2017 Upcimanual

INDEX
Manual
OFFICIALS / DIVISIONS / SCHOOLS / MINISTRY PROJECTS
2017 UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL • MANUAL

Pages 10–28
ARTICLES OF FAITH
Pages 31–38
2017
GENERAL CONSTITUTION
Pages 39–107
DISTRICT CONSTITUTION
Pages 108–113
QUALIFICATIONS FOR DISTRICT OFFICERS

Page 114-115
LOCAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT

Pages 116–120 Articles of Faith
• • •
Constitution
JUDICIAL PROCEDURE • • •
Pages 121–140 Judicial Procedure
• • •
General Board Policies
GENERAL BOARD POLICIES • • •
Pages 141–170 Position Papers
36 Research Park Court, Weldon Spring, Missouri, USA
POSITION PAPERS
Pages 171–201
The Whole Gospel • To The Whole World • By The Whole Church
Printed in USA
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United Pentecostal Church International
Articles of Faith
• • •
Constitution
• • •
Judicial Procedure
• • •
General Board Policies
• • •
Position Papers
Copyright 2017
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United Pentecostal Church International World Headquarters

36 RESEARCH PARK COURT, WELDON SPRING, MO 63304-5616
USA
Phone: 636.229.7900 • Fax: 636.939.7555

www.upci.org
[email protected]

CONTENTS
GENERAL BOARD, DIVISIONS, ARTICLE I................................................................. 39
DEPARTMENTS, PROJECTS......................... 10 PURPOSE................................................................... 39
BOARD OF GENERAL PRESBYTERS................... 10 ARTICLE II................................................................ 39
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION................................ 12 MEMBERSHIP.......................................................... 39
CHURCH ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT........ 12 ARTICLE III............................................................... 39
BUILDING THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES................. 12 THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.............................. 39
CHURCH GROWTH MINISTRY............................. 12 Section 1. Meetings.................................................... 39
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION................................ 13 Section 2. Date and Place........................................... 39
CHURCH ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT........ 13 Section 3. Business Sessions...................................... 39
MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES........................... 13 ARTICLE IV.............................................................. 40
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION................................ 14 GENERAL OFFICERS.............................................. 40
CHURCH ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT........ 14 Section 1. Names of Officers...................................... 40
SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRIES................. 14 Section 2. Election of Officers.................................... 40
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION................................ 15 Section 3. Qualifications and Restrictions.................. 41
MUSIC MINISTRY................................................... 15 Section 4. Voting Constituency.................................. 41
MY HOPE RADIO..................................................... 15 Section 5. Method of Election.................................... 42
WOMEN IN MINISTRY Section 6. Objections to Nominees............................ 42
NETWORK COMMITTEE.................................. 15 Section 7. Expiration of Office................................... 43
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION................................ 16 Section 8. Vacancies................................................... 43
OFFICE OF EDUCATION ARTICLE V................................................................ 43
AND ENDORSEMENT....................................... 16 RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF GENERAL OFFICERS
PENTECOSTAL HERITAGE SOCIETY ................ 19 AND RULES APPERTAINING THERETO....... 43
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF ONENESS Section 1. General Superintendent............................. 43
PENTECOSTALISM............................................ 19 Section 2. Assistant General Superintendents............ 43
POINTS OF REFUGE................................................ 19 Section 3. General Secretary-Treasurer...................... 44
WORLD NETWORK OF PRAYER.......................... 19 Section 4. General Executive Presbyters.................... 44
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION................................ 20 Section 5. Resignation of Executives or Officials...... 44
STEWARDSHIP GROUP.......................................... 20 ARTICLE VI.............................................................. 45
APOSTOLIC MAN.................................................... 21 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES............................... 45
DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS............................... 22 Section 1. Board of General Presbyters...................... 45
GENERAL SUNDAY SCHOOL DIVISION............ 23 Section 2. Executive Board........................................ 46
GENERAL YOUTH DIVISION................................ 24 Section 3. Board of Publication.................................. 46
GLOBAL MISSIONS................................................. 25 Section 4. Credentials Committee.............................. 46
LADIES MINISTRIES............................................... 26 ARTICLE VII............................................................. 46
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS............................. 27 MINISTRY................................................................. 46
URSHAN GRADUATE SCHOOL ........................... 28 Section 1. Christian Ministry License........................ 46
URSHAN COLLEGE................................................. 28 Section 2. Qualifications and Requirements for
FOREWORD.............................................................. 29 Organizational Licenses and Certificate of
ARTICLES OF FAITH.............................................. 31 Ordination.............................................................. 46
PREAMBLE............................................................... 31 Section 3. Local License............................................. 47
FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE................................. 31 Section 4. General License......................................... 48
THE ONE TRUE GOD.............................................. 32 Section 5. Certificate of Ordination............................ 48
THE SON OF GOD.................................................... 32 Section 6. Validity of Licenses and Certificate of
THE NAME................................................................ 33 Ordination.............................................................. 49
CREATION OF MAN AND HIS FALL................... 33 Section 7. Obligations and Rules................................ 49
ATONEMENT............................................................ 33 Section 8. Marriage and Divorce—Innocent Party.... 53
REPENTANCE.......................................................... 33 Section 9. Immoral Conduct....................................... 54
WATER BAPTISM.................................................... 33 Section 10. Moral Obligations.................................... 55
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.................. 34 ARTICLE VIII............................................................ 55
DIVINE HEALING.................................................... 34 DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS............................... 55
SACRAMENT OR COMMUNION........................... 35 Section 1. Name.......................................................... 55
FOOTWASHING....................................................... 35 Section 2. Purpose...................................................... 55
HOLINESS................................................................. 35 Section 3. The Officers shall be as follows: .............. 55
THE GRACE OF GOD.............................................. 36 Section 4. The Officers shall be selected as follows:.55
RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS............................ 36 Section 5. Divisional Structure................................... 56
CONSCIENTIOUS SCRUPLES................................ 36 Section 6. Qualifications of Officers.......................... 56
SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC....................................... 37 Section 7. Duties of Officers...................................... 56
TRANSLATION OF SAINTS................................... 37 Section 8. Board of Publication.................................. 57
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE................................... 37 Section 9. Executive Publications Committee............ 57
TITHING.................................................................... 37 Section 10. Curriculum Advisory Committee............ 57
SECOND COMING OF JESUS................................. 37 Section 11. Editorial Department............................... 58
THE MILLENNIUM.................................................. 37 Section 12. Pentecostal Publishing House.................. 58
FINAL JUDGMENT.................................................. 38 ARTICLE IX.............................................................. 58
PUBLIC SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.............................. 38 OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND ENDORSEMENT .58
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS.......................................... 38 Section 1. Overview. ................................................. 58
GENERAL CONSTITUTION................................... 39 Section 2. Structure and Offices................................. 59

