BELONG | SECTION TWORooted In Belonging
Our rich historical and biblical foundation.
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When you step into Ministry to Women in The Salvation Army, you join a worldwide community; a belonging to a sisterhood that spans geographical borders and generations.
The International Women’s Ministries Vision Statement is a call to women everywhere, “We envision women who are transformed and empowered by the gospel to lead a Christlike life; enriched mutually through local and global connections and support; equipped to fulfil their potential through lifelong learning and development; engaged in social justice and action to positively impact the world.” -
Our story began when Florence Booth saw women in her community in need of life skills classes and responded to the need. Mission and ministry to women was birthed in The Salvation Army when she gathered the women and conducted the first Home League meeting in 1907. It has been an area of vibrant activity and witness for the gospel since the launch of the first Home League.
Home League came about when someone saw a need and responded. Her mission was life skill classes; her method was Home League.We have a rich heritage of Ministry to Women in The Salvation Army through the Home League. In many places it still has an extraordinarily strong impact on the lives of women.
Likewise, the fourfold aim of worship, fellowship, education, and service has stood the test of time in meeting needs of women.
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Over time, our methods have developed and evolved, and just as the needs around us look slightly different from community to community, so our mission and ministry to women, firmly rooted in the Word and in our rich heritage, must have fresh expressions to remain relevant and fruitful.
In the USA Southern Territory, fresh expressions have progressed from Catch the Joy (2011) to Gather (2020), and now Belong (2026).
Terminology has evolved from: Home League (exclusively) → Women’s Ministries → Ministry to Women.
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The person, not the program, is our priority. Transformation is our goal. Belonging is our starting point.
Isaiah 44:3-5 - “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.”
1 John 3:1 - “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!...”
Romans 8:16-17 - “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
The 5 Pillars
Here are the five elements that create our framework for ministering to women in the communities in which we serve.
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We aim to engage women where they are and offer counsel, direction, and encouragement so they can have a deeper understanding of God.
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We aim to encourage women to their full potential in influencing family, friends, and community.
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We aim to equip women with Christ-centered resources and opportunities for personal growth.
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We aim to inspire women to be who God created them to be, fulfilling His passions and purposes for their lives.
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We aim to advocate for women and girls by creating and promoting resources that provide social justice opportunities.
A Challenge from
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
‘People’ refers to those who, in some way, belong to The Salvation Army. ‘Mission’ is what we were raised up to do in the name of Jesus. ‘Legacy’ speaks to the stewardship of this generation to the next. Each Salvationist is invited to assess their present reality as it relates to these three areas, to review their priorities and to take stock of what God, in his goodness, is already doing.
In the context of ministry to women and girls, I challenge you to see the people you serve with renewed energy and perspective. I urge you to explore innovative mission opportunities and to dream of what is possible with God. In all you do, consider the next generation and work to provide a firm foundation for those who will one day stand on your shoulders.”
“I wonder how our outlooks might shift if we paused our busy lives to behold the Master at work. As the Lord spoke to the prophet Isaiah: ‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland’ (Isaiah 43:19).
In 2024, General Lyndon made a bold call to the international Salvation Army, sharing his strategic vision for our movement. He asked the question: ‘What is The Salvation Army going to be focused on in the days to come?’ And the answer came: ‘Our people, our mission and our legacy.’
