MEMBERSHIP

The Body of Christ is comprised of people who love and help one another as part of a larger faith community. Membership is a way to commit to the mission, discipleship, and family of Guelph Citadel.

While you do not have to be a member of The Salvation Army to attend worship services, or to receive practical help and support, there are two ways of making a commitment through the church.

Becoming a soldier - a member of The Salvation Army - is a voluntary personal commitment arising from a personal spiritual conviction.

Adherent members do not wear the uniform but are committed to The Salvation Army as their church home and, as such, can identify themselves as members of The Salvation Army. It is the opportunity to explore your faith and how you best express it.

Soldier

One way to be a member is to become a soldier. This is a voluntary personal commitment arising from a spiritual conviction. You will be invited to attend classes to explore the beliefs and practices of The Salvation Army, which will include exploration of your spiritual experience and the way in which this impacts on your lifestyle choices.

When a Salvation Army soldier is enrolled – officially joins the church – they publically demonstrate their decision by signing and adhering to the soldier’s covenant. In The Salvation Army this is the equivalent of the member’s baptism common in other denominations. Soldiers make a choice whether to wear the uniform or not based on their personal convictions.

Adherent

Adherent members do not wear the uniform but are committed to The Salvation Army as their church and, as such, can identify themselves as members of The Salvation Army. It is the opportunity to explore your faith and how you best express it. Adherents commit to supporting the mission of The Salvation Army and participating in the life and fellowship of their local congregation by serving and providing financial support to the ministry.

Junior Soldier

Children can also make a voluntary personal commitment to serve God through The Salvation Army, too. Through junior soldier classes, children can learn about God and make their own commitment to explore their spiritual experience and the impact it can make on their life choices. In a public ceremony, they will sign the junior soldier’s promise to become a junior soldier member of The Salvation Army.

Friend

We all have an inherent longing to belong. Those who attend a Salvation Army church but do not wish to enter into any official membership are considered 'friends of The Salvation Army'. These individuals identify The Salvation Army as their church home. Friends are not registered on any official government statistical records.