Committed to membership and belonging

Salvationist shares an update from Cabinet about the Membership Working Group.

In September 2024, the Membership Working Group (MWG) presented their comprehensive report and recommendations to Cabinet at the conclusion of an 18-month reflection and consultation period within the UKI Territory, including the insightful Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation weekend.

The report was delivered in sections.

Why are we doing this? An introductory background and context, including supporting statistical and methodological information.

What has been said? A summary of what we heard from the territory.

So what? Theological reflection on belonging and believing.

Recommendations, particularly considering:

• The theology of entering and belonging to the Kingdom of God.
• Tiers of membership in The Salvation Army.
• The need to strengthen discipleship and incorporate it as a priority into the rhythm of life of the territory.
• The importance of covenants, both those held in common and those that are a matter of individual response to God’s calling.
• How membership is reflected in missional engagement.
• Recognising and valuing difference and how we can bring both hope and healing to the challenges posed by human sexuality.
• The need to raise up more local leaders in our faith expressions.
• The need for pastoral guidance for those with responsibilities for Pastoral Care Councils across the territory.

Cabinet concluded a period of conversation and reflection in November 2024 and sent its response to IHQ. IHQ will further review the full report and recommendations in February 2025.

The report, which reflects the voices of many, has led to significant recommendations aimed at enhancing membership and fostering a culture of discipleship within The Salvation Army throughout the UK and Ireland Territory

One of the key recommendations that Cabinet was easily able to endorse is to a very intentional investment in discipleship, calling, and covenant, which was launched on Covenant Day, January 2025. This initiative aims to develop a culture of discipleship and foster an ongoing and dynamic experience of spiritual growth and service in the Kingdom of God.

As part of the discussion on the culture of discipleship, the report also highlights the need for inclusion, particularly concerning the LGBTQ+ community. The Cabinet acknowledges the stories of hurt and pain within Salvation Army fellowships and affirms the work of the Children and Youth Department in producing resources to assist in the pastoral care of LGBTQ+ young people; and the work of Masic (Moral and Social Issues Council) on gender identity and same-sex relationships. To widen and further develop good conversations on this subject Cabinet proposed rolling out the Let’s Talk About… material on Human Sexuality in early 2025. Fifty people will be trained to facilitate these discussions across the territory and in every division.

As part of the General’s Compass Strategy, international workstreams have been set up to look at Covenant and Membership. Currently surveys are being distributed by IHQ to gather diverse opinions from territories around the world, and we encourage you to complete these short surveys to ensure the UKI voice is heard in the global conversation on welcome, belonging and covenant. Please see below.

Further reflection will continue on the current forms of membership, alongside IHQ as international consultation continues on Covenant and Membership. The International Leaders Conference in March 2026 will determine the way forward following the recommendations of the international workstream on Covenant and Membership.

The Salvation Army recognises that this is deep, long-term work that requires careful consideration of differing opinions both in the UK and globally. The commitment to making everyone feel welcome and creating space for all who want to belong remains a top priority. We aim to create an environment where all members feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute to the community.

In summary, the recent efforts by The Salvation Army to enhance membership demonstrates a profound commitment to discipleship and pastoral care. By establishing annual periods of reflection and renewal, promoting resources to support healthy discussion around inclusion, and participating in global surveys, we aim to ensure that all members feel valued and supported in their spiritual journeys.

Membership Survey from IHQ

In the link below, we are sending you a survey intended for all those affiliated with our corps and centre ministries: officers, soldiers, adherents and friends. It is important that no one feels excluded from an opportunity to participate in this survey.

The subject matter is a survey on Membership for all within The Salvation Army. The purpose of this survey is to explore the clarity, relevance and practicality of the membership, as well as the support systems.

The feedback will provide guidance for potential refinements to the membership of The Salvation Army making sure that our ethos and doctrines remain at the forefront of our organisations.

To gain a comprehensive perspective of Salvationists on matters of membership, the widest possible range of stakeholder responses is vital for the success of the workstream, and the validity of its recommendations.

• Visit tsa.link/ihqmembershipsurvey to complete the survey.

You will notice that in the survey there are several language preferences. Please use the one that is most relevant.

The closing date for this survey is 28 February 2025.

Can we also encourage participation in two other related IHQ surveys, which have already been communicated to you earlier, the links for these if you have not already submitted a response are:

• Soldiers' survey: surveymonkey.com/r/TSASoldierCovenant.
• Officers' survey: surveymonkey.com/r/TSAOfficersCovenant.

Any questions relating to these surveys should be referred directly to the Programme Resources Department at ihq-progres@salvationarmy.org.