Center for Lifelong Learning Crestmont College is designed to bring a new standard of excellence in education and training to Salvation Army personnel serving in the West. The master plan callls for implementing advanced educational tecnologies and utilizing diverse qualified faculty resources to better prepare more leaders to respond to the changing needs and challenges in our communities. Situated on 44 acres in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and offering two degrees plus a diversity of leadership programs, the college is an educational hub.

While backgrounds may vary considerably, Salvationists have one thing in common - they have met Jesus Christ in a personal relationship. Some find Him through an unforgettable, emotionally charged moment in their lives that results in radical change, and others, find Him in the stillness or in a less spectacular and dramatic moment of decision.

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“They will engage in the task for love. This is a substantial part of their religion, the moving instinct of the new heavenly measure that has come upon them. They want to spend their lives in doing good. Here will be an opportunity.”

Salvation Army officers have the status of ordained ministers and are employed by the Army in a professional capacity and on a full-time basis. They are members of The Salvation Army who have committed their life to doing God's will and serving others. They come from all walks of life - from varying backgrounds and occupations - to complete a two year residential course at a Salvation Army Training College.

At commissioning (equivalent to ordination in other denominations) they receive the rank of lieutenant. After five years of satisfactory service they are promoted to the rank of captain and after a further fifteen years they receive the rank of major. All officers wear uniform. Women have always been accepted as officers on equal terms as men. Married women undertake the same training and receive the same commission as their husband.

The majority of officers are responsible for a Salvation Army corps (church), with a pastoral role and community service. Others serve in social service centers, corps community centers or in an administrative capacity at headquarters. They receive a standard allowance of money whatever job they do and accommodation is provided. The hours of work are long and officers are expected to be ready for duty at any time of day or night, when people turn to them for help.
An officer's ministry includes preaching the Christian Gospel, distributing Salvation Army literature, visiting hospitals, institutions and prisons, counseling, conducting weddings and funerals, being a pastor to their congregation and administrating the church program.