Category: Oneness Pentecostal | Page 44

Questioning Teachings: Is There Any Biblical Precedence?

In unhealthy churches, people are often told things and given no biblical support to back them up. For instance, I recall being told by a United Pentecostal Church pastor about either having non-confessed sin in my life or a lack of faith as to the reason I hadn’t spoken in tongues while ‘tarrying’ during a visit to his church for a special service. He shared nothing from the Bible to support his claims.

Let’s lay aside the basic question of speaking in tongues and instead simply examine whether the Bible gives support to things many of us have seen or heard taught. The same could be applied to other church practices and teachings.

Do we read where Peter or Paul, or anyone else, admonishing people that they didn’t speak in tongues because they had non-confessed sin in their life or anything else which gets stated in Pentecostal/Apostolic churches? Do we see people ‘tarrying’ for God’s Spirit- day after day, week after week, month after month- like happens at some churches today?

Do we see other believers crowding around new believers, trying to ‘help’ them receive God’s Spirit? Do we see believers grabbing people’s mouths or chins, trying to shake their tongues loose? Do we see them telling people to “hang on” or “let go?” Do we see believers being forced to hold their hands up in the air for long periods of time? Do we see anyone being told to keep saying “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” or “Hallelujah?” The list could go on…

Here is where many do not stop to fully look into these matters. We didn’t check the practices we were introduced to with scripture, to see if we found them or anything similar there. Instead, we went by what we saw and were taught and thought it must be the way it should be. Many of us simply repeated what we witnessed others do in services because it was all new to us.

Take some time to really think about this. Why are people being taught and encouraged to do such things when we can find no similar practices in scripture?

Stumbling block: a little about what happened to me

Some years ago, I was thrown out of a church because the pastor falsely accused me of things and wouldn’t allow me to even say I hadn’t done what he accused me of. He told me that if he said I did it, he was a Man of God, and God had obviously talked to him about me and revealed the wickedness in my heart. He also preached that I would walk out of church the night he kicked me out and immediately go and cut my hair and wear pants and makeup. I felt like I was betraying him by NOT doing those things, proving that he was a false prophet. I hadn’t done anything wrong, and I believed THE Truth, so I didn’t cut my hair or put on pants. I simply found another Oneness church and tried to act like nothing had happened.

The new pastor told me to just forget about what had happened and move on. But I couldn’t. What happened had created a lot of questions and doubts in my mind, things that I needed to work through and discuss. I needed time to heal. They wanted to act like there was nothing to heal, and that hurt worse.

I always felt condemned for not doing crazy things in church. After being kicked out, something disconnected. I went to church, and would shake “under the power of God.” I’d never done that before. People would tell me how close I must be to God. I didn’t feel close to God. I’d been kicked out of a church, but they didn’t know that, so I felt like a hypocrite. I also knew the shaking wasn’t God, it was me wrestling hard to reconcile what I believed was The Truth with what I had seen, heard, and experienced that blared that it wasn’t. There was such a deep grief and so much condemnation associated with praying, fasting, and studying the Bible… and especially with worship. The new church was very pushy about how much I should worship and exactly how we should and shouldn’t worship. That didn’t help me at all, because so much of what he told us we needed to do seemed unnatural or just plain weird or wrong to me.

It took me years to untangle what had happened in the church I was kicked out of. I had been happy in a way, and spoke in tongues often and danced a lot. When I was kicked out, even though I went to a different Oneness Pentecostal church (where the pastor assured me I was fine), things just weren’t the same. I doubted pretty much everything I was feeling, because the pastor who kicked me out said I was backslid and terribly wrong. If that were true (and of course it must be- he was a Holy Ghost filled preacher) then what I had felt, and the speaking in tongues and the worship I was doing must be all wrong, too. How could sweet and bitter water come from the same source, after all? I almost ‘got past that’ but then with all the show and people really hurting people in the altar of the new church, I started re-looking some things.

At the same time, I went through a time when every time I tried to pray, I’d pretty much immediately fall into heart wrenching grief and start sobbing and speaking in tongues. I knew that wasn’t right. There is joy in the Holy Ghost, and what was happening couldn’t have been considered intercession. I’d focus on God and say “I love you” or think of a recent service or have a happy thought that I’d be able to stay in that church for the rest of my life… and suddenly start bawling, when I hadn’t been sad before that word of prayer or that thought of thankfulness! A week of that would have been one thing, but that went on for a month or more. And I couldn’t seem to pray at all at church. By the end of that time, I knew something was terribly wrong, but I didn’t know what (or wouldn’t admit it) for a few more years.

