My Story

Time Well Spent at The Salvation Army

Hi, my name is Russell Davis and recently I had the privilege to spend five months working at The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church.

Although most of my time was in the office throughout the week, I did spend quite a few Sundays with the church as well. As I don’t attend a Salvation Army church, this was a whole new experience to me.

In my opinion the Salvation Army carries a reputation for certain things. It is not by any means a bad reputation, but one they have nonetheless. I think that when most people think of The Salvation Army as a church, they think of the brass band and singing old, slow church hymns. They think about everyone dressed in uniform, or if not in uniform at least a complete suit! Some see the church on another whole side of the spectrum. Some might think about the church as a place where the needy or poor go.

Although most of these stereotypes are not necessarily bad, they have the power to turn people away from the church side of the Salvation Army.

Well coming into The Salvation Army I had some of these stereotypical ideas about the Army stuck in my head. But it did not take me long to realize how wrong they really are. Northridge Community Church has opened my eyes so I can truly catch a glimpse of what the church side of The Salvation Army is really like.

To say the least the people at The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church welcomed me with extreme love and passion. It was the difference between shaking my hand because you felt obligated too, and shaking my hand because you truly wanted to know me and my story. After just one week at Northridge, I already felt like I was a part of their family.

Everyone treated me like family even though I saw most of them on Sundays, and let's be honest here, everyone is nice at church, but that’s not always the same story once they head home after service or throughout the week. So I had a few chances see people outside of the church, and it was great opportunity to get to know them. Outside or inside the church the people are great. I don’t think I could find a better bunch of people than the bunch right here at Northridge.

Sunday morning you can walk into church with a pair of jeans on and not feel out of place. Very casual dress. In the same sense, church itself is in a way a laid back service. You can get your cup of coffee before service, and sit and drink it and chat with someone about your week or what not. It is just a very inviting way to conduct a service.

Although my time working here has flown by and come to an end, my view on The Salvation Army has been forever changed. I can say with confidence that this will not be my last time visiting a Salvation Army. Thank you to all who have made this experience wonderful for me, and God Bless.