Category: United Pentecostal Church | Page 54

Church Gimmicks

I had a dream this morning that I was attending church on Easter. It isn’t my church or one I’ve ever been in, but in the dream I’d been there before, because I knew the music was going to be different.

Before church I heard people talking about how they had come because the candy was better at this church. As the music started, people started crying and laying down on the floor. I wasn’t scared, but I was disgusted. The music was awful. The second song was supposed to be special. It was heavy rock. I moved so that I wasn’t in front of the speakers. The third song started, and was announced to also have a special instrument involved… a chain saw. At the same time, people were coming to the front, crying and praying and having hands laid on them, while altar workers stood with clickers, counting the number of people ‘saved’ or who spoke in tongues, I’m not sure which. One was from my first church, and the altar worker and a friend of hers were fighting over whether she should be counted.

The friend walked past me as she went back to her seat. She recognized me and saw my pants (not allowed in her religion). She told me she’d just had a sobbing moment, because she wouldn’t be able to spend Christmas with me because I was obviously lost, wearing pants. We hadn’t had plans; we hadn’t spoken for ten years!

And then I noticed what the congregation was singing: Your love like a river flows through me.

Gimmicks. Candy, special songs, special instruments, encouraging people to worship more ahead of time, counting responses… all are gimmicks. They can be used, within reason, to encourage people to come to a church (or to any other sales event) but they aren’t about God. They’re marketing techniques. But what disturbed me most was not the gimmicks in the dream (not even the chain saw music) or the rejection of my former friend, but the fact that in the middle of all the gimmicks, the fight, and the rejection, the song being sung repeated the words “Your love like a river flows through me.” That’s what haunted me as I woke up. The hypocrisy.

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.

[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.]

[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…

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

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Jesus’ Name Baptism Oddity

You know, it’s kind of funny. My former church and others like it preached immersion and Jesus’ name so hard, but they often didn’t get the whole person under the water at once. Some didn’t go completely under at all! They didn’t say that those people ‘just got wet’ though, and they didn’t call for redo’s. Just those who weren’t baptized according to their formula.

United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 2

Here are some others rules from the United Pentecostal Church Manual. (Again, the wording goes back to at least 2005, with the exception of number 31. In 2005 number 31 said: “No minister having a television in his or her home, shall be permitted to hold license or credentials with the United Pentecostal Church International. Furthermore, no United Pentecostal Church International minister shall be permitted to advertise or minister on television. This does not preclude unsolicited representatives of the news media covering functions.” This changed in 2008 to what is seen in italics below. In 2014, 31 and 32 were replaced. This is explained below. Also a and b were added to 21 in 2008.)

For this second post, I just picked out some of the ones people might be more interested in seeing. Number 14 pertains to the affirmation statement that took effect in 1993. It was annual then and they later changed it to every other year and at the 2018 General Conference it no longer was required.

Also, note that for number 18, the UPC does not just consider licensed ministers as members. It also considers as members any who are members of local affiliated UPC churches. (Not all UPC churches are affiliated.) I will quote that section from the manual at the end of this post. I have even heard licensed ministers proclaim that it is only a ministerial organization, which shows they are not reading their Manual. The old numbers 31 and 32 were laughable, knowing that a number of ministers indeed had televisions and watched Hollywood films.

Sadly, 35 has been broken too often.

14. (This is now #12) All ministers, licensed or ordained, during the same year as the normally scheduled election of the General Superintendent (biennially), shall be required to sign a statement reaffirming their loyalty to the Fundamental Doctrine as stated in the Articles of Faith and the holiness standards as stated in the Articles of Faith of the United Pentecostal Church International. Said statement shall be sent to each minister at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the current fellowship card. Any minister failing to sign and return the statement within this sixty-day period shall be notified that after thirty (30) days the membership fellowship card will be suspended. After this thirty (30) day grace period, a suspended minister must fill out a new application for license or credentials together with a signed statement and appear before the District Board before he or she may be considered for reinstatement.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “4. Loyalty (a).” The wording has changed to: “At the beginning of each even-numbered year, all credentialed UPCI
ministers shall receive a reminder that loyalty to the Fundamental Doctrine
and holiness standards as stated in the Articles of Faith of the UPCI is a
requirement to continue to retain credentials with the UPCI. Any UPCI
minister who is unwilling to affirm such loyalty must follow the specific
instructions to indicate his or her choice. Upon the receipt of that indication, his or her membership will be revoked, and the applicable district shall be notified. Any minister whose credentials are revoked in this manner must complete a new application include a signed statement reaffirming loyalty as described above and be approved by the District Board before he or she may be reinstated.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

