Rediscovering the "Why" of The Salvation Army: A Call to Faithful Service

Rediscovering the "Why" of The Salvation Army: A Call to Faithful Service

In the world of organisations and movements, Simon Sinek’s principle of “Start with Why” serves as a crucial reminder. It emphasises that the core purpose or "why" of any organisation should be the driving force behind its actions, guiding what it does and how it does it. For The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland, this principle is more than a business strategy—it’s a theological, missional imperative.

The Salvation Army is renowned for its extensive social work: providing homelessness services, standing with survivors of modern slavery, caring for older people, and supporting families. These works are vital and transformative, but they are not the Army's ultimate purpose. The danger lies in allowing these services to overshadow the true "why" of The Salvation Army, which is rooted in the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ and the holistic salvation that is only found in God.

The Why: Boundless Salvation

The Salvation Army was raised up by God for a specific purpose, which today is summarised in the following way: to share the Good News, to nurture disciples of Jesus, to serve others without discrimination, to seek justice & reconciliation, and to care for creation. The Army’s vision is fullness of life for all with Jesus. This is the Army’s "why," the foundation of its existence. Its mission is not just about social justice or charity; it's about boundless salvation—spiritual and social redemption intertwined. The Army’s work in the world, therefore, is not just humanitarian; it is an expression of its commitment to bring people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Challenge: A Good Charity or a Faithful Church?

There is organisation concern that The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland risks being seen—and perhaps even seeing itself—as merely a good charity. This shift in perception can dilute the Army's spiritual mission, reducing it to just another social service organisation. While being a "good charity" is commendable, the Army must resist the temptation to stop there. It needs to constantly align its activities with its spiritual mandate, ensuring that every act of service points back to its ultimate mission of proclaiming Jesus and seeking holistic salvation.

Practical and Theological Recommendations

1. Reaffirm the Centrality of the Gospel

At the heart of every Salvation Army activity, the Gospel of Jesus Christ should be explicit and central. This does not mean that every act of service needs to be overtly evangelistic, but the motivation behind every service should be clearly understood as flowing from the love of Jesus Christ and the desire to share that love with others. Regular teaching for officers, soldiers, adherents, volunteers, and employees on integrating faith and service can help keep this focus sharp.

2. Strengthen Discipleship and Spiritual Formation

The Salvation Army should invest in the spiritual growth of its members and those it serves. This can be done by offering more opportunities for discipleship, Bible study, Christian social action, and spiritual retreats. By nurturing a deep, personal faith in Jesus, the Army ensures that its social work is always undergirded by a strong spiritual foundation. The Army should also remember there is no one way of achieving this—rather the Army should use any tools, models, and systems that achieve the desired outcome.

3. Foster a Culture of Prayer

Prayer must be at the forefront of all Salvation Army endeavors. Encouraging a culture of prayer—both corporately and individually—ensures that the Army’s work remains spiritually grounded. Prayer meetings, prayer networks, and even integrating prayer into the rhythm of daily activities can remind the Army of its dependence on God for every aspect of its mission.

4. Integrate Social Action and Evangelism

The Army’s social work should be intentionally integrated with its evangelistic mission—all the Army’s work should be centred around Corps as the powerhouse, the worshipping community. This might include offering spiritual support alongside practical help or ensuring that Salvation Army centres, services, and programmes have clear pathways for those who are being supported to explore the Christian faith. The message of Jesus should be visible in both word and deed. This is achieved by keeping Corps front and centre.

5. Emphasise Holistic Salvation

The Salvation Army must continually communicate that its mission is about holistic salvation—addressing both spiritual and social needs. This understanding should be reflected in its public messaging, internal communications, and the way it teaches its people. This holistic approach sets The Salvation Army apart from other charities and keeps it faithful to its calling. The Army is a church that does charity work, not a charity that does church. 

Conclusion: Keeping the Mission in Focus

The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland is at a crossroads. It can continue to be a "good charity," or it can rediscover and recommit to its original "why": sharing the Good News of Jesus and seeking fullness of life for all with Jesus. By reaffirming its spiritual mission and integrating it deeply into all of its social work, The Salvation Army can ensure that it remains not just a faithful church, but a transformative force for the Kingdom of God. In doing so, it will continue to live out its calling, offering boundless salvation to a world in desperate need of hope and healing. Not doing so could lead to catastrophe. We all have a part to play.