OUR TENETS

We believe in the divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures. We believe that the Bible is infallible in its declaration, final in its authority, all-sufficient in its provisions and comprehensive in its sufficiency (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

We believe in the existence of the One True God, Elohim, Maker of the whole universe; indefinable, but revealed as Triune Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – one in nature, essence and attributes; Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19; Genesis 1:26).

We believe that: “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Genesis 3:1-19; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23), and are subject to eternal punishment (Matthew 13:41-42; Romans 6:23), and need repentance (Acts 2:28; Matthew 4:17; Acts 20:21) and regeneration (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5).

We believe that humanity’s need of a Savior has been met in the person of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21; John 4:42; Acts 2:36; Ephesians 5:23; Philippians 2:6-11), because of His Deity (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1, John 20:38; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13-14), Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:25-27), Sinless Life (John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21), Atoning Death (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 2:2), Resurrection (Matthew 28:5-7; Acts 2:24; Acts 2:36; Acts 10:39-40; 1 Corinthians 15:3) and Ascension (Acts 1:9-11; Acts 2:33-36), His Abiding Intercession (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25) and His Second Coming to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:11; Acts 10:42; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 22:12, 20).

We believe all humans have to repent of and confess their sins before God (Luke 15:7; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30), and believe in the vicarious death of Jesus Christ to be justified before God (Romans 4:25; Romans 5:1). We believe in the sanctification of the believer through the working of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 6:11), and in God’s gift of Eternal Life to the believer (John 17:2-3; John 10:27-28; Romans 6:23b; 1 John 5:11-13). 

We believe in the ordinance of Baptism by immersion as a testimony of a convert who has attained a responsible age of about 13 years (Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-10; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Infants and children are not baptized but are dedicated to the Lord (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 2:22-24, 34). We believe in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion, which should be partaken by all members who are in full fellowship (Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-33).

We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for believers with signs following; also in the operation of the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers (Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Galatians 5:22-23).

We believe in tithing and in the giving of free-will offerings towards the cause of carrying forward the Kingdom of God. We believe that God blesses a cheerful giver (Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:6-12; Matthew 23:23; Acts 20:35; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:1-9).

We believe that the healing of sickness and disease is provided for God’s people in the atonement (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:7, 17; Mark 16:18; James 5:14-16; Luke 13:10-16). The Church is, however, not opposed to soliciting the help of qualified medical practitioners.

We believe in the Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection of the dead, both the saved and the unsaved – they that are saved, to the resurrection of life; and the unsaved, to the resurrection of damnation (Mark 13:26; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 1:11; 10:42; Romans 2:7-11; 6:23).

We believe in the institution of marriage as a union established and ordained by God for the lifelong, intimate relationship between a man as husband and a woman as wife as biologically defined at birth. We believe that God instituted marriage primarily for mutual help, fellowship and comfort that one ought to have for the other and for honorable procreation of children, and their training in love, obedience to the Lord and responsible citizenship (Genesis 2:18, 21-25; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 7:1-2).

 

OUR BELIEFS

OUR CORE VALUES

| EVANGELISM

It is the presentation of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit with the view that people will trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord and serve Him in the fellowship of the Church.  Evangelism is the responsibility of every Church member and Minister. It is the prime duty of every believer to share his/her faith after conversion. Through cross-cultural, mission-oriented evangelism, Church members who travel to other countries preach Christ, plant Churches and call for Ministers to do same.  Besides, as was the practice of the founder, Pastor James McKeown, we respond to calls to missions as led by the Holy Spirit.

| DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship is teaching and training believers to be like Christ in character and to make responsible choices. The emphasis is on holiness, righteousness, faithfulness, honesty, sincerity, humility, prayerfulness and the leading of disciplined and responsible lives.

