The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) is a Oneness Pentecostal denomination that was formed in 1945 when the Pentecostal Church Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ merged. The UPCI derives its roots from the Pentecostal movement that began in the early 20th century, which emphasized baptism in the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues. Here is an overview of the United Pentecostal Church and its key beliefs:
History
The origins of the UPCI can be traced back to the Pentecostal movement that started in the early 1900s. This movement emphasized the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. In 1916, a group of Pentecostal ministers led by Howard A. Goss established the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Another group, the Pentecostal Church Incorporated, was formed in 1925 by ministers who were ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
In 1945, these two groups merged to form the United Pentecostal Church International. The new organization established its headquarters in Hazelwood, Missouri and elected Howard A. Goss as its first general superintendent. The UPCI saw rapid growth in subsequent decades as it focused on domestic and foreign evangelism.
Today, the UPCI claims over 4,000 churches in North America and thousands more internationally across 178 nations. It operates Bible colleges, seminaries, publications, and foreign missionary initiatives. The UPCI continues to be one of the largest and most influential Oneness Pentecostal denominations.
Beliefs
The UPCI adheres to the core beliefs of Oneness Pentecostalism. Some of its main tenets are:
Oneness Doctrine
The UPCI upholds the Oneness doctrine as opposed to Trinitarianism. It believes that God is absolutely and indivisibly one. Jesus is the one God manifested in the flesh, not God the Son who is part of the Trinity. Jesus is the human personification of the Father, Spirit and Word.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
“I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me.” (Isaiah 45:5)
“And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”” (John 20:28)
Baptism in Jesus’ Name
The UPCI teaches that baptism must be performed in the name of Jesus Christ, rather than the Trinitarian formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism in Jesus’ name is the correct fulfillment of Matthew 28:19.
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.” (Acts 10:48)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit with Speaking in Tongues
The UPCI believes that baptism of the Holy Spirit is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. This experience empowers believers for Christian service.
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4)
“For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” (Acts 10:46)
Holiness Standards
Adhering to biblical standards of modesty and holiness is important. Practices such as social drinking, smoking, gambling, and worldly amusements are to be avoided. Women are expected to dress modestly and not cut their hair.
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:14-15)
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes” (1 Timothy 2:9)
Divine Healing
The atonement of Christ provides not only for the salvation of the soul but also for the healing of the physical body. Divine healing is provided in the atonement and is available to all believers.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15)
Second Coming of Christ
The UPCI affirms the premillennial, imminent coming of Jesus Christ. His return will be literal, visible, and personal. There will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the wicked eternal damnation.
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Governance and Organization
The UPCI has a representative form of church governance. Local churches are self-governing but choose to affiliate with the UPCI voluntarily. The UPCI General Conference, held every two years, is the highest governing body that oversees matters such as ministerial credentials and elects the general superintendent.
The general superintendent provides spiritual oversight and gives direction to the international ministry. District superintendents oversee ministers and churches regionally. All higher offices in the UPCI are held by male ministers.
At the local church level, governance is congregational, with policies set by the pastor and the church board. Women are permitted to be ordained as deaconesses, but not as pastors or elders. The UPCI licenses and ordains both male and female ministers.
Worship and Sacraments
Worship in the UPCI is spontaneous and expressive. Services are usually informal and may incorporate speaking in tongues, prophetic utterances, worship songs, and spirited preaching. There is typically an emphasis on faith healing and deliverance during the altar call.
The UPCI considers foot washing to be an ordinance along with water baptism and Holy Communion. These practices are derived from the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. The sacraments are viewed as expressions of faith, not as means of salvation.
“So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:4-5)
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
Outreach and Missions
Outreach and evangelism are heavily emphasized in the UPCI. Many local churches are involved in street evangelism, prison ministry, and outreach to the poor and needy. UPCI Missions oversees work in many countries through sponsorship of career missionaries, short-term missions trips, distribution of relief supplies, church planting, and leadership training.
Educational institutions like Christian Life College in Stockton, California equip students for various ministerial roles. Youth organizations also actively promote spiritual growth and service. Publications like the Pentecostal Herald magazine and Influence Resources books provide teaching and discipleship materials.
Controversies and Criticisms
The UPCI has faced criticism over some of its doctrinal stances and practices:
- The Oneness doctrine of God is viewed as heretical by Trinitarian Christian groups.
- Speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinctive belief not shared by all Pentecostals.
- Holiness standards regarding dress and appearance have been viewed as legalistic by some former members.
- Strong opposition to women filling senior leadership roles in ministry.
- Exclusivist claims about being the one true church.
The UPCI has also faced allegations of unhealthy control and abusive practices by some former members. However, many faithful members feel positively about their experiences and value the biblical teaching and community.
Conclusion
The United Pentecostal Church International has experienced significant growth since its founding in 1945. It serves as a major representative of Oneness Pentecostal theology. The UPCI derives its core beliefs from the Bible, while also upholding standards of holy living that distinguish its members from society. The UPCI is devoted to evangelism, benevolent work, and building up believers in the faith.