For the last few years, there have been many false accusations and labels placed on people in my former church. There was a lot of spying and gossip.

The pastor bragged about the spying from the platform, and encouraged people to tell him if they even thought something MIGHT be wrong with someone else. He said if they didn’t tell him, they’d have blood on their hands. So people, from the oldest to elementary school kids, would go in alone or in groups to say they thought they saw someone do this or that. The person they told on would then be called in and chewed out. They were not asked if they did it, or if they denied it they’d be told they were lying. There was no escaping the hurtful words.

I’ve sat in my former pastor’s office sobbing uncontrollably many times as he, my ‘shepherd,’ my ‘man of God,’ my ‘pastor’ would tell me that I didn’t deserve anything but hell, that I was worthless, that I could leave like the other “garbage” (‘backsliders’ were called “garbage” and the churches they went to were called “trash cans”).

In all of this, even when I was sobbing, even when I tried to say something to defend myself, he would continue to pound on me with his words. Where is the mercy or the compassion in that?

If any pastors or leaders read this, please consider. I didn’t leave a Oneness church because I didn’t believe the doctrine. I left because the church stopped believing in me. I got to a point where if I’d stayed I would have stopped believing in God, because the God they preached and showed through their own lives was an angry, hateful, distorted god, not a God of love and mercy.

Mt 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2And Jesus called a little child unto him… 6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

1 Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

I’m not bitter. But some things need to be heard. For too long in churches like the one I left, members didn’t have a voice. It’s time someone listened.

United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 4

This is a continuation of the requirements for licensing in the United Pentecostal Church, taken from the 2017 Manual. It is the same as it appeared going back to at least the 2005 Manual, with the exception of three additions to number 2 under General License and number 2 under local license.

As you will see, a licensed minister in the organization is not required to have any formal training. In fact, the experience they need in delivering sermons is very little and requires no supervision. (For instance, much of mine was accomplished at a nursing home outreach I started and the pastor did not attend.)

Below are the specific requirements for each of the three levels of licensing. Once again, the only Bible colleges endorsed by the UPCI are their own.

[2023 Edit: All of the below appeared the same through the 2020 UPCI Manual. In 2021, revisions were made in how the rules were listed and worded and these have been added to bring readers up to date through 2023.]

Article VII, Section 3. Local License.

1. All applicants must be seventeen (17) years of age or over.

2. All applicants must have preached an average of one (1) sermon each week for a period of six (6) months or more before being examined by the District Board in relation to their call to the ministry. Exceptions to this requirement would be left to the discretion of the District Board. (It is understood that teaching a Sunday school class or leading services does not meet this requirement.)

[Note: in 2018 the wording of #2 changed to the following, which potentially lowers the number of sermons required. Teaching a Bible study, etc. doesn’t require the same skills and knowledge as preparing a sermon. “All applicants must have been involved on a consistent weekly basis in the evangelistic and ministerial efforts of their local church under the direction of their pastor for a period of six (6) months or more before being examined by the District Board in relation to their call to ministry. This involvement must primarily pursue actively preaching on a weekly basis, but may also include teaching home Bible studies, participating in structured soul winning activities and discipleship classes, as well as other evangelistic venues of the local church. Exceptions to this requirement would be left to the discretion of the District Board.”]

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants must have been involved on a consistent basis in the evangelistic and ministerial efforts of their local church under the direction of their pastor for at least six (6) months before being examined by the District Board relative to their qualifications for the ministry. This involvement must primarily be
actively preaching on a weekly basis, but may also include teaching home Bible studies and participating in structured soul winning activities, discipleship classes, and other ministries of the local church. Exceptions to this requirement are left to the discretion of the applicant’s District Board.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

3. All local licensed ministers are to labor in full cooperation with, and under the supervision of, their local United Pentecostal Church pastor until they enter into ministerial responsibilities severing them from their local assembly.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All local licensed UPCI ministers are to labor in cooperation with, and under the supervision of, their local UPCI pastor until they enter ministerial responsibilities that remove them from their local assembly.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

Section 4. General License.

