Salvation Army Centenary.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical Christian church that is well known for the charity work they do. It is an international association that currently works in 121 countries. [1] William Booth and his wife Catherine started the Salvation Army in 1865. [2]The Salvation Army's basic mission is to perform “evangelical, social and charitable work and bring the Christian message to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs.”[3] The Salvation Army has firm beliefs about God and have set doctrines which its members are expected to understand and adhere to.
The Corps I attended is called “Centenary Salvation Army.” The officers are Captains Andrew and Paula Hambleton. The Corps is a small, modern church, mainly attended by young families and young adults. As I entered, I was welcomed with a hug and given a pamphlet. The service began at 10.30am and commenced with a time of praise and worship singing.
The songs that were sung were modern and upbeat. The worship band consists of drums, piano, guitar and a small brass band ensemble. The singing was lead by the group and they seemed very passionate in their worship. It was easy to connect with God through this time of singing. “Music has traditionally played a big part in Salvation Army worship meetings.[4] From its beginnings, William Booth deemed it necessary to connect with the people of that day by putting Christian words to contemporary, secular tunes.” Brass bands and tambourines were a bright and effective way to connect. Today, there are still some of these groups remaining but there are also many worship groups such as the one at Centenary.[5]
Sunday school operates before the church service. This allows families to worship together. The kids have a special “Kids Time” where they share about their week and are taught a simple message. This was a fun experience with lots of laughs.
I noticed, next to the wooden cross, a flag was leaning against the wall. The flag is an important symbol of the Salvation Army. Its colours are red, blue and yellow and these depict the blood of Jesus spilt on the cross, the purity of God the Father and the fire of the Holy Spirit. The flag is used during services when people are “sworn in” as members of the Salvation Army. It is also used when children are dedicated (christened) or when someone has died. [6] If the Salvation Army band marches outdoors, it is preceded by the flag. [7]
The sermon was preached by Captain Paula Hambleton. Officers in the Salvation Army are jointly ordained. Men and women are able to preach and be leaders in their own right. Catherine Booth was a great believer in the ability of women and, from the early days of the Army, pushed for women to play an equally important role as men. Traditionally, Salvation Army meetings have included messages of holiness, usually during its morning services and messages of salvation for “the whosoever” during its evening services. [8]
The service went for around one and a half hours and was followed by a fellowship morning tea in the church foyer. I enjoyed the experience at this church and was encouraged by the passionate leaders and the challenging message that the Salvation Army brings to everyone.
[4] Quote; Major Sue Davies
[7] Salvation Army International Heritage Centre - http://www.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf
[8] Quote; Major Sue Davies
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