The International Women's Ministries Vision Statement

The Salvation Army is an international movement, and our Women's Ministries branch has had a vital reimagining of what ministry to women could look like around the world. Our new international vision statement was launched in February 2020 and is outlined below. The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory is on board! Will you join us?

The Salvation Army International Women's Ministries' Vision Statement:

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

Check out the Reimagining Vision Posters and Postcards here!

Transformed and empowered by the gospel to lead a Christlike life

As a ‘Salvation’ Army with a call to holy living, this first point sets the foundation for Women’s Ministries. 
All other points are built upon this premise. Our desire is to:

• Take every opportunity to introduce women to Christ.
• Encourage, in a variety of ways, a connection to a Christian faith community, resulting in mentoring, discipleship and worship opportunities.
• Encourage growth, both in knowledge and application of the Word, in personal and community settings.
• Allow time for spiritual reflection and culturally suitable opportunities for women to shape their personal living and to share their personal experience of transformation.

This point could be supported through Bible study groups, prayer meetings, corporate worship, cell groups, outreach events, intentional conversations, mentoring, and discipling relationships.

Enriched mutually through local and global connections and support

The Christian life is not one of isolation, but of mutual support and community.  Women and girls have an instinctive desire to connect on a deep level with one other. As such, this second point addresses nurturing and service. Our desire is to:

• Create opportunities for women to connect to God, to one another, their community, and the world; to share and learn from one another; and to experience the diversity and richness of the body of believers.
• Celebrate what God is accomplishing in and through the fellowship of believers.
• Help shoulder the burdens of other women experiencing difficulty or loss.
• Identify areas of need and promote efforts to support and equip other women.

This point could be supported through one-on-one encounters, group gatherings, community engagements, mission trips, and fundraising efforts.

Equipped to fulfil their potential through lifelong learning and development

Believing that all life is God-breathed and serves a purpose, this third point addresses our fit and function within the body of Christ and for such a time as this.  Our desire is to:

• Promote, encourage and where possible, resource education.
• Provide opportunities for self-discovery and development of gifts and talents, as well as self-confidence, to empower women and raise their standard of living.
• Challenge destructive cultural norms that prohibit people from excelling as God would desire.

This point could be supported through sound, biblical teaching on equality of men and women, basic education, and life and trade skills classes.

Engaged in social justice and action to positively impact the world

As disciples, we are called to go into all the world and express the good news of Jesus Christ, both in word and in deed.  This final point is the outward expression of the inward work of the previous three points.  Our desire is to:

• Be informed on social justice matters, including but not limited to human trafficking and modern slavery, climate change, domestic violence, child marriage, child abuse, female genital mutilation, migration and refugees.
• Speak out on behalf of those who have no voice with boldness, wisdom, and grace; making every effort to learn from each other and to be mutually transformed.
• Encourage kind actions and generosity by living a life that demonstrates respect for God, other people, and the environment.
• Recognise the value of each individual, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age or language.

This point could be supported through advocacy, ethical living, acts of kindness, local community ministries, participation in national and local conversations and support of non-discriminatory legislation.