The salvation Army in New Zealand: an assessment of trends in decline and growth

Abstract

The Salvation Army has shown a steady decline during the years 1990 to 2000. Whilst the numerical losses indicate dissatisfaction within the movement, so do subtle but distinctive shifts in attitude of both officer and lay personnel, changes which demonstrate resistance to traditional Army methods and discipline. This research explores these and other significant issues which have created tensions within the movement. Declining credibility and relevance of the 'Army' metaphor is discussed, and the emergence of Pentecostal expression preferred above traditional holiness teaching, as a significant factor in the change of loyalty in former Salvationists who left the movement during the 1970s-1980s. An examination of the records of early Army meetings displaying Pentecostal characteristics, discloses that the basic affinities were already present, leading to the conclusion that the new direction could be classed as a 'return to roots' situation and not a new phenomenon. The significance of the Army's sectarian status has been examined as a possible cause of the definite but subtle shift away from the primary loyalty and observance of discipline which had previously been an accepted part of Salvation Army service. In part, this is an offshoot of the liberty brought about by the charismatic renewal which convinced officers and soldiers of the need to break away from the traditional Army culture. It is notable that the corps in sharpest decline, are those still operating in the traditional mould. The evidence disclosed in the acquisition of data and the insights into the persistent decline, lead to the conclusion that loss of faith in the Army, low morale and dissatisfaction with traditional Army methods, have led to a steady decline. This study is based on an exploration of these indications.