Section 3. Procedures for Endorsement...................... 60 Section 2. Mission Statement..................................... 88
Section 4. Continued Responsibilities of an Endorsed Section 3. The Officers............................................... 88
Ministry or Entity. ................................................ 60 Section 4. The Officers shall be selected as follows:.88
Section 5. Categories of Endorsed Ministries and Section 5. Qualifications............................................. 88
Policies Associated with them.............................. 60 Section 6. Duties of Officers...................................... 89
Section 6. Finances. ................................................... 61 Section 7. Committees................................................ 89
ARTICLE X................................................................ 61 Section 8. Ministries of the General Youth Division..90
MISSIONS CONCEPT............................................... 61 Section 9. Organization of District Youth
Section 1. Definition................................................... 61 Department............................................................ 90
Section 2. World Missions Plan................................. 61 Section 10. Suggested Form of Local Youth
ARTICLE XI.............................................................. 61 Department............................................................ 91
GLOBAL MISSIONS POLICY................................. 61 Section 11. Finance..................................................... 92
Section 1. Global Missions Policy.............................. 61 Section 12. Sheaves for Christ.................................... 92
Section 2. Global Missions Board.............................. 62 ARTICLE XIV........................................................... 94
Section 3. Qualifications and Appointment................ 63 SUNDAY SCHOOL DIVISION................................ 94
Section 4. General Director of Global Missions........ 64 Section 1. Name.......................................................... 94
Section 5. Secretary of Global Missions.................... 64 Section 2. Purpose...................................................... 94
Section 6. Director of Education and Associates in Section 3. The Officers shall be as follows:............... 94
Missions................................................................. 64 Section 4. The Officers shall be selected as follows:.94
Section 7. Director of Promotions.............................. 65 Section 5. Qualifications............................................. 94
Section 8. Regional Directors..................................... 65 Section 6. Duties of Officers...................................... 94
Section 9. Global Missions Candidates...................... 66 Section 7. Boards and Committees............................. 95
Section 10. Licenses and Credentials......................... 67 Section 8. Ministries of the General
Section 11. Global Missions Support......................... 67 Sunday School Division........................................ 95
Section 12. Global Missions Promotion..................... 69 Section 9. The General Sunday School Division shall
Section 13. Global Missions Property........................ 69 be funded through the following sources:............. 96
Section 14. Global Missions Fellowship.................... 70 Section 10. District Organization............................... 97
Section 15. Global Missions Service.......................... 70 ARTICLE: XV............................................................ 99
Section 16. Global Missions Recommendations or LADIES MINISTRIES POLICY............................... 99
Complaints............................................................. 71 Section 1. Name.......................................................... 99
Section 17. Field Organization................................... 71 Section 2. Purpose...................................................... 99
Section 18. Global Missions Schools......................... 71 Section 3. Officers...................................................... 99
Section 19. Adoption of Children............................... 71 Section 4. Qualifications............................................. 99
Section 20. Global Missions Evangelism................... 71 Section 5. Duties of General President....................... 99
Section 21. Global Missions Agreement.................... 72 Section 6. Duties of General Secretary...................... 99
ARTICLE XII............................................................. 73 Section 7. Organization of District Ladies Ministries
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS POLICY............. 73 Department............................................................ 99
Section 1. Name.......................................................... 73 Section 8. Financial Policy....................................... 100
Section 2. Purpose...................................................... 73 Section 9. Safeguard of Funds.................................. 101
Section 3. Qualifications............................................. 73 ARTICLE XVI......................................................... 101
Section 4. General Organization and Government..... 73 APOSTOLIC MAN POLICY................................... 101
Section 5. General North American Missions Section 1. Name........................................................ 101
Director.................................................................. 74 Section 2. Purpose.................................................... 101
Section 6. General North American Missions Section 3. Officers.................................................... 101
Secretary................................................................ 74 Section 4. Qualifications........................................... 101
Section 7. General North American Missions Section 5. Duties of President shall be as follows:..101
Promotions Director.............................................. 74 Section 6. Duties of Vice President shall be
Section 8. Regional North American Missions as follows............................................................. 102
Directors................................................................ 75 Section 7. Duties of Secretary shall be as follows... 102
Section 9. General North American Missions Section 8. Organization of District Men’s
Board..................................................................... 75 Ministries............................................................. 102
Section 10. General North American Missions Section 9. Finances................................................... 102
Executive Committee............................................ 75 Section 10. Safeguard of Funds................................ 102
Section 11. General North American Missions ARTICLE XVII........................................................ 103
Administrative Committee.................................... 75 DISTRICTS.............................................................. 103
Section 12. District Organization and Government.... 76 Section 1. Formation of New Districts..................... 103
Section 13. Finances................................................... 78 Section 2. Consolidation of Districts........................ 104
Section 14. Metro Evangelism.................................... 78 Section 3. The District Constitution......................... 104
Section 15. Christmas for Christ................................ 81 Section 4. Sections of the District............................ 104
Section 16. Regulations Governing Investment of ARTICLE XVIII....................................................... 105
Funds for Property................................................. 83 LOCAL ASSEMBLIES ........................................... 105
Section 17. Definition of a North American Missions Section 1. Affiliation................................................ 105
Work...................................................................... 84 Section 2. Local Church Government...................... 106
Section 18. Evangelism Commission......................... 84 Section 3. Services.................................................... 107
Section 19. Prison Ministry........................................ 86 Section 4. Identification............................................ 107
ARTICLE XIII............................................................ 88 ARTICLE XIX......................................................... 107
YOUTH DIVISION.................................................... 88 AMENDMENTS...................................................... 107
Section 1. Name.......................................................... 88 Section 1. ................................................................. 107

