The Corps Standard: Salvation Army Traditions and Modern Adaptations

Welcome to the new season of the J&B Poffcast! In this episode, Jay (Jonathan) and Bob dive into the history and evolution of growing up in the Salvation Army, with a particular focus on the concept of the "Corps Standard." What was it like to be a Boomer in the Salvation Army compared to a Gen Xer? How did the corps standard shape their experiences?

Jon recalls vivid memories of the corps standard document prominently displayed at the Salvation Army Corps in Kokomo, Indiana, outlining all the church services and activities. The duo explores the purpose of this standardization, its impact on the Corps' operations, and whether it was more of a control mechanism or a beneficial guideline.

The discussion also touches on the changing effectiveness of traditional practices like open-air meetings and how the corps standard provided stability amidst the frequent changes in leadership. Bob shares insights from his time as a Corps officer and divisional youth leader, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of adhering to or deviating from the corps standard.

As the conversation progresses, Jon and Bob contemplate the pros and cons of applying a similar standardization to Salvation Army social services programs on a national scale. Could this improve grant writing, training, and overall effectiveness? They ponder the balance between creativity and standardization, aiming to find a middle ground that fosters innovation while maintaining essential services.

Join Jon and Bob in this thought-provoking episode as they reflect on the past, present, and future of the Salvation Army, sparking conversations that could lead to meaningful changes and improvements.