About the UPCI - upci.org (2024)

About the UPCI

About the UPCI - upci.org (1)

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) is a Oneness Pentecostal organization with churches, ministers, and members across the globe. With roots anchored firmly in the Bible and a vision for ministering to communities around the world, the UPCI embraces its mission to carry the whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church.

The UPCI has been among the fastest-growing church organizations since it was formed in 1945.

The UPCI has been among the fastest-growing church organizations since it was formed in 1945 by the merger of the Pentecostal Church Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. From 521 churches in 1945, the UPCI has grown to more than 43,000 churches (including preaching points), 43,000 credentialed ministers, and 5.6 million constituents worldwide. The UPCI currently has a presence in more than 200 nations, as well as numerous territories. Our goal is to engage and share the gospel with every language and people group. The international fellowship consists of national organizations that are united as the Global Council of the UPCI, which is chaired by thegeneral superintendentof the UPCI.

About the UPCI - upci.org (2)

The UPCI emerged out of the Pentecostal movement that began with a Bible school in Topeka, Kansas, in 1901 and with the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, California, in 1906. It traces its organizational roots to 1916, when a large group of Pentecostal ministers began to unite around the teaching of the oneness of God and water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.

The governmental structure of the UPCI is basically congregational in that local churches are self-governing:the congregation elects its pastor and other leaders, owns its property, decides its budget, establishes its membership, and conducts all necessary business.

About the UPCI - upci.org (3)

The general organization embraces a modified presbyterian system in that ministers meet in sectional, district, and general conferences to elect officials and to conduct the business of the organization. The highest governing body of the UPCI is the General Conference, and between conferences, it is governed by the Board of General Presbyters (General Board). Its chief officers are a general superintendent, a general secretary-treasurer, and two assistant general superintendents.

From 521 churches in 1945, the UPCI has grown to more than 43,000 churches (including preaching points), 43,000 credentialed ministers, and 5.6 million constituents worldwide.

UPCI World Headquarters is located in Weldon Spring, Missouri, on the western edge of the St. Louis metropolitan area. The headquarters building houses offices for its general officials and seven ministry departments.

About the UPCI - upci.org (4)

Among the endorsed institutions of the UPCI are six Bible colleges, a Christian college, a graduate school, two training institutes, a children’s home, a residency for troubled young men, a ministry to those addicted to alcohol and other drugs, an adoption agency with a home for unwed mothers, a chaplaincy for prisoners, an online radio ministry, an agency for community educational services, and an international relief agency. It also endorses chaplains in the military.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oneness Pentecostalism?

Looking for more information on Oneness Pentecostalism? Click here to read more.

What are the beliefs of the UPCI?

For more information on UPCI beliefs, click here.

How is the UPCI different from other Pentecostal groups?

The United Pentecostal Church International is the largest Oneness Pentecostal organization. Our identity includes belief in the Oneness of God; the new birth experience as described in Acts 2:38; living an overcoming, holy life; passionate worship; and more.

Where can I find more information and research on Pentecostalism?

Where can I learn the history of the UPCI?

Where can I find a UPCI church in my area?

Click here to use the Church and Ministry Locator to find a church in your area.

How can I contact the international office of the UPCI?

UPCI World Headquarters
36 Research Park Court
Weldon Spring, Missouri 63304

Email
ask@upci.org

Phone
(636) 229-7900

Who can I speak to about becoming Pentecostal?

Local UPCI ministers in your area would be delighted to connect with you personally and discuss the Pentecostal experience. Click here to use the Church and Ministry Locator to find a location near you.

Where can I see the latest UPCI events?

Click here to see a collection of upcoming UPCI events.

Latest News around the UPCI

The UPCI Now Has One Million Constituents in the US and Canada
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About the UPCI - upci.org (2024)

FAQs

What is the United Pentecostal Church scandal? ›

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- New disturbing details against a former music teacher at the First United Pentecostal Church, who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child in a position of trust, shows multiple minors were involved in an inappropriate relationship.