Section 2. ................................................................. 107 Section 1. Appointment............................................ 124
DISTRICT CONSTITUTION............................... 108 Section 2. Qualification............................................ 125
PREAMBLE............................................................. 108 Section 3. Duties....................................................... 125
PURPOSE................................................................. 108 ARTICLE III............................................................. 125
ARTICLE I............................................................... 108 APPEAL FROM DISTRICT BOARD ACTION..... 125
DISTRICT OFFICERS............................................. 108 Section 1. District Board Action.............................. 125
Section 1. Names of Officers.................................... 108 Section 2. District Board Procedure......................... 125
Section 2. District Board.......................................... 108 Section 3. Appeal...................................................... 126
Section 3. Qualifications........................................... 108 ARTICLE IV............................................................ 126
Section 4. Voting Constituency................................ 108 RESOLUTION OF A GRIEVANCE....................... 126
Section 5. Representation......................................... 109 Section 1. Meeting Together.................................... 126
Section 6. Objections to Nominees.......................... 109 Section 2. Arbitration Panel...................................... 126
Section 7. Method of Election.................................. 109 Section 3. Appeal of Decision.................................. 127
Section 8. Term of Office......................................... 110 Section 4. ................................................................. 127
Section 9. Death, Resignation, and Removal........... 110 ARTICLE V.............................................................. 127
ARTICLE II.............................................................. 110 INVESTIGATION OF A COMPLAINT................. 127
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS, AND...... 110 Section 1. ................................................................. 127
RULES APPERTAINING THERETO.................... 110 Section 2. ................................................................. 127
Section 1. District Superintendent Section 3. ................................................................. 127
(General Presbyter)............................................. 110 Section 4. ................................................................. 127
Section 2. District Presbyters.................................... 111 Section 5. ................................................................. 127
Section 3. District Secretary-Treasurer.................... 111 Section 6. ................................................................. 128
Section 4. District Board.......................................... 112 Section 7. ................................................................. 128
Section 5. Safeguard of Funds.................................. 112 Section 8. ................................................................. 128
ARTICLE III............................................................. 112 ARTICLE VI............................................................ 128
DISTRICT CONFERENCE..................................... 112 HEARING................................................................. 128
Section 1. Resolutions.............................................. 112 Section 1. Purpose.................................................... 128
Section 2. Rules of Order......................................... 113 Section 2. Notice....................................................... 128
LOCAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT................... 116 Section 3. Procedure................................................. 129
PREAMBLE............................................................. 116 Section 4. Disposition............................................... 130
PURPOSE................................................................. 116 ARTICLE VII........................................................... 131
ARTICLE I............................................................... 116 NOTICE OF TRIAL................................................. 131
THE ASSEMBLY.................................................... 116 Section 1. ................................................................. 131
Section 1. The Name................................................ 116 Section 2. ................................................................. 131
Section 2. The Purpose............................................. 116 Section 3. ................................................................. 131
ARTICLE II.............................................................. 116 Section 4. ................................................................. 131
MEMBERSHIP........................................................ 116 Section 5. ................................................................. 131
Section 1. Eligibility................................................. 116 Section 6. Counselors............................................... 132
Section 2. Obligations............................................... 116 Section 7. ................................................................. 132
Section 3. Admission................................................ 117 ARTICLE VIII.......................................................... 132
Section 4. Church Discipline.................................... 117 SELECTION OF THE JURY................................... 132
ARTICLE III............................................................. 117 Section 1. ................................................................. 132
OFFICERS................................................................ 117 Section 2. ................................................................. 132
Section 1. Names of Officers.................................... 117 Section 3. ................................................................. 132
Section 2. Eligibility................................................. 117 Section 4. ................................................................. 132
Section 3. Pastor....................................................... 118 Section 5. ................................................................. 132
Section 4. Assistant Pastor........................................ 119 Section 6. ................................................................. 133
Section 5. Church Board........................................... 119 Section 7. ................................................................. 133
Section 6. Trustees.................................................... 119 Section 8. ................................................................. 133
Section 7. Secretary-Treasurer.................................. 119 ARTICLE IX............................................................ 133
Section 8. Dismissal of Officers............................... 120 THE TRIAL.............................................................. 133
Section 9. Sunday School Superintendent................ 120 Section 1. Attendance............................................... 133
Section 10. Young People’s President...................... 120 Section 2. Order........................................................ 133
ARTICLE IV............................................................ 120 Section 3. Records.................................................... 133
PROPERTY.............................................................. 120 Section 4. Procedure................................................. 134
ARTICLE V.............................................................. 120 Section 5. Deliberation of the Jury........................... 134
BUSINESS MEETINGS.......................................... 120 Section 6. Verdict..................................................... 135
ARTICLE VI............................................................ 120 ARTICLE X.............................................................. 136
RECORD OF ADOPTION....................................... 120 APPEALS................................................................. 136
JUDICIAL PROCEDURE..................................... 121 Section 1. District Board Action.............................. 136
INTRODUCTION.................................................... 122 Section 2. A Grievance............................................. 136
ARTICLE I............................................................... 122 Section 3. A Hearing................................................ 136
DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES....................... 122 Section 4. The Verdict of a Trial.............................. 136
Section 1. Terms, Persons, and Committees............ 122 Section 5. A Sentence............................................... 137
Section 2. Type of Actions....................................... 123 Section 6. Notification.............................................. 138
Section 3. General Guidelines.................................. 124 ARTICLE XI............................................................ 138
ARTICLE II.............................................................. 124 GENERAL OFFICERS............................................ 138
REGIONAL PRESIDING OFFICER....................... 124 Section 1. Resolution of a Grievance....................... 138

