third-party evaluations
Our faith in Lord Jesus Christ inspires us to demonstrate God’s love through practical action while respecting all faiths and beliefs. Although The Salvation Army is founded on Christian principles, our social services are offered without discrimination.
We provide:
- Worship services
- Prayer meetings
- Biblical teaching
- Pastoral care
- Youth Ministry
- Children's programs
- Spiritual guidance & counselling
- Community fellowships
- Sunday school
- Women ministries
The Pastoral Care Council (PCC) and the Corps Council are key governing bodies within The Salvation Army, each with distinct responsibilities.
Pastoral Care Council
The PCC supports corps leaders and cares for the well-being of the corps community. It promotes the mission and vision of the corps, accepts new soldiers, advises on local officer appointments, and takes pastoral interest in members. They typically meet three times a year.
Corps Council
The Corps Council advises and assists the commanding officer in areas such as:
(a) Evangelical outreach and soul-saving efforts
(b) Spiritual life and fellowship of the corps
(c) Corps growth and membership trends
(d) Corps programs and events
(e) Youth work
(f) Community service initiatives
(g) Budgeting
(h) Fundraising
(i) Property matters
(j) Communication with the corps and community
Pastoral Care Council (Purpose)
The PCC’s primary purpose is to offer pastoral care to the entire corps fellowship through prayer, visitation, and mentoring where appropriate.
- Visit our website: www.salvationarmy.org/india
