I Go to the Salvation Army

Becoming a Senior Soldier
Salvationists, who can join at any age over fourteen, sign the Articles of War or Soldier's Covenant when they become full members of the Army. This is a document which sets out in detail the beliefs of Salvationists and the promises they intend to make.

Other Christians share the beliefs of The Salvation Army but some of the promises are not so common. For instance Salvationists promise not to drink alcohol or smoke. One reason for this is that both alcohol and tobacco are harmful to health. They are very expensive too. William Booth and his workers saw many whose lives had been destroyed by excessive drinking. Booth realized that when some of these people became converted to God's way they would find it difficult to overcome their desire for alcohol, and so he felt that it would be helpful if Salvationists set an example by drinking only non-alcoholic drinks. Today there are still many problems in the world caused by excessive drinking of alcohol and so Salvationists consider it wise to continue to keep the Founder's Pledge.