thought he would be in Methodism all of his life, but
by 1861 he felt that God was calling him out into an
independent revivalism. As a result, he founded the
Christian Mission in 1865, which evolved into The
Salvation Army in 1878. So he's best known for being
the founder of The Salvation Army.
WC:
and that was organizational abilities. If Booth hadn't
founded The Salvation Army he would have been a
general in the British Army, or he would have been
a leader in business. He had these tremendous orga-
Many people were very attracted to William Booth
and to his leadership and were willing to put them-
selves under his leadership.
WC:
Army. He allowed for himself privileges. For example,
in 1861 he left New Connexion Methodism feeling
that God was calling him out. He followed the leading
of the Lord in that way. But the privilege that he took
for himself, he didn't allow for others once the Army
was founded. He felt that people who left The Salva-
tion Army were traitors to the cause and had turned
their backs on their calling. And unfortunately, that
was true of three of his own children.
Adaptable Leader
Massachusetts. He is the author of biographies of William and
Catherine Booth and of
teaching and preaching on theology and service from a Wesleyan
perspective. He also serves as co-editor of
the
what Booth might think of the Army today and tomorrow.