Does the United Pentecostals church believe in the Trinity? ›

The UPCI's core theology is consistent with that of other Oneness Pentecostals, rejecting the Trinity and instead believing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are different manifestations of God, as opposed to separate persons.

How many people are in the Oneness Pentecostal movement? ›

The movement claims an estimated 30 million adherents worldwide. It was often referred to as the Jesus Only movement in its early days—referring to its baptismal formula—which may be misleading as it does not deny the existence of the Father or Holy Spirit.

Why are people leaving the Pentecostals church? ›

They have contributed their money to the church, only to read explosive reports of it sometimes being spent on excessive gifts and expensive flights for pastors. Devastating allegations of serious sexual and financial misconduct have emerged throughout the Pentecostal world.

What is the truth about Pentecostal religion? ›

Like other forms of evangelical Protestantism, Pentecostalism adheres to the inerrancy of the Bible and the necessity of the New Birth: an individual repenting of their sin and "accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior".

What religion is Pentecostal close to? ›

Pentecostalism is a form of Christianity that emphasises the work of the Holy Spirit and the direct experience of the presence of God by the believer. Pentecostals believe that faith must be powerfully experiential, and not something found merely through ritual or thinking.

Do Pentecostals believe in the rapture? ›

The rapture will be when Jesus returns to the earth to claim his saints and all persons will be held accountable for their lives and deeds. Pentecostals believe the rapture is imminent; the impending doom will be, of course, followed by the millennium.

What religion believes in God but not the Trinity? ›

Unitarian. Unitarianism rejects the idea of a Trinity, believing instead that God is one entity.

Who is the founder of the United Pentecostal Church? ›

Later, in 1945, the UPCI was formed by the merger of the Pentecostal Church and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Prominent United Pentecostal Church founders include Robert Edward McAlister, Harry Branding, and Oliver F. Fauss.

How are Pentecostals different from Christians? ›

Pentecostalism, charismatic religious movement that gave rise to a number of Protestant churches in the United States in the 20th century and that is unique in its belief that all Christians should seek a post-conversion religious experience called “baptism with the Holy Spirit.” Recalling the Holy Spirit's descent ...

What is the only Jesus denomination? ›

Jesus Only, movement of believers within Pentecostalism who hold that true baptism can only be “in the name of Jesus” rather than in the name of all three persons of the Trinity.

Which is the biggest Pentecostal church? ›

The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is an international Holiness–Pentecostal Christian denomination, and the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States.

How strict are Pentecostals? ›

That's how we feel about God.” The Pentecostal Church is considered to be one of the most traditional sectors of Christianity with very strict rules on their members, specifically, very strict rules for women.

Why are Pentecostals increasing so fast? ›

Some people, particularly men, are attracted to Pentecostalism because they are struggling with substance abuse or other problems. Pentecostalism promotes healthy lifestyles and serves as the largest detox center for Latin American men. Men who join these churches often stop hard drinking … or gambling or womanizing.

What is special about Pentecostal? ›

For well over 100 years, one thing that has defined Pentecostalism for insiders and outsiders alike has been “charismata,” or “spiritual gifts.” These are special abilities such as speaking in tongues or performing healings and exorcisms that Pentecostals believe are the Holy Spirit working through them.

What is the church scandal USA? ›

Accused clergy allowed to leave country

On March 6, 2020, a joint investigation conducted by Propublica and the Houston Chronicle was published which revealed that the Catholic Church transferred more than 50 credibly accused U.S. Catholic clergy to other countries after sex abuse accusations surfaced against them.

What denomination does Pentecostal fall under? ›

Pentecostalism is a movement, not a particular denomination, and adherents do not ascribe to one shared set of beliefs. Thus, accurate numbers can be hard to come by. But according to national studies from 2007 and 2014, about 4.5% of U.S. adults are members of Pentecostal denominations.

Can Pentecostals wear shorts? ›

The reason behind the dress code is to ensure women remain modest and traditional. Centuries ago, women did not wear pants or shorts, therefore, Pentecostals believe women today should do the same. “To me, it's more traditional in the sense of history,” Kalli said. “Women wear skirts and men wear pants.

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