Tag: UPCI Manual | Spiritual Abuse Blogs

United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 6

Please note that there have been many edits made to this article since it was originally published in 2017 as I wanted to bring it up to date. Because of this, the article is somewhat messy. The edits in bold show the 2023 costs.

In my last post in this series, I covered the basic cost of being licensed in the United Pentecostal Church. We discovered that besides the yearly national fees of $374.00, $386.00 or $398.00, each minister must also pay money to the district in which they live. Using Indiana as an example for 2023, if one held local license it would cost them a minimum of an additional $660.00, making the total cost per year of their license $1,034.00 and it could rise to $1,454.00 depending on their age. Using South Carolina as an example, if one held local license it would cost them an additional $960.00, making the total cost per year of their license $1,334.00.

In addition to the above, the UPCI approved a change in processing payments of membership fees at the 2014 General Conference as mentioned by David Bernard in the October-December 2014 Forward magazine. This started to be implemented in December 2015 for the first quarter of 2016. If a minister does not pay annually, but pays quarterly or monthly, a small fee is now added to each payment. This will cost some ministers additional money, though it isn’t significant. This was also explained in the same issue of the Forward as seen in this screenshot.

We will now look at the expense of purchasing books and videos in order to obtain an initial license or to move up to the next level. (There are three levels: local, general and ordained.) Note that in addition to the prices listed below, there is also a $25.00 application fee for each level of licensing.

As of January 2017, a new reading list was released as well as implementing video requirements. Each video course costs $35.00 and ten are required per each ministerial level, thus increasing the initial licensing cost to at least $350.00. (You will find the cost and list here. A prior updated edition with all but one book price is here.) Not only does this increase the initial licensing cost, but since it also applies to each level, if an already licensed minister wishes to move up to a general or ordained license, it will cost them at least $350.00. It should be noted that these are not yearly costs, but one-time charges. [2023 Edit: Starting at some point after March 2023, the cost for each video course rose to $40.00, thus increasing the initial licensing cost to at least $400.00.]

The reading requirements are nothing new, though they periodically changed the list. In their earlier days, book reading was not always required as is evidenced in the 1969 UPCI Manual where nothing was listed, not even reading through the Bible. However, for those seeking ordination, they were required to read the Bible, “at least one church history book and at least one grammar book.” This was waived if they had completed three years in a UPCI Bible school. By 1975, a very limited reading list was mandated: The Pentecostal Home Bible Study Course, Magnifying The Ministry, United We Stand and For Preacher’s Only.

By at least 1981, reading the Bible in at least year was required, as well as at least one year in a UPCI endorsed Bible College. If the candidate did not attend a Bible college, then they had to read the same books as mentioned in 1975. The same held true through 1989. Starting in 1989 they stated that the UPCI Manual must be read. Regardless of whether a person had attended a UPCI endorsed Bible college, they had to read through the Bible and the Manual at each level of licensing.

On January 1, 1990, a new reading list was made where the specific books were no longer listed in each Manual. From here they periodically changed.

In February 2010, a new list of reading requirements was in force. You may view that here.

You may compare the current reading requirement with what was required starting in 2012. Without considering the cost of the Manual, it was $157.41 for a local license, $143.94 for general and $112.44 for ordination. So with this new change in 2017, the UPCI more than doubled the cost for each level.

One thing that has now changed is that all the reading material is produced by the UPCI and their authors, whereas years back they would include something written by those outside their group and even by non-Apostolics. The Words and Works of Jesus Christ by J. Dwight Pentecost used to be one of them. For years they also let you choose one book out of several in a category (see the 2010 requirements). With them requiring only their books and videos, one gets fully indoctrinated by the UPCI. Consider that for a local license, four of the ten courses are all the thoughts of David Bernard, the current UPCI General Superintendent. The organization also makes more money by keeping everything in house.

Each video course comes with an ebook. If someone cannot or does not wish to read books in digital format, it would cost $157.90 to purchase all the books for a local license. For a general license it is $161.90 and for ordination it would be more than $155.91 (after more than a year, one book price was still pending). [2023 Edit: You will see that they no longer show the paperback editions prices in their list of required reading. As of November 1, 2023, if you did not purchase any book on sale, it would cost $180.90 to purchase the books for a local license. For a general license it is $182.90 and for ordination it would be $200.90.]

