glossary Ultimate Church Visit is designed to help pupils understand exactly what The Salvation Army is, what we believe and how we put those beliefs into action. However, with all its military terminology, The Salvation Army may be difficult for some pupils to understand or relate to. Use this list to remind you of words which may be unfamiliar to the pupils. You may want to avoid using them (particularly acronyms*), or just be sure to explain them if you do need to use them.
Corps
This is what Salvation Army churches are called. Lots of words we use, like ‘corps’ are the same as ones they use in the military army, but we’re not actually a military army, we’re a church!
Officer (CO*)
A Salvation Army minister. They are like ministers and priests in other churches.
General
The leader of the whole Salvation Army around the world.
Soldier
This is the Salvation Army term for a member of The Salvation Army. This kind of member might wear a uniform and has made a promise to follow God and commit to The Salvation Army as their church. They usually have regular jobs.
Adherent
Adherent member is the term we use for members of our church who do not feel they want to become soldiers (full members) but they do want to make The Salvation Army their church and show that they are Christians.
Bandmaster
Band leader or conductor.
Songster leader
Choir leader or conductor.
YPSM*
Children’s leader. The person who leads all the children’s activities at this church.
Singing Company
Junior choir
Citadel
Some Salvation Army churches are still called Citadels. This is another word which we ‘borrowed’ from the military army. Nowadays, lots of Salvation Army churches call themselves churches, or churches and community centres, rather than Citadels, so that people understand what they are.
Founder
A person who starts a group or organisation.
Sermon
A talk or message which the officer or minister gives during a church service. It helps people to think about their beliefs and about the Bible’s teaching.
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Preacher
Someone who tells others about God, usually to a crowd or audience, eg a preacher may preach a sermon in church.
Testimony
This is when someone tells others about their faith and how God has helped them in their life. This often happens in Salvation Army meetings.
Open Air (meeting)
A church service held outside on the street, in town or in a park. There is usually lots of music, a testimony, a Bible reading or short talk, and sometimes a dance, drama or puppets to attract a crowd.
Enrolment
A special ceremony when a person makes a promise to God and becomes a member (soldier) of The Salvation Army.
Meeting
This is the word we often use to describe a church service in The Salvation Army.
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