About Salvation Army churches
Church worship
Every week, you’ll find Salvos gathering together across Australia to attend church services, where the message of Jesus Christ is shared and celebrated. Our doors are open to anyone — whether you’ve been a Christian for a long time, don’t know anything about Jesus or are somewhere in between.
Every Salvo church, typically known as a corps, is unique because there is an intentional effort to meet the needs of each individual community. However, The Salvation Army has historically been well-known for its brass bands, Songster brigades and timbrellists. These musical expressions are still an important aspect of many corps throughout Australia and the world, while other corps have a different style of worship.
Many Salvation Army corps host a church service on a Sunday featuring:
- Prayer
- Reading of the Bible
- Worship: music and singing — depending on the size and style of the congregation this may include brass bands, Songster brigades and timbrels; a small band with guitars, keyboards and drums; or pre-recorded music to sing along to
- Testimonies from everyday people about what God is doing in their life
- A sermon/message based on the Bible
- Children and youth programs – Discipleship, worship and teaching for children and youth are an important part of Salvation Army corps
Some Salvation Army churches host a mid-week church service instead of, or as well as, a Sunday service. These are sometimes over food or coffee or centred around a shared passion or hobby
Salvos’ corps also host a range of recreational and social activities throughout the week such as playgroups, youth groups and seniors’ groups.
Search using your postcode below to find your local Salvo church, and add a keyword like 'youth' or 'playgroup' or 'seniors' if you're looking for something in particular.
Examples of non-traditional Salvation Army church services
.jpg)
In Adelaide, SA, a group of people gather on a Wednesday night for a meal, prayer, singing and a Bible teaching. This is an authentic gathering where people feel safe and welcome.
Find out more
In Gawler, WA, men do a gym session together and then sit down to talk about the Bible and life.
Find out more
In Narwee, NSW, people meet for a sausage sizzle and a game of table tennis, with an informal church service incorporated once a month on a Thursday.
Read more
In Morwell, Vic., families feel safe and welcome as they enjoy time together on a Sunday afternoon over crafts and a meal, while reading and discussing the Bible.
Read moreChristian festivals
The Salvation Army observes the major Christian festivals of Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, but the emphasis given to other dates on the calendar varies from one location to another.
A notable date for the Salvos is Founders’ Day, 2 July, which marks the birth of The Salvation Army in London in 1865 under the leadership of William and Catherine Booth.