Salvation Army - Tulsa

What does The Salvation Army do?

YEAR-ROUND SERVICES TO ADULTS AND FAMILIES

An extensive social services program which includes emergency shelter, a daily feeding program, emergency family services in utility assistance, operation of a missing person's service, pre-employment training/job placement, a supportive housing program for families and a substance abuse program for men
Shut-in visitation to area homes, hospitals and penal institutions
Disaster services to victims and workers
Worship opportunities at ten locations in the metro-Tulsa area

YEAR-ROUND SERVICES TO YOUTH

Six boys and girls clubs in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Sand Springs and Sapulpa offer a varied educational and recreational program for the less fortunate, one and two-parent working families and seniors
Child care at four area Child Development Centers
School break and summer day camps and resident camping opportunities for children

SEASONAL SERVICES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES

Makes Christmas brighter for thousands of needy families in the metro-Tulsa area

Why is The Salvation Army called an Army?

Because through its services to the less fortunate, it is continually waging a war against hunger and poverty…for many people The Salvation Army is their only hope for a new life.

Can The Salvation Army help find someone's friends?

No. The Salvation Army's Missing Persons service's prime purpose is to reunite people in families so that family relationships may be restored.

What does the red shield signify?

This familiar emblem signifies the services The Salvation Army provides to those less fortunate. It is a symbol of hope and a place where people can go to receive help.

What does The Salvation Army Crest signify?

This is the symbol which represents the various dimensions of The Salvation Army's Christian ministry.

The round figure "the sun" represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit.
The cross in the center represents the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The letter "S" stands for Salvation.
The swords represent the warfare of salvation.
The dots at the bottom of the round figure are called shots and represent the truths of the gospel.
The crown represents the crown of glory, which God will give to all his soldiers who are faithful to the end.

How does The Salvation Army differ from other agencies in their disaster assistance program?

The Salvation Army disaster service is managed primarily through the site of the disaster with additional teams available in surrounding states when the disaster warrants extensive assistance. Therefore, Salvation Army Canteens, officers and volunteers are able to be at the point of need immediately. If needed, they coordinate continued services with other agencies. Other agencies offer long-term assistance as part of traditional disaster service program.

How does a Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club differ from a city park and recreation center?

A Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club is a place that becomes a "second family" for participants ranging in age from six months to golden agers. All programs stress the TOTAL FAMILY through moral leadership, citizenship building, spiritual guidance and social development activities. A community recreation center is a place where area people may go to enjoy a generalized program of leisure time activities.

Is The Salvation Army a government agency?

No. It is a private non-profit charitable organization.

What are the followers of The Salvation Army called?

The Salvation Army's membership consists of adherents, soldiers and officers.

What are adherents?

Adherents are persons who consider The Salvation Army to be their place of worship.

What are soldiers?

Soldiers are required to sign a declaration of faith and practice known as Articles of War and must give volunteer service to the Army. Soldiers, who have served for more than six months may apply to the College for Officers' Training, and if accepted, enroll as cadets. Upon graduation from this school, cadets become fully ordained ministers and receive the rank of captain.

Is The Salvation Army a church or a social services agency?

It is both. All officers are ordained ministers and perform the same tasks as any minister in addition to the social services outreach widely recognized throughout the world.

What denomination is The Salvation Army Church?

It is Protestant.

What does The Salvation Army flag signify?

The Salvation Army flag itself is not sacred, but is a symbol of what Salvationists believe.

The blue border represents the HOLINESS of God.
The yellow star represents the FIRE of the Holy Spirit.
The red represents the BLOOD of Jesus Christ.

The motto "Blood and Fire", written on the star, stands for the blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit. The flag is carried at the head of marches of witness and is given a prominent place in Salvation Army halls. It is also held aloft at special ceremonies.

Why do Salvation Army officers and people who are followers of The Salvation Army church program wear uniforms?

In 1878 William Booth's Christian Mission was renamed The Salvation Army to depict the dedication of Booth and his followers in their war against hunger and poverty. As a metaphor to the movement, the organization remains today in management style within a quasi-military form of leadership.

Because followers of the Army come from varied backgrounds, the wearing of a uniform is symbolic that each individual is a dedicated disciple in the fight to eradicate poverty and help restore personal self respect for the less fortunate.

Why do members of The Salvation Army abstain from alcohol?

When William Booth began his Christian movement to help those less fortunate, he personally saw men who were ravaged with alcohol addiction lying under bridges and on streets. They had become homeless after losing family, friends, in many cases jobs, and in all cases, self-respect. Substance abuse crosses all socio-economic backgrounds and accelerates an inevitable downward spiral. This witness provided sufficient cause for The Salvation Army to commit a policy that members should never risk experiencing these devastating problems as a result of alcohol.

For further information about the International Salvation Army click salvationarmy.org..

For further information about the National Salvation Army click salvationarmyusa.org.