This is done at the level of individuals, where mature members take up the responsibility to disciple new converts. The Church plays a leading role by providing systematic teaching and practical training. Such teaching emphasises the four-square gospel, which is Christ-centred: i.e. Jesus the Saviour, Healer, Baptiser and Soon-Coming King; the Tenets of the Church; Bible reading/study and scripture memorisation and application of the word to life situations.

| MINISTRY EXCELLENCE

We seek to honour God who gave His best (Christ Jesus as the Saviour) by maintaining a high standard of excellence in all our ministries and activities (Colossians 3:23-24).

| PRAYER

Some of the normal practices are regular prayer for the Holy Spirit baptism with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.  Emphasis is placed on the fruit and gifts of the Spirit in the life of the believer. Prayers are said for healing and deliverance of the afflicted as part of the initial exercises for salvation. Services are marked as truly Pentecostal with praise and worship, teaching, exercise of gifts, prayer, testimonies, etc.

| MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the presence of the person of the Holy Spirit and that the Christian life can be led only by His enablement.  The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit, and then the baptism of the Holy Spirit for power to serve and the gifts of the Spirit for building the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps the individual to develop a Christ-like character, manifested through bearing the fruit of the Spirit. The leading of the Holy Spirit in all spheres of activity in the Church is paramount.  Administrative structures and all other Church distinctiveness have been largely influenced by the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

| LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Leadership development is based on the apostolic foundation. Appointments and callings into leadership positions are based on character, charisma, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Leadership development is from the grassroot level with members maturing to lead sub-groups, Ministries, Assemblies, Districts and Areas. Team spirit with talent development shapes team work. Ministry is by both clergy and laity.

| CHURCH CULTURE

The following distinctive attributes help identify The Church of Pentecost:

  • Self-supporting attitude
  • Faithfulness and integrity
  • Distinctiveness in prayer
  • Church discipline without fear or favour irrespective of position, race or colour of members.
  • Congregational worship is based on spirit and truth and not necessarily on location or   structure.
  • Fellowship and generosity
  • Respect for authority.
  • Mutual respect and sense of belonging for all members without      discrimination based on colour, gender, tribe, race or nationality.
  • Sacrificial service to the Church without expecting pecuniary reward.
  • Neighbourhood Churches: small/medium-sized community-based Church policy promotes Church planting
  • Home cell system of fellowship fosters the creation of avenues for effective discipleship and promotes both numerical and spiritual growth.
  • Total abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other hard drugs.
  • Monogamous marriage is upheld as well as chastity before marriage.
  • Homosexuality, lesbianism and other perverse sexual practices are not permitted in the Church.
  • The Church upholds paternal inheritance.
  • Female visitors who attend Church services without a head-covering should be accepted as they are, without being either turned back or offered a “head covering”.
  • Women should fashion their hairstyles in a decent, modest and appropriate manner to the glory of God.
  • The wearing of seductive or sexually-provocative dresses should be discouraged in the Church.
  • Women must avoid the practice of cleavage (the partial exposure of breasts and other sensitive parts of the body) as that does not glorify the Lord.
  • Church Anniversaries can be celebrated only at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th etc, milestones

| TITHES AND OFFERING

Faithfulness in giving offerings and paying tithes to enhance the ministry of the Church is emphasised. Periodic teaching on this subject is regarded as very important. The Church and members depend solely on God as the source of financial supply. Borrowing by the Church is not encouraged.  Lending with interest among members is also discouraged.

| SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

The Church believes in communal living with members supporting one another, and participating in communal work. The Church may also help the wider community by providing social needs such as health services, education, as well as donating to the needy in society.

| HOLINESS OF MEMBERS AND OFFICERS   

The Church upholds holiness of members unto the Lord in all their endeavours (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 12:14).

| CONSISTENT BIBLE TEACHING (Acts 2:42a).

The Church upholds the teaching of sound biblical doctrine and does not tolerate the propagation of wrong/false doctrine. All types of prayer such as thanksgiving; worship (adoration); supplication; intercession (Eph. 6:18-19; 1 Tim. 2:1-2).

| CHURCH DISCIPLINE (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:7-11)

  • Respect for and obedience to authority.
  • Submission to corrective measures and policies of the Church.   
  • Regular fellowship of the saints – (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:25)
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