In November 2005, more than 150 Salvationists from across Canada and Bermuda met for a symposium to discuss the future direction of the territory. Five main issues were identified: 1. Salvation Army Identity, 2. Interacting with Current Culture; 3. Authority, Formal Relationships and Partners; 4. Discipleship and Spiritual Growth; and 5. Leadership in Organizational Change. In preparation for Symposium 2008, Salvationist.ca looks at each issue individually and asks select delegates from 2005 to comment from the perspective of their local situation. In this post, we focus on interacting with current culture. Add your feedback by leaving a comment.


Salvation Army Identity
How is The Salvation Army perceived in your community? Has the Army’s identity changed? What impact (positive or negative) is this having on the Army’s ministry?

In the Okanagan Valley, The Salvation Army is seen as a positive force for social justice. The wildfires in 2003 enabled the Army to play a visible role in supporting emergency personnel and individuals who had been evacuated. The Red Shield is imprinted on everything from our emergency vehicle to articles of clothing, and when people see it they know we are there to help. Still, we constantly struggle to help people understand that we are more than a social-services agency. Unfortunately, when many people think of the Army, all they see is our work with the poor and those on the fringe of society. Even when they realize we are a church, they often think we’re only for those in need. Our role in the Okanagan fires allowed us to show the community that we are here for everyone, regardless of their economic means. Developing an understanding that the church is open and available to all—that we accept people from all socio-economic backgrounds—is vital.
Darryl Burry
Kelowna CC, B.C. Div

The Salvation Army in St. Albert is perceived in a very positive light. The majority of people identify us as a social- services agency and not a church, but that is starting to change. In recent years we have dramatically increased our presence in the community and this is seeming to have an extremely positive impact.
Captain Tiffany Marshall
St. Albert Church and Community Centre, Alta.,
Prairie & Northern Ttys Div

In Saskatoon, the Army is perceived more as a charity than a church. People see us ringing the bells at Christmastime, working with the underprivileged in the inner city, in prison ministries, during emergencies and during the annual Red Shield Appeal. But in most instances they don’t recognize that we are a place of worship. If our focus changes every time a new officer arrives, this can also impact the Army’s identity in the wider community. Sometimes a change is necessary and can bring about improvements, but at other times it can confuse people and leave them wondering about the Army’s ministry. In an urban setting, where corps and social services ministries are not connected, it is important for corps members to be visible. This can lead to ministry opportunities that can benefit the entire city. Leaders of various ministry units must work together to create a unified approach. If they don’t, we may miss vital opportunities to share God’s love to a lost world.
Glenna Cryderman
Saskatoon Temple,
Prairie & Northern Ttys Div

In Swift Current, The Salvation Army is seen primarily as a social agency with a church. We are the only food bank serving a population of approximately 17,000, including the surrounding area. We are also seen as a church that helps families in need by offering programs to help adults and children. Our family services office is the place where people go who have nowhere else to turn—a place where they will be accepted. Our kids’ club is known for attracting young people who are having problems coping with life. In recent years we have tried to let people know we are also a church. One positive result is that more people are finding a place where they hear the gospel message and are loved. The negative aspect is that other social agencies and churches see us as the main providers of help for the underprivileged and are quite content to let us handle this work. They don’t get involved personally, meaning our own people have to work long hours and get tired easily. Not many members of the community are willing to come worship with us and walk alongside the people whom we serve.
Captain Jennifer Loner
Swift Current, Sask.,
Prairie & Northern Ttys Div

The Army is quite well respected in Brantford. We are identified by our uniform, band, kettles and community care ministries. People relate to us year-round but are especially aware of our presence at Christmastime. The identity of The Salvation Army has not changed much in this area. The informal or casual uniform is now used more in work situations, but full uniform, as used by our corps band, remains a very positive witness.
Captain Dora Keeping
Wyndfield CC, Brantford, Ont. GL Div

The Salvation Army in Fenelon Falls is seen as a large social program. People view the Army thrift store and our corps as being one and the same, even though we’re really not (the store is run by national recycling operations at THQ). It’s a serious issue that we have discussed at our corps council as we have tried to find ways of becoming better known as a church congregation. When we changed the signs on our corps building, people in the community noticed. Suddenly they knew we were a church and not just a legion hall. Things are changing slowly. We are still a work in progress.
Captain Ron Wickens
Fenelon Falls, Ont. CE Div

In Gatineau, The Salvation Army is perceived as a social-services agency, similar to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. We have a specific identity as an organization that cares for those in need by providing food and clothing, housewares and furniture. Having said that, our identity is slowly changing as we become more visible in the business community through the Rotary Club and the Christmas kettle campaign. We are beginning to take on a new authority regarding what we do in the social context. This is good in that it opens doors to service as well as to specific partnerships in the larger community. But it tends to push aside the aspect of spiritual growth in our corps.
Captain Bonita Hebert
Église Communautaire de l’Outaouais, Gatineau, Quebec Div

In our community, we still have a long way to go, but we have made great progress in the past few years. People are aware of The Salvation Army and even recognize us as a church. Many are becoming more aware of our mission and we have seen growth in our corps as a result.
Captain Carson Decker
Sackville, N.S., Maritime Div

The Salvation Army in Gander has had the same identity since its beginnings, although in the past three years it has expanded its ministry by opening a thrift store. In addition, our new family services ministry helps us meet people’s physical needs. The Army is well known and respected in our community and over the years has been very successful.
Cherie Green
Gander, N.L. W Div

Salvationism in Newfoundland and Labrador remains a unique experience. In our province, people generally recognize The Salvation Army first and foremost as a Protestant denomination, though in more recent years it is becoming more identified as a social service organization, with the most recognizable symbol being the Red Shield. The uniform still opens doors and can be a “launching pad” for access and conversation. But it is being seen less and less, which I find personally very disappointing, as I believe it still conjures up feelings of trust, safety and caring. Having participated regularly in Christmas kettles and the annual Red Shield door-knock campaign, I still hear people proclaiming The Salvation Army as their charity of choice. They often describe us as the only organization people trust to do “good work” with their money.
Arlene Riche
St. John’s Temple, N.L. E Div

In Triton, The Salvation Army is perceived as a strong evangelical church. For more than 110 years it has been known for its spiritual ministry that has significantly influenced the moral fabric of community life. Its identity has always been, and still is, that of a vibrant Christian congregation. To that extent, our mission has not changed. We are still in the business of saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity.
Howard Bridger
Triton, N.L. W Div

In Bermuda, The Salvation Army is seen very much as a helping agency—an organization that does “good works.” People may not know everything we do or how we do it, but they trust us to be good stewards of the funds we are given. Historically, the Army in Bermuda has been seen as the one group that has a passion for the disadvantaged. In recent years, our identity as a church has changed. Many now realize that we are similar to other Christian denominations—Holy Ghost filled and fire-baptized. On the negative side, I find that we as an organization are not very good “cheerleaders” of who we are and what we do.
Rosemary Phillips
North Street Citadel, Hamilton, Bermuda