How to become a Salvation Army officer

1. Why do people become Salvation Army Officers?
2. Are Salvation Army Officers ordained?
3. What are the qualifications for officership?
4. What about second career ministry?
5. Tell me about the College for officer Training.
6. Tell me about continuing education.
7. What should I do if I am interested in Christian service as a Salvation Army Officer?

Why do people become Salvation Army Officers?

Just as Jesus called the founders of The Salvation Army to their mission, He calls today's Salvation Army Officer to a life of service in commitment to Christ. Christian men and women, as Salvation Army Officers, can change lives, bringing hope and practical help to humanity as they share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. The College for Officer Training prepares men and women to carry out the mission of The Salvation Army. The entire program objective is development of officers who are led by the Spirit of God and are able to advance the Kingdom of God and the cause of the Gospel.  Candidates for officer training may enter the College for Officer training or, under certain circumstances, may enter Salvation Army officership as a second-career ministry with the designation of Auxiliary Captain.

Are Salvation Army Officers ordained?

Ordination and Commissioning

Each June cadets who have successfully completed training are ordained as ministers and commissioned as officers in The Salvation Army. The ordination and commissioning ceremonies are conducted in a public meeting before families and friends. The newly commissioned officers receive their first appointments in an afternoon gathering that same day.

Their work will often be among the poorest and neediest of our society. All will make a difference: some as corps officers (pastors and corps community center administrators) and others in Salvation Army rehabilitation centers for recovering drug and alcohol addicts. Others will be the difference by reaching out to meet the immediate and long range needs of the children under their care. Each one will carry the message of love. Each one will be the voice of God in the place where he or she is needed. Each one will follow the highest calling.

What are the qualifications for officer candidates?

Men and women wishing to become Salvation Army Officers must be Christians, believe they are called to full-time service, and be Salvation Army Soldiers (members) endorsed for officership. They must possess a sincere love and understanding of people and be willing to work in highly demanding situations upon graduation.

Age: 18-45

Education:

• At least one year of college, military training or work experience following high school graduation and prior to entering officer training.
• High school students considering officership should give special emphasis to English, Humanities and Business courses such as accounting.
• High school graduates employed full time prior to entering training are advised to take additional work in reading and English courses at a community or junior college.
• Some cadets (Salvation Army Officer trainees) have earned undergraduate and graduate degrees before applying.
• Many cadets enter Salvation Army Officer training after several years in a secular career, and many are married with children. Accountants, homemakers, engineers, school teachers, physicians, nurses, social workers, and many other professions and occupations are represented among the cadets.
• All candidates should have at least a 12th grade reading level.
• Any candidate with a Thurstone IQ below 25 (or equivalent) will be required to take further testing for acceptance.

Length of Training:
Two years regardless of prior education, training or qualifications.

Non-American Citizens:
Must have an immigrant visa permitting them to work in the USA for an indeterminate time on a permanent resident basis.

Salvation Army Membership (soldiership):
All candidates should have at least one year of active soldiership by opening day of the session for which they apply. Whenever possible, that soldiership should include responsibility as a Local Officer (lay worker).

Marriage:

• Accepted candidates who are married before entering officer training will both participate in the full academic and practical officer training program.
• Accepted candidates who are engaged may both enter training at the same time.
• Marriage may be permitted at the conclusion of training, provided the engagement was official six months before commissioning.

What about second career ministry?

Second-Career Ministry (Auxiliary Captain):
Under certain conditions, an individual who is unable, for valid and acceptable reasons, to become a candidate for commissioned officership in The Salvation Army and who is otherwise qualified and desires to render full -time service to The Salvation Army, may become a licensed minister of The Salvation Army with the rank of Auxiliary Captain.

Qualifications for Auxiliary Captains:

• Must be a Salvation Army soldier in good standing for at least two years prior to date of application.
• Must be at least 40 years old and be able to give at least five years service prior to reaching the retirement age applicable to officers in the territory.
• Must have at least a high school education or its equivalent.
• Education and education must be such as to recommend them to the position of trust and responsibility to which they would be appointed.
• If married, both husband and wife will be appraised individually and each must meet the qualifications for appointment as Auxiliary Captain.

Tell me about continuing education.

Housed on the campus of The College for Officer Training is The Southern Territory Center For Continuing Education. This center provides an opportunity for officers and local officers to receive the additional training needed to stay on the cutting edge of ministry related trends, and methodology. The center offers a 5 year program for newly commissioned officers, and periodic seminars for local officers and auxiliary officers. Subjects covered in these programs include: Bible Teaching, Leadership, Music, Worship Leading, Fund-raising, Counseling and many others.

What should I do if I am interested in Christian service as a Salvation Army Officer?

Call or write to:

Candidates' and Adult Recruitment Department

The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters

1424 Northeast Expressway

Atlanta, GA 30329

Phone: 404-728-1300

FAX: 404-728-1392
Email

Where is the College for Officer Training?

The Southern Territorial Salvation Army College for Officer Training (CFOT) is one of four Army colleges in the United States. The college in Atlanta, Georgia, serves the 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. It is located at 1032 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia, 30310. Phone: 404-753-4166 FAX: 404-753-3709

What will I learn at the college?

Salvation Army Officership requires a rigorous two year (24 months) academic and practical training program.

The core curriculum includes courses in Bible, homiletics, doctrine, ethics, evangelism, Church history, Christian education, psychology, counseling, social work, accounting, business management, communications, and physical education.

The academic year is from August to June, with a three-month summer practicum, and a one-month Christmas practicum. A new session of cadets is enrolled each fall, with the first and second year classes operating simultaneously.

A modern activities and wellness center features a games room and gymnasium.

Health care is available at the on campus clinic.

What about spiritual life at the college

Spiritual development is an important part of the training experience, and the campus chapel provides the setting for regular worship services which help deepen the cadets' love for Christ and their understanding of His call to service.

Curriculum and opportunities for personal counseling and guidance from the CFOT staff enhance spiritual development.

What should I know about campus living ?

Single cadets live in semi-private rooms in Arkwright Hall (men) or Schoenbaum Residence (women).

Married couples and married couples with children are provided with apartments on campus.

Meals for all cadets are provided from a central kitchen. All cadets have the option of eating breakfast in their residences or enjoying the fellowship in the main dining room. Families may carry other meals to their apartments.

School age children attend a Christian school.

A child care center is available for children under the age of six and for those needing after-school attention.