Dysfunctional System - Ministry The Salvation Army Employee Review

2.0
Dec 29, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good core mission and focus on helping people, with a solid theological foundation. There are also some excellent, self-giving people who are truly focused on helping others. The organization does still help people. For the right people, and very specific positions, this can lead to a fruitful and rewarding career.

Cons

The system began with nepotism, and as-such it was broken from the beginning. Those who have made it into the inner circle, and who do not somehow get cast aside when a "higher up" feels threatened, can enjoy great job security. In over 10 years of professional work and over 3 decades of volunteer involvement, I have seen so many people give their life to serve and defend the organization's cause, only to get thrown out in the cold. The decisions of short-sighted unqualified leaders often ruin lives of employees who sacrifice over and over again just to be able to serve the cause. It is what I have heard several therapists call "spiritual abuse," meaning that they treat many people poorly, unethically, and often even illegally, and then tell them that if they do not stay and take it, they are being unfaithful to God. Lawyers like The Salvation Army, because they will always settle lawsuits out of court so as to protect their reputation. Those who stay are often those who are protected from this kind of abuse due to their own familial or interpersonal connection with the "higher ups." There is too much money on benefits for officers and big parties.

Explore other reviews about The Salvation Army

5.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Loved being part of the mission to help anyone in need. Everyone was great to work with and it was such an encouraging environment.

Cons

Lots of long and outdated internal processes.

1
5.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Had so much fun at the internship and the supervisors were genuinely invested in us as college students that time, to grow and learn more under them. Also free lunch everyday and it was pretty good! Free parking too.

Cons

Only the commute as traffic is no joke in the DMV.

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