16. (This is now #14) Any minister holding or seeking to hold credentials or a license with us who speaks or writes in opposition to any Articles of Faith shall be called before the District Board who shall decide upon the penalty to be inflicted.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “4. Loyalty (b).” The wording has changed to: “Any minister holding or seeking to hold credentials with the UPCI who
speaks, writes, or acts in opposition to anything in the UPCI Articles of
Faith shall be called before the District Board which shall decide upon the
appropriate course of action.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

17. (This is now #15) No minister, whether licensed or ordained, can be a member of any secret lodge society (exclusive of labor unions) and hold license or credentials with the United Pentecostal Church International.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “4. Loyalty (c).” The wording has changed to: “No credentialed UPCI minister can be a member of any secret order or
secret society and continue to hold credentials with the UPCI. This prohibition does not apply to membership in labor unions.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

18. The United Pentecostal Church International requires all of its members to avoid mixed bathing or swimming in public places or any other time when there are those of the opposite sex present outside of the immediate family.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “1. Integrity (b).” The wording has changed to: “The UPCI requires all its ministers to avoid activities that require immodest attire, such as swimming at any time with members of the opposite sex present who are unrelated by blood or marriage.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

21. (This is now #19) No minister who withdraws or is dropped from our fellowship, whose conduct is under question, shall be allowed to preach for any of our ministers, nor pastor any of our churches. Neither shall any minister of the United Pentecostal Church International fellowship be allowed to preach or participate in any form in services (except funerals and weddings) sponsored or conducted by any minister who has withdrawn or been dropped, whose conduct is under question. This does not apply to anyone being used in any capacity in his or her local assembly, with the exception of the position of associate pastor or assistant pastor.

(a) The term “under question” shall be taken to mean a formal decision by a District Board reflecting a concern that conduct in flagrant violation of the Manual of the United Pentecostal Church International has occurred.
(b) The term “conduct unbecoming a minister” shall be taken to mean any conduct of a moral, financial, or ethical nature that would cause reproach upon the ministry.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “6. Revoked/Withdrawn (b & c) & 7 Ministerial Offenses (a).” The wording has changed to: “(b) The term ‘under question’ shall be taken to mean a formal decision by a District Board reflecting a concern that conduct of a moral, financial, ethical, or theological nature in flagrant violation of the Manual of the UPCI has occurred.
(c) No minister whose credentials have been revoked or who withdraws from the UPCI, whose conduct is under question, shall be allowed to:
(1) Outside the Local Assembly: Preach for any UPCI minister, nor pastor any UPCI church. No UPCI minister shall be allowed to preach or participate in any form in services (except weddings, baby dedications, and funerals) sponsored or conducted by any minister whose credentials have been revoked or who has withdrawn, whose conduct is under question.
(2) Within the Local Assembly: Fill the position of associate pastor, assistant pastor, etc. This prohibition does not prevent this individual from being used in his or her local assembly in other capacities.
7. Ministerial Offenses
(a) The term ‘conduct unbecoming a minister’ shall be taken to mean any
conduct of a moral, financial, ethical, or theological nature that would cause
reproach upon the ministry. A minister may be subject to discipline under
the Judicial Procedure for conduct unbecoming a minister.”
In 2022, the following was added to (c) (1): “An exception allowing preaching and/or ministerial participation beyond the local assembly (without ministerial credentials) shall be left to the discretion of the local pastor, the District Board in which the minister’s license is held under question, and the District Board where the exception is requested, if not the same District.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

In my opinion, the 2022 exception allowing preaching and/or ministerial participation beyond the local assembly, should never have been added.

24. (This is now #22) Any minister committing sins that are a great hindrance to the body and continuing to preach and fill the pulpit shall be silenced indefinitely.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “7. Ministerial Offenses (d).” The wording has changed to: “Any credentialed UPCI minister committing sins that are a great hindrance to the body may be indefinitely placed on probation and not permitted to speak and/or fill the pulpit, according to the UPCI Judicial Procedure. Any credentialed UPCI minister having knowledge of such a one being on probation and allowing him or her to speak and/or fill the pulpit shall be subject to disciplinary action by the applicable District Board.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

25. (This is now #23) Any minister having knowledge of one being so silenced and admitting such a one to preach and fill the pulpit shall be silenced until proper restitution is made.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “7. Ministerial Offenses (d).” It was combined with the above paragraph.]