If the individual wanted to purchase physical copies of the books, the total initial cost to attempt to receive a license would be $507.90 for a local, $511.90 for a general and more than $505.91 for ordination. Otherwise each level would be $350.00. These figures are in addition to the yearly national and district fees should the individual be granted license. They also do not include the cost of the United Pentecostal Church Manual, which must be read at the cost of $10.00 [2018 paperback price]. In addition, applicants must read the Bible through once for each level of license. [2023 Edit: If the individual wanted to purchase physical copies of the books in 2023, the total initial cost to attempt to receive a license would be $580.90 for a local, $582.90 for a general and $600.90 for ordination. There could be an additional charge for a printed copy of the Manual. If one is fine with digital copies, each level would be $400.00. In addition at each level there is the $25.00 application fee.)

What does this all mean? The applicant from Indiana going for a local license, would expect to pay $1,204.00 or $1,361.90 (if paperback books are purchased) for their first year and to satisfy the reading requirements. Ouch. [2023 Edit: The applicant from Indiana going for a local license, would expect to pay at least $1434.00 or $1614.90 (if paperback books are purchased) for their first year and to satisfy the reading requirements. South Carolina would be higher. Prices do not include the application fee.]

There is good news for the applicant who has completed at least one year of a UPCI endorsed Bible college (they only endorse their own). They do not need to complete the reading requirements, according to the 2017 UPCI Manual (Article VII, Section 2, #9). They would have already spent well over $350.00 at the college. For instance, at Indiana Bible College, tuition and activity fees for one year (without room and board) cost more than $4,000.00. [2023 Edit: The 2019 Manual removed this mention of a UPCI endorsed Bible college and it now states, “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.”]

All of this can become a little more complex as each district is at liberty to impose additional requirements of any kind in order to be considered for licensing.

While the requirements and fees have changed for those whose language is English, they did not change in 2017 for those seeking a Spanish license. The reading requirements are fewer and are considerably cheaper for those who speak Spanish, plus they do not have to view videos and take the accompanying tests. The present costs are $76.01 for local, $37.53 for general and $24.30 for ordination. Compare those with it costing at least $350.00 for those whose language is English. That is not very balanced. [2023 Edit: On January 1, 2019 this changed and they now have reading and video requirements, with some differences in the material. The speakers are different since the lessons are in Spanish. See here.]

Should a minister fall behind in payment of either national or district fees, their license will be suspended or revoked and they may need to reapply and meet with the District Board to get it back.

Please note that in all of the requirements, there appears to be no mandated training on the issue of sexual abuse. This is troubling since the organization has had problems with their ministers failing to report these cases, as well as ministers and members being arrested, charged and convicted of various types of sexual crimes. [2023 Edit: There is currently available a series of ten videos that address various aspects of abuse and sexual abuse. They are listed on Ministry Central under SafeChurch. However, these are not mandated for licensing. Anyone may sign up to watch these at no charge.] Some may want to read our ongoing series of articles on sexual abuse in the United Pentecostal Church.

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

United Pentecostal Church Manual Part 5

This is a continuation of the rules regarding licensed ministers in the United Pentecostal Church. (There are three levels: local, general and ordained.) This covers the very basic cost of holding license and does not include the expense of purchasing books and videos in order to obtain the initial license or to move up to the next level. Those costs greatly increased in 2017 by requiring videos and charging to watch. A former UPC minister friend of mine would sometimes joke that UPC stood for “U pay cash.”

In addition to the yearly national dues, United Pentecostal Church ministers also must abide by the financial requirements of the District in which they reside. Each District sets their own fees.

As an example, the 2014 edition of the Indiana District Manual stipulates that “Each minister in the District shall send 50% or more of his ministerial tithes to the District Secretary-Treasurer on a monthly or at least a quarterly basis.” If a minister does not receive tithes, then a “minimum fee of $35.00 per month shall be sent to the District Secretary by all ministers (except honorary members) who have no ministerial tithe, or whose 50% tithe is less than $35.00. This $35.00 fee is in addition to tithing to the local church.” On top of that, “Each minister …shall pay a sectional fee to his sectional secretary in the amount of $5.00 per month to be paid in advance on at least a quarterly basis.” In Indiana it would cost a minister a minimum of $480 per year to the District, causing their license to cost at least $854.00 per year if they hold a local license.

[2023 Edit: The above fees from Indiana have changed since this article was written. Since January 1, 2022, sectional dues remain the same at $60 per year. District dues are $50 per month for ministers up to age 30, $85 for those age 31 through 69 and $50 per month for ministers who are 70 years and up. It would cost a minister a minimum of $660 per year to the District, causing their license to cost at least $1,034.00 per year if they held a local license. For those having to pay $85 per month, it would cost a minister $1,080 per year to the District, for a total of $1,454 if they held a local license. Screenshot from 10-7-2023.]