1. All applicants must be nineteen (19) years of age or over.

2. All applicants must be presently engaged in the ministry as pastor, full-time evangelist, full-time teacher (added in 2012 Manual), assistant pastor, assistant to the pastor (added in 2011 Manual), elected or appointed official, full-time Bible school administrator, or instructor, except those qualifying under Paragraph 3. Exceptions to this requirement would be left to the discretion of the District Board. (added in 2011 Manual)

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants must be presently engaged in the ministry as pastor, full-time evangelist, full-time teacher, pastoral assistant, elected or appointed official, or full-time Bible/Christian college administrator or instructor, except those qualifying under Paragraph 3 immediately below. Exceptions to this requirement are left to the discretion of the applicant’s District Board.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

3. Theological students (majoring in religion) who complete three (3) years of Bible training in any Bible college endorsed by the United Pentecostal Church International, and who otherwise qualify, may be granted either a Local or General License at the discretion of the District Board of the district in which they establish their legal residence. These students shall request their respective colleges to send the Bible College Report form to the District Superintendent. In no event shall the students be granted a license from the district in which the Bible college is located unless they are actively engaged in the ministry in that district prior to and at the time of licensing.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “Ministerial students (majoring in religion, theology, ministerial studies, etc.) who graduate from any UPCI endorsed Bible/Christian college, and who otherwise qualify, may be granted either a Local or General License at the discretion of the applicant’s District Board. Students from UPCI endorsed colleges shall not be granted a license from the district in which the college is located unless they are either from that district or actively engaged in ministry in that district
prior to and at the time of licensing.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

4. All applicants who are not Bible college graduates must have held Local License for at least one (1) year. They must also have proven their ministry for a period of one (1) year or more. During said time, applicants must have preached an average of one (1) sermon each week. (It is understood that teaching a Sunday school class or leading services does not meet this requirement.) Exceptions may be made for applicants who are being accepted from another church organization. (See Section 5, Paragraph 4.)

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants who are not graduates of a UPCI endorsed Bible/Christian college must have held Local License for at least one (1) year during which they have proven their ministry. All applicants must have preached at least twenty-six (26) times during the time period of one (1) year prior to meeting the District Board for General License. (It is understood that teaching a Sunday school class or leading services does not meet this requirement except for teaching an Adult Sunday School class.) Exceptions may be made for applicants who are being accepted from another Oneness Pentecostal/Apostolic church organization. (See Section 5, Paragraph 4.)” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

Section 5. Certificate of Ordination.

1. All applicants must be twenty-one (21) years of age or over and must have held General License for at least two (2) years. Any exception to this would be left to the discretion of the District Board.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and have held General License for at least two (2) years. Any exception to this is left to the discretion of the applicant’s District Board.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

2. All applicants must have proven their ministry for two (2) consecutive years and must presently be an active pastor, full-time evangelist, assistant pastor, appointed or elected official, full-time Bible college administrator or instructor.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants must have proven their ministry for two (2) consecutive years and must presently be an active pastor, full-time evangelist, full-time teacher, pastoral assistant, or full-time Bible/Christian college administrator or instructor.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

3. All applicants for Ordination to Military Chaplaincy must fulfill all doctrinal and other qualifications except the specified time of active ministerial service and the need to hold General License prior to applying.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants for Ordination to Military Chaplaincy must fulfill all doctrinal and other qualifications except the specified time of active ministerial service.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

4. All applicants who have previously been ordained by another church organization shall appear before the District Board and be thoroughly examined to determine the merits of their ordination and their qualifications for the ministry. The District Board shall determine whether to accept their former ordination, recommend ordination by the United Pentecostal Church International, or grant Local or General License.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants who have previously been ordained by another Oneness Pentecostal/Apostolic church organization shall appear before the applicable District Board and be examined to determine the merits of their ordination and qualifications for ministry. Said District Board shall determine whether to accept the applicant’s former ordination, recommend ordination by the UPCI, or grant Local or General License.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

5. All applicants endorsed for ordination shall be notified by the District Secretary as to the next official meeting where they may be ordained.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants endorsed for ordination shall be notified by the District Secretary as to the next official meeting in which they may be ordained.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

6. An ordination may be held at any district meeting and must be presided over by a member of the Board of General Presbyters. A district meeting includes regular or special called District Conferences, conventions, or camp meetings to which all of the ministers of the district are invited. It does not include fellowship meetings, youth rallies, or other sectional gatherings.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “An ordination service should be held at district meeting and must be presided over by a member of the Board of General Presbyters. A district meeting includes regular or special called district conferences, conventions, or camp meetings to which all ministers of the district are invited. It does not include fellowship meetings, youth rallies, or other sectional gatherings.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

To be continued.

