The United Pentecostal Church International began with 521 churches and has grown to more than 45,000 churches, including daughter works and preaching points, 45,000 ministers, and a total constituency of over 5.8 million worldwide, making it the largest Oneness denomination.[3] The international fellowship of United Pentecostals consists of national organizations that are united as the Global Council of the UPCI,[4] which is chaired by the general superintendent of the UPCI, currently David K. Bernard.
The General Assembly of the Apostolic Assemblies merged with another church, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW), and accepted the leadership of G. T. Haywood, an African American. This group held the first meeting in Eureka Springs in 1918. This interracial organization adopted the PAW name and remained the only Oneness Pentecostal body until late 1924. Southern Jim Crow laws and racial hatred resulted in many white leaders withdrawing from the PAW rather than remaining under African American leadership.[8] Many local congregations in the Southern U.S., however, remained integrated while attempting to comply with local segregation laws.
In 1925, three new Oneness churches were formed: the Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ, the Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance,[9] and Emmanuel's Church in Jesus Christ. In 1927, steps were taken toward reunifying these organizations. Meeting in a joint convention in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Emmanuel's Church in Jesus Christ and the Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ merged, taking the name the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.[10] This merger united about 400 Oneness Pentecostal ministers. In 1931, a unity conference with representatives from four Oneness organizations met in Columbus, Ohio attempting to bring all Oneness Pentecostals together. The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance voted to merge with the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, but the terms of the proposed merger were rejected by that body. Nevertheless, a union between the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ and the PAW was consummated in November 1931. The new body retained the name of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
In 1932, the Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance changed its name to the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated to reflect its organizational structure. In 1936, Pentecostal Church, Incorporated ministers voted to work toward an amalgamation with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Final union, however, proved elusive until September 25, 1945, when these two Oneness Pentecostal organizations voted in St. Louis, MO, to merge and form the United Pentecostal Church International.[11][12] The merger of these two Oneness Pentecostal bodies brought together 521 churches.[13]
In the U.S. and Canada, the newly formed United Pentecostal Church International traditionally reflected the surrounding demographics, with the majority of its constituency being White and Anglo-American. In the last quarter of the twentieth century, however, the United Pentecostal Church International attempted to shift its doctrines toward the inclusion of every race and culture in North America. In 2008, the United Pentecostal Church International published a statement against racism, stating that it affirms the worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of race or ethnicity, and consequently opposes bigotry and hatred.[14] Despite attempts to reconcile with minorities, several congregations have left the United Pentecostal Church International citing persistent racism.[15][16]
The UPCI's core theology is consistent with that of other Oneness Pentecostals,[17][18] rejecting the Trinity and instead believing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are different manifestations of God, as opposed to separate persons.[19] The UPCI believes that one must repent, be baptized "in the name of Jesus" (as opposed to "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit"), and receive the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues to be saved, as outlined in Acts 2:38.[20]
Ministers at all levels of the UPCI are allowed to marry and have children. The UPCI considers any form of homosexuality, fornication, adultery, polygamy, bestiality, incest, and transgenderism[a] to be contrary to biblical teaching and states that God's plan is "heterosexuality, with definite boundaries between sexes in both appearance and behavior."[21][22] The UPCI has stated, however, that it does not preach condemnation, but rather reconciliation, and implores everyone to be reconciled to God.
The UPCI opposes legalized abortion, as well as any legislation that would "bring about a climate designed to undermine the sanctity of human life." It has also designated the third Sunday in January of each year as "Sanctity of Life Sunday."[23]
Technology
Scripture elegantly solves the proper management of media technology with a single verse: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eye…”
United Pentecostal Church International,Media Technology
The UPCI states in its Articles of Faith that it disapproves of members owning televisions.[24]
In 1998, the UPCI published a position paper on computer and internet usage that suggested the following guidelines in the home:[25]
Placing computers in an area used by the whole family
Placing programs on computers that block vulgar or sexually explicit material
Sharing passwords
Regularly evaluating website history
Exercising restraint in the usage of such devices
In a 2013 position paper, the UPCI further clarified its stance on all forms of media technology outside of television, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles. It stated that because "sinful media programming" is available through such mediums, the UPCI calls for responsible use that is solely in accordance with "wholesome Christian principles."[26]
Other issues
The UPCI lays out its position on other matters in its ministerial manual, including the following issues.[24]
The UPCI is opposed to gambling, defined as “to bet on an uncertain outcome, to stake something on a contingency, playing the game of chance for stakes.” This opposition is due to the fact that it considers gambling addictive, inconsistent with scriptural work ethic, ignoring stewardship, and involving monetary gain to the hurt and suffering of the less fortunate.[27]
Organized sports
The UPCI recommends that members refrain from participating in organized sports―excluding recreational activities within the local church―because it has an "attitude and appearance that opposes Pentecostal principles, teachings, and standards."
