The Salvation Army Northwest Divisional Headquarters

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.

Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army presently operates in over 108 countries. It preaches the gospel in over 175 languages and maintains approximately 30,000 religious, educational, and charitable centers which minister in many different ways. It is the policy of The Salvation Army to suit its programs to the varying needs of people throughout the world.

The international leader of The Salvation Army is elected to office and holds the rank of General. The General works out of The Army's International Headquarters in London, England.

For administrative purposes, The Salvation Army divides the world into geographical territories, each directed by a Territorial Commander who is responsible to the General. The United States is divided into four territories with a national headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Our Territory covers the 13 western states of the U.S. and the Pacific Islands, and is known as The Western Territory.

Each Territory is further broken down into Divisions. Each Division has its own headquarters and is headed by a Divisional Commander. Under the direction of each Division are Corps Community Centers and Institutions. The religious and charitable ministries of The Salvation Army are conducted by these local centers.

Separate from Divisions, but found in key cities, are Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs), under the direction of the Territorial ARC Command. The ARC ministry helps people with substance abuse problems, poor work histories, etc., to be retrained into the work force. The ARCs also operate many of The Army's thrift stores and collect second-hand articles from the public. With the Divisions, they also are very active in The Army's disaster-relief work.

Finally, The West has the Crestmont College Command where students train in a residential setting to become ordained ministers and commissioned officers of The Salvation Army. Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, the Crestmont Campus offers both two year and four year degrees as well as various opportunities for continuing education.