What is the United Pentecostal Church International?

Overview and Definition

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) is a global organization within the broader Pentecostal movement. With roots tracing back to the early 20th-century revivals in North America, the UPCI officially formed in 1945. Its distinguishing characteristic is a “Oneness” understanding of the Godhead, alongside adherence to the Pentecostal emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). This movement teaches the necessity of repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit as central to salvation.

Historical Background

In the aftermath of the Azusa Street Revival (1906–1909) in Los Angeles, Pentecostal churches began to spread rapidly, bringing an emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8–10). During this influx of Pentecostal fervor, debates about baptismal formulas grew. In 1916, a segment of the Pentecostal movement embraced a Oneness view (also called the “Apostolic” view).

• Formation: Two Pentecostal fellowships—The Pentecostal Church, Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ—joined together in 1945 to form the UPCI.

• Early Leaders: Influential ministers and evangelists helped establish conferences, outreach strategies, and doctrinal statements that remain foundational.

Doctrinal Distinctives

1. Oneness Theology

The UPCI teaches that God is absolutely one (Deuteronomy 6:4). While acknowledging the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the UPCI teaches these as manifestations of the one God rather than separate persons. A key scriptural citation is Colossians 2:9, which states, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.”

2. Salvation Emphasis

The UPCI emphasizes the pattern famously summarized from Acts 2:38:

“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.’”

• Repentance is seen as a heartfelt turning away from sin (Luke 13:3).

• Water baptism, administered “in the name of Jesus Christ,” is held as essential for the remission of sins.

• The infilling of the Holy Spirit, accompanied by speaking in tongues (as in Acts 10:44–46), is upheld as the “promise of the Father” predicted by Jesus (Luke 24:49).

3. Holiness of Life

Consistent with many Pentecostal groups, the UPCI maintains guidelines for modesty, separation from worldly practices, and dedication in daily living (Romans 12:1–2). This includes outward expressions (dress, entertainment choices) and inward devotion (prayer and Bible study).

Organizational Structure

The UPCI operates through a network of regional districts, churches, and ministers who unite under a shared constitution and Articles of Faith. Authority flows through a General Board composed of district superintendents and elected leaders. Major decisions, such as doctrinal clarifications and missionary initiatives, are discussed and voted upon in general conferences.

• Educational Institutions: The UPCI maintains and supports Bible colleges and training programs around the globe.

• Publishing House: Headquarters also facilitate the distribution of doctrinal and educational materials, often through the Pentecostal Publishing House.

Global Missions and Outreach

True to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), the UPCI actively sends missionaries, establishes churches, and supports outreach in nations worldwide. Their global presence reflects a commitment to evangelism:

• Church Planting: From North America to Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe, missionaries emphasize localized ministry training to cultivate leadership from within emerging congregations.

• Compassion Ministries: Alongside proclaiming the gospel, the UPCI also participates in humanitarian aid, charity, and disaster relief efforts, mirroring scriptural calls to care for others (James 1:27).

Worship and Practices

Pentecostal worship is often characterized by exuberant praise, prayer, singing, and dedicated engagement with the Holy Spirit’s leading. In the UPCI:

• Spiritual Gifts: Worship services may include speaking in tongues, prophecy, and other charismatic expressions consistent with 1 Corinthians 14.

• Communion and Foot Washing: Many UPCI churches practice these observances as demonstrations of humility and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (John 13:14–15).

• Prayer Meetings: Emphasis is placed on congregational prayer meetings, intercessory prayer, and altar calls for those seeking salvation.

Key Beliefs in Broader Context

1. Scripture

Like other conservative Christian movements, the UPCI affirms the Bible’s inspiration and authority (2 Timothy 3:16), seeing both Old and New Testaments as harmonious.

2. Miraculous Continuation

Consistent with the “continuationist” view of Pentecostalism, the UPCI maintains that miracles, healing, and the gifts of the Spirit did not cease with the early Church but have continued into the present (James 5:14–15).

3. Importance of the Resurrection of Christ

While the UPCI focuses on the Oneness doctrine, it equally upholds the central biblical claim that Jesus truly died and bodily rose from the grave (Matthew 28:5–6). This event underscores the power and identity of Christ as Savior (Romans 10:9–10).

Points of Commonality and Distinction

• Similarity to Other Pentecostals: Shared belief in Spirit baptism, miraculous gifts, and vibrant worship.

• Difference in the Godhead: Oneness Pentecostals differ from Trinitarian Pentecostals in how they articulate the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Scriptural Foundation and Exegetical Approach

The UPCI’s doctrinal interpretations hinge on close reading of passages in Acts, the Gospels, and the Epistles. They place particular emphasis on Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19 for the salvation message. Passages like John 1:1–14 and Colossians 2:9 guide their understanding that the fullness of God is in Christ. While some biblical scholars debate these interpretations, the UPCI remains firm in affirming the entire scriptural witness as consistent and inspired (2 Peter 1:20–21).

Contemporary Influence and Involvement

With hundreds of thousands of constituents globally, the UPCI oversees a wide network of churches, missions, Bible colleges, and subsidiary ministries. This includes various forms of media, youth and children’s ministries, and conferences designed to equip believers to live out their faith.

Conclusion

The United Pentecostal Church International represents a worldwide body of believers who hold to a Oneness view of the Godhead, emphasize the new birth experience (repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit baptism), and cherish holiness in lifestyle. Rooted in the early Pentecostal revivals, it continues to grow through energetic worship, evangelism, and missionary endeavors. Their foundational teachings and practices underscore a dedication to the authority of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit for all who seek God, following what they view as the biblical blueprint for salvation, worship, and Christian living.