Transcendental Meditation
The UPCI is strongly opposed to Transcendental Meditation and its "further funding, promotion, or teaching... in classrooms."
In response to the publication of the Revised Standard Version in 1952, the UPCI's General Conference adopted a statement in 1953 disapproving the use of the translation. Further, the statement provided the King James Version as "the most accurate translation of the Scriptures to be used in our churches and among our people."
In 2022, the UPCI further clarified its stance on Bible translations with a position paper. The statement continued to recognize the King James Version of the Bible as a "trusted and prominent translation of the Scriptures," and further recommended only translations (in English or other languages) that meet the following guidelines:[28]
Developed by a committee of scholars who hold a high view of inspiration―considering Scripture both inspired and infallible
The basic governmental structure of the UPCI is congregational at the local church level and presbyterian at higher organizational levels. Local churches are self-governing, electing their own pastors and other leaders, owning their own property, deciding their own budgets, establishing their membership, and conducting all necessary local business.[29] The central organization embraces a modified presbyterian system: ministers meet in sectional, district, and general conferences to elect officers and to conduct the church's affairs. The annual General Conference is the highest authority in the UPCI, with the power to determine articles of faith, elect officers, and determine policy. A General Superintendent is elected to preside over the church as a whole. On October 1, 2009, David K. Bernard was announced as the current General Superintendent.[30]
Statistics
The UPCI grew from 521 member churches in 1945 to 5,081 churches (including 489 daughter works and 333 preaching points), 12,018 ministers, and a total constituency of 1,091,000 in the United States and Canada in 2024.[3][31] The UPCI has also experienced substantial growth over the last 10 years in the United States and Canada, adding 588 churches and 2,413 ministers between 2014 and 2024.[32][33] Outside the U.S. and Canada, the UPCI has 40,440 churches and preaching points, 33,862 ministers, and a constituency of 4,785,291 in 218 nations and 11 territories.[3][31] The international fellowship consists of national organizations that are united as the Global Council of the UPCI, which is chaired by the general superintendent of the UPCI, David K. Bernard. Total worldwide membership, including North America, is at 5.87 million.[34][35]
General Conference
The General Conference of the United Pentecostal Church International is an annual conference occurring yearly since 1945.[36] It is the highest governing body of the UPCI.[3] Attendees of the conference conduct business, receive training, network with colleagues, participate in worship sessions, and raise funds for various ministries.[37][38]
North American Youth Congress (NAYC) is a church gathering primarily for the youth of the UPCI, held biennially since 1979 in various locations around North America. NAYC is the largest event hosted by the United Pentecostal Church International and has been described as one of the largest, if not the largest, gathering of Christian youth in the US.[39][40] The largest NAYC to date was in 2019, when NAYC was held at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri from July 31 to August 2. The event was attended by over 36,000 youths.[41]
Currently, there are only three accredited colleges and seminaries endorsed by the UPCI:
Christian Life College in Stockton, California
Urshan University in Wentzville, Missouri
Urshan Graduate School of Theology in Wentzville, Missouri
Global Association of Theological Studies
The Global Association of Theological Studies (or GATS) is the higher education arm of UPCI Global Missions, overseeing the development and implementation of Oneness Pentecostal curriculum for its member schools.[48] The GATS has 526 bible schools in 120 countries worldwide, representing about 11,000 students and 3,000 graduates annually.[49] In 2019, its member schools graduated 3,375 students.[50]
Footnote
↑ The UPCI defines "transgenderism" to mean “appearing as, wishing to be considered as, or having undergone surgery to become a member of the opposite sex.”
Pentecostalism or classical Pentecostalism is a Protestant Charismatic Christian movement that emphasizes direct personal experience of God through baptism with the Holy Spirit. The term Pentecostal is derived from Pentecost, an event that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles.
Oneness Pentecostalism is a nontrinitarian religious movement within the Protestant Christian family of churches known as Pentecostalism. It derives its name from its teaching on the Godhead, a form of Modalistic Monarchianism commonly referred to as the Oneness doctrine. The doctrine states that there is one God―a singular divine spirit with no distinction of persons―who manifests himself in many ways, including as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This stands in sharp contrast to the mainstream doctrine of three distinct, eternal persons posited by Trinitarian theology.