United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 6
United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 5
United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 4
United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 3
United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 2
United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 1

Gary Chapman- The Five Love Languages

I’ve been thinking about this book quite a bit lately, especially since reading part of The Five Love Languages of God.

My primary love language is words of affirmation. In high school I started focusing on good things teachers said about me. I’d learned well that if I was good enough at something, people would say good things, so I did my best to excel, and often did. I also began to focus on God more and imagine Him saying good things about me, too. I also listened to a lot of songs and Christian TV programs that were positive and encouraging and said good things.

When I went to college, I started going to a United Pentecostal Church where the pastor often said encouraging things. His whole sermons were often wrapped in “You can make it” and “God loves you.” I ate that up. But there was less and less of those kind words over time. A compliment was a very rare thing for me in my former church, though negative words were common. More than that, the Bible was used so negatively that reading it became difficult.

According to the books by Chapman, people who are disciplined or rejected in their primary love language feel it more severely. That’s why telling one child “go to your room” brings them to tears, while another cries when you tell them you’re disappointed in them.

Abuse- especially in the primary love language- seems to deplete a person’s “love tank” very quickly. And even the average person needs at least two positive words for every negative one. (See this article.) (I personally think for many people it’s closer to five to one.)

Church abuses speak to people’s love languages in a very negative way. When a person whose primary language is quality time is shunned continually, they feel rejected. Because the rejection is from the church- especially if they view the church in terms of “man of God,” “people of God,” “church family” and so forth, they begin to feel rejected by God Himself. And then the abusive church may point fingers and tell them that proves they aren’t right. They try to “get right” and, not knowing why they are being rejected but still experiencing that pain, feel they can never please God.

The same is true for words of affirmation. My former pastor would often say what, to me, were very harsh things from the pulpit. Seeking comfort and understanding, I would go to him, hoping for an encouraging word. Instead I would be rebuked. People several times told me “You should hear what they’re saying about you!” and act like others’ slander shouldn’t affect me. Again, in these times if I went to the pastor, I would often be rebuked or told I was doing something wrong.

People whose language is acts of service must feel the harshness of a church that will not let them serve in any capacity (we had to have written permission from the pastor to clean a window or scrub a toilet) or in a church where everything is done for a handful of people and everyone else is expected to fend for themselves. Those who love to give surely feel unloved when no gifts, cards, or even hugs are shared. And in a church where people aren’t supposed to touch, and if they do- outside of a handshake- they are accused of lust (even woman to woman or man to man), those whose language is touch must feel they are in a very cold place indeed.

Chapman gives specific examples in the Bible of passages where God expresses His love for us through words of affirmation. (He does something similar for each language.) It’s been a long time since I’ve heard some of those verses. Many times something in a passage above or below was twisted to express God’s anger, hatred, wrath, and so forth. It’s amazing to me that someone reads these passages differently. I also see why the negative preaching and rebukes were taking such a toll.

Also, now finding myself in a church where people do love each other, I’m amazed at the different outlook. People who are treated in positive, respectful ways are more likely to be positive and respectful themselves.

It’s interesting that the Bible teaches so much on love, even saying God IS love, but love was seen as “soft” in my former church. In the past few months, watching healthy people interact in positive, loving ways, I’ve come to think maybe my former church missed it not in doctrine or in legalism, but first in love.

Loving people tends to bring out the best in them.

United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 3

In this post I am sharing from the 2017 United Pentecostal Church Manual, Article VII, Section 2. It is the same as it appeared going back to at least the 2005 Manual, with the exception of #7, where the part about preterism was added in the 2006 edition. The second sentence in #4 was added in 2016. In addition, for #11, it used to say the “Foreign Missionary” Board or District instead of “Global.” In 2011 they changed the name of the division and this was reflected in the 2012 Manual.