Section 2. Investigation of a Complaint................... 138 Section 5. Officers.................................................... 154
Section 3. Hearing.................................................... 139 Section 6. Term of Office......................................... 154
Section 4. Trial of a General Officer........................ 139 Section 7. Qualifications........................................... 154
Section 5. Notification.............................................. 140 Section 8. Duties of the Director.............................. 154
ARTICLE XII........................................................... 140 Section 9. Duties of the Administrative Committee .155
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS DISTRICTS..... 140 Section 10. Duties of the Ministry Coordinators...... 155
ARTICLE XIII.......................................................... 140 Section 11. Duties of the District Representatives... 155
GLOBAL MISSIONS AREAS................................ 140 Section 12. Finances................................................. 155
Section 1. Definition and Scope............................... 140 MUSIC MINISTRY POLICY.................................. 156
Section 2. Appeal from Board Action, Grievance, Section 1. Name........................................................ 156
Investigation, Hearing, Charge, Trial, Section 2. Mission and Objectives........................... 156
and Appeal........................................................... 140 Section 3. Committee................................................ 156
POLICIES .............................................................. 141 “NON-COOPERATING MEMBER OF THE
General Board DISTRICT” AND .............................................. 156
January 1992 – Present....................................... 141 PENTECOSTAL HERITAGE SOCIETY POLICY.156
CONTENTS.............................................................. 141 Section 1. Name. ...................................................... 156
ANNUAL REPORT IN THE PENTECOSTAL Section 2. Purpose. .................................................. 156
HERALD ........................................................... 142 Section 3. Officers. .................................................. 157
ASSISTANT PASTOR VOTING REQUIREMENT.142 Section 4. Qualifications. ......................................... 157
BUILDING THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES............... 142 Section 5. Funds........................................................ 157
Section 1. Name........................................................ 142 Policies of the Office of Education and
Section 2. Purpose and Principles............................ 142 Endorsement........................................................ 157
Section 3. Officers.................................................... 143 Section 1. Purpose of the OEE................................. 157
Section 4. Qualifications........................................... 143 Section 2. Function of the OEE................................ 158
Section 5. Duties of the Director.............................. 143 Section 3. Enabling Policies..................................... 158
Section 6. Duties of the Secretary............................ 144 Section 4. Duties of Officers.................................... 159
Section 7. Duties of the BTB Administrative Board Section 5. General Ministries Policies...................... 159
Members.............................................................. 144 Section 6. Higher Education Policies....................... 160
Section 8. Duties of the District Representatives..... 144 Section 7. Elementary and Secondary Education
Section 9. Duties of BTB Liaisons to Other Divisions Policies................................................................ 160
and Ministries...................................................... 144 Section 8. Military Chaplaincy Policies................... 160
Section 10. Organization of District Directors......... 145 Section 9. Clinical Chaplaincy Policies.................... 162
Section 11. Finances................................................. 145 Section 10. Ministry Training Policies..................... 163
Section 12. Safeguarding of Funds........................... 145 PLATFORM POLICY AND GUIDELINES........... 163
COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL POLICY........... 145 PREACHING POINTS............................................. 164
COMPLAINT OR CHARGE UNDER JUDICIAL PROCEDURE FOR MINISTER RESIGNATIONS.164
PROCEDURE..................................................... 146 QUALIFYING OFFICES FOR VOTING............... 165
CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY..................... 146 RACIAL AND ETHNIC AFFIRMATION.............. 165
Section 1. Policy and Objective................................ 146 SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRY.................. 165
Section 2. Annual Review........................................ 146 Section 1. Name........................................................ 165
Section 3. Avoiding and Reporting Conflicts Section 2. Purpose and Principles............................ 165
of Interest............................................................. 147 Section 3. Officers.................................................... 165
Section 4. Definitions................................................ 147 Section 4. Qualifications........................................... 166
DAUGHTER CHURCHES...................................... 148 Section 5. Duties of the Director.............................. 166
DAY OF PRAYER................................................... 148 Section 6. Duties of the Secretary............................ 167
DIVISIONS IN DEFICIT BUDGETING................ 148 Section 7. Duties of the SEM Administrative
DUAL MEMBERSHIP............................................ 148 Committee........................................................... 167
ELECTION OF LADIES MINISTRIES DISTRICT Section 8. Duties of the District Representatives
OFFICERS.......................................................... 149 Committee........................................................... 167
FAMILY MINISTRIES COUNCIL POLICY......... 149 Section 9. Duties of SEM Liaisons to Other Divisions
FORMATION OF NEW DISTRICTS..................... 149 and Ministries...................................................... 167
FUNDING PLANS FOR NEW PROGRAMS......... 151 Section 10. Organization of District Spanish
EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS SEEKING Ministry............................................................... 168
ENDORSEMENT............................................... 151 Section 11. Finances................................................. 168
HONORING OUR MINISTERS FLAG Section 12. Safeguarding of Funds........................... 168
CEREMONY....................................................... 152 THE STEWARDSHIP GROUP............................... 168
IMPLEMENTATION OF DISABLED MINISTER’S Section 1. Department Structure............................... 168
STATUS.............................................................. 152 Section 2. Name........................................................ 168
IMPLEMENTATION OF TERM LIMITS.............. 152 Section 3. Purpose.................................................... 169
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY Section 4. Director of Stewardship........................... 169
RECOMMENDATION....................................... 152 Section 5. Duties of Director.................................... 169
MINISTERIAL CREDENTIAL ACCEPTANCE UPCI MANUAL AND DIRECTORY..................... 169
FROM AFFILIATED UPCI WOMEN IN MINISTRY NETWORK.................... 169
ORGANIZATIONS............................................ 153 Section 1. Name........................................................ 169
MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES......................... 153 Section 2. Mission and Objectives........................... 169
Section 1. Name........................................................ 153 Section 3. Women in Ministry Committee............... 169
Section 2. Purpose and Principles............................ 153 YOUTH MINISTRY PROJECTS AS
Section 3. Structure................................................... 153 SFC ALLOCATION CATEGORY.................... 170
Section 4. MCM Council.......................................... 154 POSITION PAPERS.............................................. 171

