One Army?

Abstract

The Salvation Army is a global denomination that finds its identity in both unity and diversity. Shared beliefs and practices are complemented by local tradition, culture and expression, resulting in recognisability similar, yet also distinctly different, Salvationist communities throughout the world. Salvation Army officers share a common calling to ministry, in which personal spiritual maturity and on-going development is seen as a necessary foundation. This article draws upon research that led to the emergence of a framework for spiritual life development that can be used in a multiplicity of contexts. Drawing on a theological and theoretical framework that encompasses evangelicalism, spirituality, theological education and vocational learning, it shows how the diverse contexts of research subjects provided both inspiration and challenge, thus contributing to the emergence of a framework that is simple, adaptable and pedagogically apt.