This section of the UPCI Manual covers the requirements for ministerial license or ordination and is shared in its entirety. Besides these set by the organization, each District is at liberty to add their own additional requirements. The organization has three levels of licensing: local, general and ordination. Each have their own requirements, but those listed below are for any of the three.

The reading requirements have changed over the years and were last revised as of January 2017 and added required video viewing at an additional cost of $35 per video/book. Note that at some point after March 2023, the price for each video lesson rose from $35 each to $40.

As a side note, the only Bible colleges endorsed by the UPCI are their own.

[May 14, 2024 Edit: Starting June 1, 2024, at each level of licensing every applicant will have to watch two specific free videos on the Ministry Central website. One is by David Bernard and the other is a 53.5 minute video from SafeChurch. This video explains this as well as applying for a license after graduating from one of their endorsed Bible colleges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac-0qrCaM74 ]

1. Anyone desiring to be affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International must believe in the Oneness of God as taught in Mark 12:29, John 14:6-11, and I Timothy 3:16; must have the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as in Acts 2:4, 10:46, and 19:1-6; must have been baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as in Acts 2:38; must be living a holy and godly life according to the Scriptures as described in the Articles of Faith of the United Pentecostal Church International; and must believe in, teach, and preach the same.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “Anyone desiring to be credentialed with the UPCI must believe in the Oneness of God as taught in Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29, John 14:6-11, and I Timothy 3:16; must have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as taught in Acts 2:4, 10:46, and 19:1-6; must have been baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as taught in Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; and I Peter 3:21; must be living a holy and godly life according to the Scriptures, as taught in I Peter 1:16; II Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 and as described in the Articles of Faith of the UPCI; and must believe, teach, and preach the same.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

2. The acceptance, deferral, or rejection of any application shall be the prerogative of the District Board.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is now #3. The wording has changed to: “The consideration, acceptance, deferral, or rejection of any application shall be the prerogative of the applicable District Board. However, the denial by a district board does not preclude the applicant from reapplying at a future date.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

3. An application must be properly completed, all questions being carefully answered. The same must be endorsed by a majority of the District Board including the District Superintendent.

(a) All applicants who reside and/or labor in unorganized districts shall be examined by the District Superintendent and District Secretary who in turn shall refer their decision to the Executive Board for final decision.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is now #4. The wording has changed to: “An application must be properly completed and all questions carefully answered. The same must be endorsed by a majority of the District Board.” (a) no longer is stated. It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

4. All applicants shall be required to appear before their District Board for examination, having made application at least sixty (60) days prior to meeting the Board and must have met any training or seminar requirements set forth by their District Board. The sixty (60) day time frame may be adjusted by a district at its discretion. [Added in 2016 Manual.] The applicants must have the recommendation of their local pastor, having proven themselves faithful to their home church. In the event that they have no local pastor, the matter shall be left to the discretion of the District Board.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is now #5. The wording has changed to: “All applicants shall be required to appear before their District Board for examination, having made application at least sixty (60) days prior to meeting the Board, and must have met any training requirements set forth by the General Board and their District Board. The sixty (60) day timeframe may be adjusted by the District Board at its discretion. The District Board shall provide notice of upcoming district board meeting dates in which applications may be considered at least ninety (90) days in advance. Each applicant must have the recommendation of his or her local pastor and must be faithful to that local church. If the applicant’s church has no pastor, the matter shall be left to the discretion of the District Board.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

5. All applicants shall be willing to submit to questioning and, if necessary, investigation by the District Board relative to their financial stewardship.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is now #6. The wording has changed to: “All applicants shall submit to any questioning by the District Board relative to their financial stewardship. If deemed necessary, they shall produce all requested, related documents for review.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

6. No minister shall be permitted to hold license or ordination with any other religious organization or association. Exceptions to this rule shall be made in the case of ministers residing where they cannot receive proper governmental recognition without belonging to an organization in that country. In such a case, special permission shall be obtained from the Executive or General Board, in writing, for said ministers to belong to an organization in that country for this purpose only.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is now #7. The wording has changed to: “No minister shall be permitted to hold ministerial license or ordination with any other religious organization or association. Special permission for exceptions shall be obtained in writing from the Executive or General Board in the case of
ministers residing where they cannot receive proper governmental recognition without belonging to an organization in that country.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

7. License or Certificate of Ordination shall not be issued to anyone who teaches the doctrine of unconditional eternal security, and/or annihilation of the wicked dead, and/or the divine (or heavenly) flesh of Christ, (defined as that the flesh of Jesus Christ had no biological or genetic relationship to other human beings), and/or all forms of preterism. (Please see the pertinent position paper for a more detailed definition.) [Preterism was added in the 2006 edition.]

