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      The history and work of The Salvation Army

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the history and work of The Salvation Army.

      Key learning points

      1. The Salvation Army was started by William and Catherine Booth, at a time of great poverty in the 19th century.
      2. William's motto for the Salvation Army was 'Soup, Soap and Salvation'. Today, its motto is 'Blood and Fire'.
      3. Today The Salvation Army works to support those in need alongside sharing the Christian faith.
      4. It provides support through providing shelter, food and help in disasters, alongside fighting injustice.
      5. An important part of its ministry is music, with hymns played by a band.

      Keywords

      • The Salvation Army - a Christian church and charity that helps people in need

      • Salvationists - people who belong to The Salvation Army

      • Officer - a leader in The Salvation Army, who runs a local centre, leads worship, and organises help for the community

      • Soldier - an ordinary member of The Salvation Army who promises to live a Christian life and help others

      • Corps - the name The Salvation Army uses for its churches

      Common misconception

      The Salvation Army is just a charity.

      The Salvation Army is a church and a charity.

      Teacher tip

      Use The Salvation Army's website to arrange a visit to a local corps. The Salvation Army have materials and resources on the schools section of their website that can be used to enhance lessons on this topic. You could look up band and songster music from The Salvation Army with your class.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Christians believe that is the Son of God.

      Correct Answer: Jesus

      Q2.
      Christians pray to show love for the father.

      Correct Answer: God

      Q3.
      What is the Christian holy book?

      the Torah
      the Quran
      Correct answer: the Bible

      Q4.
      Where do most Christians worship?

      Correct answer: church
      mosque
      temple

      Q5.
      What does Easter celebrate?

      Jesus being born
      Correct answer: Jesus coming back to life
      The Ten Commandments

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      An important part of The Salvation Army’s ministry is . Hymns are played by a band.

      Correct Answer: music, Music

      Q2.
      The Salvation Army helps people and shares the message of God's ...

      Correct Answer: love, Love

      Q3.
      Who started The Salvation Army?

      Queen Victoria
      Correct answer: William and Catherine Booth
      Charles Dickens

      Q4.
      What was William Booth’s motto?

      Correct answer: Soup, Soap and Salvation
      Peace and Prayers
      Help and Hope

      Q5.
      The Salvation Army is just a charity.

      True - It only helps people and gives donations.
      False - It is a music club.
      Correct answer: False - It is a church and a charity.

      To help you plan your 6 religious education lesson on: The history and work of The Salvation Army, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...