ABORTION.............................................................. 172 HOLINESS............................................................... 181
THE BIBLICAL IDEAL OF MARRIAGE AND HOMOSEXUALITY................................................ 186
FAMILY.............................................................. 172 HUMAN LIFE.......................................................... 186
THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF HUMAN JUDICIAL PROCEDURE........................................ 187
SEXUALITY....................................................... 173 MEDIA TECHNOLOGY ........................................ 188
CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS................... 175 RACIAL AND ETHNIC AFFIRMATION.............. 189
CHURCH SCHOOLS............................................... 175 RESTORATION OF MINISTERS.......................... 190
THE COMING OF THE LORD.............................. 176 THE REVISED STANDARD VERSION............... 193
COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET................... 177 SPORTS (ORGANIZED)......................................... 194
ETHICS (MINISTERIAL)....................................... 177 TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION................... 194
GAMBLING............................................................. 178 THE TRUE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST...... 195
GENDER DISTINCTION........................................ 179 UNITY OF ONENESS BELIEVERS...................... 201

BOARD OF
GENERAL PRESBYTERS
GENERAL OFFICIALS
*David K. Bernard..................................................................General Superintendent
*Stan O. Gleason....................................................Assistant General Superintendent
*Paul D. Mooney....................................................Assistant General Superintendent
*Jerry Jones..................................................................... General Secretary‑Treasurer
*Bruce A. Howell........................................................... Director of Global Missions
*Jimmy Toney.................................................Director of North American Missions
*Robin M. Johnston...................................................... Editor in Chief and Publisher
*Steve L. Cannon..................................................... General Sunday School Director
*Michael Ensey.....................................................................General Youth President
GENERAL EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS