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is now #2. The wording has changed to: “Ministerial Credentials shall not be issued to anyone who teaches the doctrines of unconditional eternal security, annihilation of the wicked dead, the divine (or heavenly) flesh of Christ (defined as: the flesh of Jesus Christ had no biological or genetic relationship to other human beings), or any form of preterism. (Please see the pertinent position paper for more detailed information.)” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

8. All applications and all information submitted with the applications, together with the action of the District Board, shall become the property of the organization.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applications and related information submitted, together with any documents and information resulting from the action of the District Board, shall become the property of the UPCI.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

9. All applicants must have completed at least one (1) year in a Bible college endorsed by the United Pentecostal Church International (see paragraph 10) or have completed the required reading schedule established by the General Board. The required reading schedule may be obtained from the District Board or from the office of the General Secretary. All applicants, including Bible college students, must read the Bible through at each level of ministry and must read the Manual of the United Pentecostal Church International.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “All applicants must have completed the required reading and training program established by the General Board. The reading and training requirements may be obtained from the District Board or from the office of the General Secretary-Treasurer. At each level of credentialing, all applicants must read the Bible through and must read the current Manual of the UPCI.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

10. If the applicant has attended a Bible college endorsed by the United Pentecostal Church International, the applicant must request the respective college to send the Bible College Report by certified mail, return receipt requested, from the college to the District Superintendent. This report must be received and reviewed by the District Board before a license can be granted. The Bible college shall comply with this request within sixty (60) days. If no report is received within this time period, it is assumed the applicant is in good standing with the Bible college.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “If the applicant has attended a Bible/Christian college endorsed by the UPCI, the applicant must request the respective college to send the College Report by certified mail, return receipt requested, from the college to the applicant’s District Secretary. This report must be received and reviewed by the District Board before a license can be granted. The college shall comply with the applicant’s request within sixty (60) days. If no report is received within this time period, it is assumed the applicant is in good standing with the college.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

11. Any US or Canadian citizen residing in a foreign field and desiring ministerial license or credentials shall be examined by the Regional Director and the Missionary Superintendent of the particular field in which he or she is residing and laboring. The names of all applicants endorsed by the Regional Director and the Missionary Superintendent shall be forwarded to the Global Missions Board [This used to be called the Foreign Missionary Board] for its decision. Notification shall be given to the District Superintendent where the applicant previously resided.

(a) All applicants in a Global Missions District shall meet the requirements of Article VII, Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

(b) All national ministers residing and laboring outside North America shall be examined and granted license or credentials by their respective national church only.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “Any US or Canadian citizen residing in a foreign field and desiring ministerial credentials shall be examined by the applicable Regional Director and the Missionary Superintendent of the particular field in which he or she is residing and laboring. The names of all applicants endorsed by the Regional Director and the Missionary Superintendent shall be forwarded to the Global Missions Board for its decision. Notification shall be given to the District Superintendent where the applicant previously resided. The District Superintendent shall communicate any objections to the application to the Global Missions Board
within sixty (60) days of being notified of said application. If no objection
is received by the Global Missions Board within said time period, it will be
assumed the applicant is in good standing with his or her former district.

(a) All applicants in a Global Missions District shall meet the requirements of Article VII, Sections 2 – 9.

(b) All national ministers residing and laboring outside the US and Canada
shall be examined and granted credentials by their respective national
church only.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

12. In 2022, the following was added: “At times, the UPCI may publish a list of all newly credentialed ministers, ministers advancing in ministerial status, deceased ministers, and/or ministers no longer credentialed in its own publication(s) at its discretion. Such publication shall not be a breach of privacy.” [It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

To read the position paper on preterism, adopted in 2005, go here. To read the position paper on the humanity of Jesus, adopted in 2004, go here.

To be continued…