30. (This is now #28) No licensed minister who is a student in a recognized Bible school shall be permitted to transfer from his or her home district into the district where he or she is a student in said Bible school as long as he or she is enrolled as a student in same.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “9. Transfers (b).” The wording has changed to: “No credentialed UPCI minister who is a student in a UPCI endorsed Bible/
Christian college shall be permitted to transfer from his or her home district
into the district where he or she is a student in said college while he or she
is enrolled as a student in the same.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

31. (2014 to present version, now #29) The use of all media technology must strictly be limited to educational, religious, inspirational, and family content that is consistent with wholesome Christian principles. No minister shall use television or other media technology for the purpose of viewing worldly, carnal and unwholesome media; endeavouring to maintain a Godly atmosphere and influence in their lives.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “1. Integrity (a).” The wording has changed to: “The use of all media technology must strictly be limited to educational,
religious, inspirational, and family content that is consistent with wholesome Christian principles. No credentialed UPCI minister shall use any technology for the purpose of viewing worldly, carnal, and unwholesome media; endeavoring to maintain a godly atmosphere and influence in his or her life.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

[ Prior to the 2013 General Conference, the Manual had the following two sections. That year they passed the Media Technology position, replacing the previous positions on Technology and Video Restrictions. None of these changed their stand against watching television and movies as some erroneously believed. In 2013, before this major change, the Manual read as follows: 31. No minister having a television in his or her home, shall be permitted to hold license or credentials with the United Pentecostal Church International. This does not preclude the option to use television for advertising.

32. The use of video must strictly be limited to those areas in which motion picture cameras and projectors are traditionally permitted to be used: namely, in taking of pictures of families, friends, and church activities and the viewing of educational, religious, and inspirational films that are consistent with wholesome Christian principles. Furthermore, we strongly oppose the viewing of all worldly motion pictures and video films that are shown commercially in theaters and on television for entertainment purposes. All video receivers must be altered so that they are not able to receive television channels.]

33. (This is now #30) No minister affiliated with us shall accept any individual recognized as a member from a church pastored by another United Pentecostal Church International minister without a letter of release or transfer. No minister affiliated with us shall refuse a letter of release or transfer to an individual recognized as a member desiring to withdraw from his or her assembly unless proven guilty of misconduct by confession or conviction prior to his or her request for transfer.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “2. Ethics (h).” The wording has changed to: “No credentialed UPCI minister shall accept any individual recognized
as a member of a church pastored by another UPCI minister without
communication of release or transfer. No credentialed UPCI minister
shall unreasonably refuse a release or transfer to an individual recognized
as a member desiring to withdraw from his or her assembly unless said
individual has been proven guilty of misconduct by confession or by church
board determination.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

34. (This is now #31) A minister shall not be the sole trustee or owner of real property of the local church. Neither shall the majority of the trustees be from the minister’s immediate family. Any extenuating circumstances that warrant an exception to this trustee policy shall be made by the District Board.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “2. Ethics (i).” The wording has changed to: “A credentialed UPCI minister shall not be the sole trustee or owner of real
property of the local church. All real property of a UPCI church shall be
held in a manner congruent with the church’s specific state/provincial laws
and the codes of the Internal Revenue Service/Revenue Canada. The majority of the trustees of a UPCI church shall not be from the pastor’s or any church minister’s immediate family. Any extenuating circumstances that warrant an exception to this trustee policy must be presented to the District Board for consideration.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

35. (This is now #32) When a minister receives information that is a privileged communication, the minister shall not divulge or repeat any part of such communication to any other person unless compelled to do so by law or if the communicant waives the privilege. Privileged communication shall be defined as any confession or communication made to a minister in confidence by a person seeking spiritual advice or consolation and who expects that such information will not be divulged by the minister to another person.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section, but is listed under “2. Ethics (j).” The wording has changed to: “When a credentialed UPCI minister receives information that is a privileged communication, the minister shall not divulge or repeat any part of such communication to any other person unless compelled to do so by law or if the communicant waives the privilege. Privileged communication shall be defined as any confession or communication made to a minister in
confidence by a person seeking spiritual advice or consolation and who has
a reasonable expectation that such information will not be divulged by the
minister to another person.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

For more about the affirmation statement, go here. To learn more about the letter of transfer, go here.

Here is the quote from the UPCI Manual about who is considered a member. To my knowledge, it stated this from their inception in the 1940s. Under the General Constitution, Article II titled ‘Membership’ states: “Membership in the United Pentecostal Church International shall consist of all ministers and missionaries holding an accredited credential or license, AND ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL ASSEMBLIES WHICH ARE AFFILIATED WITH US, and shall be called ‘Organization.'” (emphasis mine)

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section. The wording has changed to: “Membership in the UPCI shall consist of all ministers and missionaries holding an accredited credential or license AND ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL ASSEMBLIES WHICH ARE AFFILIATED WITH US and shall be called the ‘General Organization.’” (emphasis mine)]

In contrast, only licensed ministers are considered members of the ALJC: “Membership in the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ shall consist
of all accredited ministers and missionaries holding license or credentials in said body, and shall be known as an organization.” (Article II 1 of their General Constitution)

To be continued…..

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