3. Was founded in 1865 by one time Methodist minister
William Booth and his wife.
A quasi military structure was quickly adopted and
subsequently the organization became a worldwide
movement which is now to be found in 109 countries
and operates in 175 different countries.
The long history of TSA and its associated steady
growth have also marked it out as an organization
which has stood the test of time whilst remaining close
to its original mission.
4. One of the commissioners observed and
averred that “the twenty first century
ministry requires a mission-centered
Salvation Army in CONTINUOUS RENEWAL
and it was time for more bold initiatives
pushing beyond what is described as the
‘comfortable patterns of missioning behavior’”
5. “The salvation army , an international
movement, is an evangelical part of the
universal Christian Church. Its message
is based on the Bible. Its ministry is
motivated by love for god. Its mission is
to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and
meet human need in his name without
discrimination”
6. Residential Services – single largest category are facilities for
homeless people
Day care was simultaneously was provided for a wide range of
client groups and needs.
Addiction dependency – largely clientle group specific(both
residential and day care provisions)
Disaster Relief – proven to be a significant presence after
September 11 in providing support and tangible sustenance.
Community Services – could have been a conflict area but
worked out smoothly in partnership with both statutory and
voluntary services.
Health Care – mobile clinics, active in responding to HIV/AIDS
Education – the total no. of pupils catered for globally was
greater than the number of undergraduates in the whole of the
UK.
7. TSA provides a very wide range of program-based
services in the global context
TSA’s social service function has become very
significant - The UK 2003 Annual Report asserted that
TSA is the largest provider for social services only after
the Government itself salvation_2.doc
8. Quasi Military structure – a significant distinguishing
factor (derived from the concept of ‘spiritual warfare’)
Use of Ranks, uniforms and flags are quite loud and clear
in its in-house publication ‘the war cry’
The charity is well known about its modest salaries paid to
its officers (ministers). When commissioner Alex Hughes
took on the territorial commander role in the UK in 2002,
the newspaper noted his salary with a degree of
astonishment. He was Chief Executive managing a £161m
budget(~€240m) received a salary of £10,258(~€15,000). A
person working in the lowest clerical capacity in a charity
in the UK would probably have received more.
9. Draws much of its strength from its founder William
and Catherine Booth.
In 2003, the tradition repeated itself by General John
Larsson’s wife Freda also a commissioner – grown
many folds as one of the faith-based organizations.
Large no. of volunteers – Many non officer employees
held a no. of significant posts and responsibility
throughout the organization. It is somewhat akin to ‘a
short service commission’ in the regular army’
10. The original focus upon poverty and the associated
issues linked to alcohol and gambling has remained a
strong part of the core of the organization.
TSA never accept any donations or grants derived from
these sources.
The pragmatic view has been expressed that ‘money
can be cleansed by being put to good use.
11. Globally strong force of soldiers Geographical
Distribution.doc
In the UK, TSA has enjoyed its own specific legislation
provision, this somewhat unusual in the charitable context.
The website states
“In many countries TSA co-exists with non –
Christian faiths such as Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. It
respects the sincerely-held beliefs of devout non-Christians,
and does not regard conflict or bitter controversy as suitable
means to making known the good news of Jesus”
12. The relationships with the respective governments
have not been so smooth in the past. The press of the
Moscow City made some comments about TSA which
in turn led to a BAN in Russia for TSA.
TSA fought this through the Russian Courts and was
reinstated there as a charity in 2002
Since the re-establishment, TSA has been actively
involved in the welfare of the country.
13. The High Council, constituted of all the active
commissioners and officers in charge of territories
(some 63 in all) is called to deal with succession or
when the Gen. is unfit to continue.
The General’s consultative Council comprises all the
officers qualified to attend the High Council and
advises on mission, strategy and policy (about 4 times
a year) operates through LN.
The International Management Council focuses on the
efficiency and operation of the International HQ in
London and meets monthly.
14. A very complex environment – primarily functions on a
geographic basis through a territorial commissioner, there
is a considerable amount of local autonomy and the
commissioners are not to be compared in power and
authority with regular army counterparts.
As the general deals with the politicians, over here TSA has
to deal with individual govt. bodies.
Ex- In the UK, political leaders of almost all persuasions
have strongly supportive. In the US, post 9/11 it was hailed
as one of the to-10 US charities by Forbes.
However in Russia and in areas of danger for western
charities, it faced major problems.
15. In 2002, TSA in the UK completed a major strategic
review – the first such exercise by TSA anywhere. The
strategic review identified a no. of factors which were
regarded as critical for the future of the organization.
The Henley Centre had undertaken a no. of studies
which examined the changes in society which were
quite relevant for The Salvation Army.
16. Strengths
A commitment to help the
most needy.
A willingness to undertake
practical work as well as
proclaim the gospel
Trustworthiness and sincerity
which made them an
organization. People are
comfortable to work with and
contribute to
A strong caring ethos
An understanding of the
needs of people today.
A declining and ad ageing
membership
Growing demand for the
services, they provided
Difficulties in relating with the
youth
There was an inherent ‘top-
down’ culture that made
innovation difficult.
A move in social policy from the
institutional care, their social
services had traditionally
provided to more community-
based provisions
Weaknesses
17. As suggested by Peter Drucker, a well-respected
authority on leadership, The Salvation Army has three
challenges:
To avoid losing its soul (in this case through being too
successful)
To concentrate on areas where it can set the standard
To maintain the crucial balance between being a
religious and a social organization.
18. An organization which has stood the test of time
whilst remaining close to its original mission.
Modest paying strategy was not a deal breaker all
the way.
Being an evangelical part of the universal Christian
Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its
ministry is motivated by love for god. Its mission is
to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet
human need in his name without discrimination
