About the UPCI
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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
On Being Pentecostalby David K. Bernard and Robin Johnston
Big Ideasby David Norris
Understanding God’s Wordby David K. Bernard
God’s Infallible Wordby David K. Bernard
The Oneness of Godby David K. Bernard
The Oneness View of Jesus Christby David K. Bernard
I Am: A Oneness Pentecostal Theologyby David Norris
The New Birthby David K. Bernard
The Conversion Experience: A Biblical Study of the Blood, Water, and Spiritby Gary Erickson
In Search of Holinessby David K. Bernard and Loretta Bernard
Practical Holinessby David K. Bernard
Pentecostal Worship: A Biblical and Practical Approachby Gary Erickson
Spiritual Giftsby David K. Bernard
Where can I learn the history of the UPCI?
- Their Story: 20th Century Pentecostalsby Fred Foster
United We Standby Arthur Clanton and Charles Clanton
Howard A. Goss: A Pentecostal Lifeby Robin Johnston
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