Worship expressions
Church Worship
Every weekend, you’ll find
All the elements in the church service work together and communicate the gospel in a variety of ways, including:
- A hope-filled Bible message
- Music (traditional and contemporary)
- Singing
- Testimonies from everyday people
Salvo churches, typically known as a corps, provide an extensive range of recreational and support activities for all age groups with many designed for families or single adults, while others are specifically designed to appeal to youth, children or the elderly.
Search using your postcode below to find your local Salvo church, and add a keyword like 'youth' or 'playgroup' or 'seniors' if you're looking for something in particular.
Our worship services are diverse in every church around Australia because they are designed around the unique needs of the local community. No Salvation Army church is exactly the same as another. Enjoy the below video example of Salvo churches from around the country.
Practices
Sacraments
Unlike most other Christian denominations, The Salvation Army does not observe the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.
The Salvation Army believes it is possible to experience the inward grace of which the sacraments are outward signs, without the need for the rituals themselves.
Christian Festivals
The Salvation Army observes the major Christian festivals of Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost, but the emphasis given to others varies from one country to another.
A notable date for the Salvos is Founder’s Day, 2 July, which marks the start of William Booth’s preaching campaign in London in 1865 which led to the formation of The Salvation Army.
Membership
Those who become soldiers (members) of The Salvation Army:
- accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour
- accept Salvation Army doctrines
- abstain from things that are harmful to the body and mind
- and are encouraged to serve in the local church
Many people worship at the Salvos without becoming members and without wearing a uniform.
Ministry
While accepting the ‘ministry of all believers’, we believe some individuals are called by God to full-time service as His ministers. The Salvation Army makes provision for the training and commissioning of officers, who perform similar functions to ordained clergy in other churches.