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) is a Finished Work Pentecostal denomination of Christianity and the largest evangelical church in Canada. Its headquarters is located in Mississauga, Ontario. The PAOC is theologically evangelical and Pentecostal, emphasizing the baptism with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. It historically has had strong connections with the Assemblies of God in the United States. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the World Assemblies of God Fellowship.
The Apostolic Church is an international Christian denomination and Pentecostal movement that emerged from the Welsh Revival of 1904–1905. Although the movement began in the United Kingdom, the largest national Apostolic Church became the Apostolic Church Nigeria. The term "Apostolic" refers to the role of apostles in the denomination's church government, as well as a desire to emulate 1st century Christianity in its faith, practices, and government.
The Australian Christian Churches (ACC), formerly Assemblies of God in Australia, is a network of Finished Work Pentecostal churches in Australia affiliated with the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, which is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world.
The Assemblies of God USA (AG), officially The General Council of the Assemblies of God, is a Pentecostal Christian denomination in the United States and the U.S. branch of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the world's largest Pentecostal body. The AG reported 2.9 million adherents in 2022. In 2011, it was the ninth largest Christian denomination and the second largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. The Assemblies of God is a Finished Work denomination, and it holds to a conservative, evangelical and classical Arminian theology as expressed in the Statement of Fundamental Truths and position papers, which emphasize such core Pentecostal doctrines as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, divine healing and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Indiana Bible College (IBC) is a Bible college endorsed by the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).
Urshan Graduate School of Theology (UGST) is a private seminary operated by the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) and located in Wentzville, Missouri. It opened in 2001 as a Oneness Pentecostal seminary and also offers undergraduate programs through Urshan University.
The David K. Bernard Library is an academic library that supports the faculty, staff, and students of Urshan Graduate School of Theology and Urshan University. It is named after the General Superintendent of the UPCI and first president of Urshan, Dr. David K. Bernard.
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ (PAJC) is an independent association of Oneness Pentecostal churches, primarily located in the United States. Historically they have had members across the U.S. and abroad. They were formally organized in 1931. The original headquarters were located in Columbus, Ohio, later moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and then to Cleveland, Ohio. Today they are in Reesville, Ohio.
Bernie L. Wade, born on June 29, 1963, in Lakewood, Ohio, is an American minister, entrepreneur, and author. He has served in a variety of roles, including senior pastor and chief operations officer of the Christian Brotherhood. He also served as president of CWN, and vice-president of Spread the Spirit of Love.
Urshan University, formerly known as Urshan College and Gateway College of Evangelism, is a Christian college in Wentzville, Missouri. It is owned and operated by the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). In 2012, the college was acquired by Urshan Graduate School of Theology, through which it offers graduate programs.
Finished Work Pentecostalism is a major branch of Pentecostalism that holds that after conversion, the converted Christian progressively grows in grace. On the other hand, the other branch of Pentecostalism—Holiness Pentecostalism teaches the Wesleyan doctrine of entire sanctification as an instantaneous, definite second work of grace, which is a necessary prerequisite to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Finished Work Pentecostals are generally known to have retained the doctrine of progressive sanctification from their earlier Reformed roots, while Holiness Pentecostals retained their doctrine of entire sanctification from their earlier Wesleyan roots. William Howard Durham is considered to be the founder of Finished Work Pentecostalism.
Pentecostal viewpoints concerning homosexuality are varied worldwide, since there is no one organization that represents all Pentecostals. However, most Pentecostal denominations condemn homosexuality as going against scriptural teachings, though there are some affirming Pentecostal denominations.
David K. Bernard is an American New Testament scholar and Oneness Pentecostal theologian. He is the General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International, the largest Oneness Pentecostal organization with constituents worldwide. He teaches as a Professor of Biblical Studies and Apostolic Leadership at Urshan Graduate School of Theology, where he is also Chancellor.
Christian Life College (CLC) is a private, non-profit four-year undergraduate Christian college located in Stockton, California. The college was formerly known as Western Apostolic Bible College until 1980.
North American Youth Congress is a biennial event held by the Youth Ministries division of the United Pentecostal Church International, occurring every other year since 1979. The event has been described as one of the largest gatherings of Christian youth in the U.S. and is held in different cities around the country each year. In 2019, there was a record attendance of over 36,000 youth and young adults.
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