*Ronald Ens.................................................................................................Northwest
*Robert Henson..................................................................................... North Central
*David Caruthers................................................................................... South Central
*Scott Graham.......................................................................................Western Zone
*Rodney Pamer............................................................................................. Northeast
*William Singleton....................................................................................... Southeast
*Jonathan Mullings......................................................................................Southwest
*Brent Coltharp....................................................................................... Eastern Zone
*Raymond Woodward......................................................................................Canada
GENERAL PRESBYTERS
Dennis Anderson - AR J. Mark Jordan - OH
G. Terry Brewer - Atlantic Ron Lichtle - MN
Ronald Brown - TN Dan McAllister - NH/VT
Steven Carnahan - Rocky Mt. Richard K. McGriffin - HI
Steve D. Carrington - Texico Arnold MacLauchlan - ON
Brent Coltharp - IL Scott Marshall - KY
Mike Conn - KS Matthew Martin - OK
Kevin Cox - LA Mark Morgan - Western
Jack Cunningham - VA Gordon Parrish - AK/YT
Steven D’Amico - NJ/DE Henry Poitras- Can. Plains
J. Stanley Davidson - AL Myron Powell - NE
Devon D. Dawson - NYM Kevin Prince - TX
Dean Dickinson - NS David D. Puckett - ND
Andrew Dillon - BC John Putnam - WI
Irvin Fields - SD Ronald F. Ramsey - N/CJ
Daniel J. Flemming - IA Stephen P. Spite - NY
Richard Flowers - NTX Jay Stirnemann - MA/RI
Jesus B. Fortaleza - Cent. Can. Rick Stoops - ME
Edward Goddard - SC Robert Stroup - IN
Scott Graham - MO David D. Tipton - MS
Percel T. Graves - OR Jerry Tipton - PA
Ken Gurley - STX Jimmy Toney - QC
John W. Hanson - CT G. David Trammell - MI
Arthur Hodges III - SO CAL Marney Turpin - CO
Gary Hogan - AZ C. Patton Williams - FL
Jerry Holt - ID Raymond Woodson Sr. - WA
Wayne Huntley - NC Chester Wright - MD/DC
Darrell W. Johns - GA WV, Western MD
*Executive Board Members
(Continued on next page)

BOARD OF
GENERAL PRESBYTERS
(Continued from previous page)
HONORARY GENERAL PRESBYTERS

J. R. Blackshear Carrol D. Kennedy Harry Scism
Ernest Breithaupt Carl Lagow Scotty Teets
B. S. Cole Roger Lewis T. F. Tenney
L. Daniel Garlitz Ralph McIntyre B. J. Thomas
Arless Glass John D. Mean Wayne Trout
John Grant James Merrick G. L. Vittitow
Billy Hale Ron Mullings Ted Wagner
Tommy Hudson Paul Price David O. Walters
M. David Johnson Paul Reynolds R. D. Whalen
James Kelley J. M. Russell
ADMINISTRATION
Billy Babb...................................................................... Chief Administrative Officer
PRESIDING OFFICERS FOR JUDICIAL PROCEDURE

David MacDonald......................................................................................... Northeast
H. E. Wheatly............................................................................................... Southeast
Tommy Hudson...........................................................................................Southwest
Raymond Sirstad..........................................................................................Northwest
Ron Walls.............................................................................................. North Central
Bill Harden............................................................................................. South Central
MINISTERS APPEAL COUNCIL

Terry Pugh.................................................................................................Odessa, TX
J. R. Blackshear.................................................................................. Anchorage, AK
Ron Libby....................................................................................... Germantown, MD
Ron Guidroz..........................................................................................Galveston, TX
Granville McKenzie.................................................................................Toronto, ON
MINISTERS RETIREMENT
FUND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
David K. Bernard (ex officio)......................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Jerry Jones (ex officio)................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
B. J. Thomas, Chairman......................................................................Fort Smith, AR
Aubrey Jayroe, Secretary...................................................................Forrest City, AR
R. G. Walls.................................................................................................Marion, IL
John Larson.............................................................................................Stockton, CA
Tom Spall.............................................................................................Livingston, TX
Rob Rodenbush...................................................................................Indianapolis, IN
Dorsey Burk......................................................................................... Florissant, MO
Matthew Johnson............................................................................... St. Charles, MO
11