[October 18, 2023 Edit: For another example, the fees for ministers in South Carolina are higher than Indiana, at least as of June 13, 2022. Local license is $80 per month, general is $90 and ordained is $100. It would cost a minister a minimum of $960.00 per year to the District, causing their license to cost at least $1,334.00 per year if they held a local license. For the ordained minister, it would cost $1,200.00 to the District, for a total of $1,598.00 per year. Screenshot from 10-18-23.]

For their financial investment, a licensed minister in the United Pentecostal Church receives a digital copy of the Manual and Directory every year and subscriptions to their two main publications, one being a minister’s only quarterly. The only item of any substance, but which most likely will never be used, is the life insurance policy which would provide very little to the minister’s family in a time of need. (They used to send actual paperback book copies of the Manual and Directory. Then they changed to sending them on a CD. Since 2016 they do not even do that, but want the minister to access it online, where they may download it, or pay for physical copies.)

Here is what was stated in 2014 under Article VII, Section 7 under Obligations and Rules:

8. Each minister holding a Local License is required to pay $374 annually into a budget fund, which will entitle said minister to a Manual, a Ministerial and Church Directory, a subscription to the Forward, a subscription to the Pentecostal Herald, and a ten-thousand-dollar group life insurance policy with double indemnity and dismemberment provisions as specified.
9. Each minister holding a General License is required to pay $386 annually into a budget fund, which will entitle said minister to a Manual, a Ministerial and Church Directory, a subscription to the Forward, a subscription to the Pentecostal Herald, and a ten-thousand-dollar group life insurance policy with double indemnity and dismemberment provisions as specified.
10. Each minister holding a Certificate of Ordination is required to pay $398 annually into a budget fund, which will entitle said minister to a Manual, a Ministerial and Church Directory, a subscription to the Forward, a subscription to the Pentecostal Herald, and a ten-thousand-dollar group life insurance policy with double indemnity and dismemberment provisions as specified.

In 2015, numbers 8-10 were condensed and changed and it now reads as follows in 2017:

8. Each minister is required to pay annual membership dues which will entitle the minister to a Manual, a Ministerial and Church Directory, a subscription to the minister’s [In 2018 the word minister’s is removed.] Forward, a subscription to the Pentecostal Herald [In 2018 Herald is changed to Life as they changed the name of the magazine.], and $10,000.00 given to stated recipient at his or her death from a benevolent fund or a group life insurance policy. Membership dues and processing fees are set by the General Conference and cannot be changed without a proper resolution being presented to and adopted by the Conference.

[Starting in the 2021 Manual, this is now found in the same article and section but is listed under “3. Dues (a). The wording has changed to: “Each credentialed UPCI minister is required to pay annual membership dues. They will receive access to a ministers website, a downloadable Manual, and Ministerial and Church Directory, subscriptions to the Forward and the Pentecostal Life, and $10,000.00 given to the minister’s stated recipient at his or her death from a benevolent fund or a group life insurance policy. Membership dues and processing fees are governed and adjusted by the General Conference and cannot be changed without a proper resolution being presented to and adopted by said Conference.” It appears the same through the 2023 Manual.]

How do the costs today compare with the past? Way back in 1952, it was only $6.00, $12.00 or $18.00 to hold license. In 1957, those fees were still the same. By 1965 or earlier, they had increased to $18.00, $24.00 or $30.00. In 1988 licenses cost $204.00, $216.00 or $228.00. In 1989 they increased to $220.00, $232.00 or $244.00 and stayed at that rate through at least 1991. By 2002 or prior, the cost was $291.60, $303.60 or $315.80. In 2003 they changed to $326.00, $338.00 or $350.00. In 2007 the fees increased to their present rate. Some have wondered if they will rise again, now that they relocated to a nicer and more expensive building. [2023 edit: It appears that the national fees have remained at $374, $386 & $398.]

How does this compare to some other Oneness Pentecostal groups? The ALJC, who have the same licensing levels, charge $384.00, $396.00 and $408.00. [2023 Edit: These are now $504, $516 and $528.] Like the UPCI, they also have District dues which vary. Licensing with the Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship (started due to some ministers leaving the UPCI) is $720.00 per year. Though not comprised of only Oneness Pentecostals, the Global Network of Christian Ministries only charges $250.00 per year. A number of ministers who left the UPCI have held membership with them. [EDIT: Global is no longer in operation.]

In the next installment I will cover the initial costs to apply for licensing.

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

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 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…

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…..