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
CHURCH ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Executive Assistant
Errin Bryant.................................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
BUILDING THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES

(Evangelism to African American Community)
Kenneth Stewart.............................................................................................. Director
Dave Henry................................................................................................... Secretary
Thomas Durrance................................................................SW Regional Coordinator
Tesfaye Stewart....................................................................SC Regional Coordinator
Daniel Davy.........................................................................SE Regional Coordinator
Mike Mitchell..................................................................... NE Regional Coordinator
Melvin Gray........................................................................ NC Regional Coordinator
Trevor Neil.........................................................................NW Regional Coordinator
Althea Stewart.............................................................. Ladies Ministries Coordinator
Rick Sylvester...................................................... North American Missions Director
Lauren Crutchfield...........................................................Sunday School Coordinator
Dorion Norton................................................................................ Youth Coordinator
Wilbert Blandon........................................................................... WNOP Coordinator
Dexter Gordan..........................................................Media & Promotion Coordinator
David Tipton........................................................................... General Board Advisor
BUILDING THE BRIDGE ADVISORY COUNCIL

Michael Easter............................................................................. Newport News, VA
Raymond Watson............................................................................. New Orleans, LA
Alonzo Terry....................................................................................College Park, GA
Lincoln Graham Sr............................................................................... Westbury, NY
CHURCH GROWTH MINISTRY

Tom Foster.................................................................................................... Director
Greg Godwin................................................................................................. Secretary
Todd Johnson......................................................................SW Regional Coordinator
Mike Watts...........................................................................SC Regional Coordinator
J.R. Arango..........................................................................SE Regional Coordinator
............................................................................................ NE Regional Coordinator
Gary Randol........................................................................ NC Regional Coordinator
Jason McLaughlin..............................................................NW Regional Coordinator
Jack Cunningham...............................................................................Pastoral Advisor
Mark Foster........................................................................................Pastoral Advisor
Mark Hattabaugh...............................................................................Pastoral Advisor
Art Hodges.........................................................................................Pastoral Advisor
Granville McKenzie...........................................................................Pastoral Advisor
12

MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES
Don Hanscom..................................................... Director of Multicultural Ministries
Brocc Chavis..........................................................................................Director-Elect
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

Jeffery Chavis...................................................... Executive Assistant to the Director
Gordon Mallory..................................................... Northwest Region Representative
Robert Bibb............................................................ Southwest Region Representative
Randall Sholund................................................South Central Region Representative
Arthur Wilson...................................................North Central Region Representative
Donald Hanscom II................................................. Southeast Region Representative
Jerald Staten............................................................ Northeast Region Representative
Jeremy Hanscom...................................................................Canadian Representative
Edwin Forkpa...................African Immigrants Evangelism Ministry (R.A.I.N.) Coordinator

Brocc Chavis......................... All Nations Sunday Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Don Hanscom..........................Amish-Mennonite Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Jacob Hostetler.....Amish-Mennonite Evangelism Ministry Assistant to the Director
Kam Kap................................................. Burmese Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Israel Kang............................................... Chinese Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Ernie Murillo................................................. Deaf Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Linda Libby...................................................Deaf Evangelism Ministry Secretary
Jan Epitacio...................... Deaf Evangelism Ministry South West Representative
Lori Sabean.........................Deaf Evangelism Ministry North East Representative
Chad Wicker.......................Deaf Evangelism Ministry South East Representative
Wesley Swanson............Deaf Evangelism Ministry South Central Representative
Darlene Hoffman...........Deaf Evangelism Ministry North Central Representative
Christopher Miller................Deaf Evangelism Ministry Canadian Representative
Bienvenido Terrible..................................Filipino Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Dave Cutar.............................. Filipino Evangelism Ministry Committee Member
Roberto Reyes........................ Filipino Evangelism Ministry Committee Member
Allan Diarios.......................... Filipino Evangelism Ministry Committee Member
Wilfredo Majaducan............... Filipino Evangelism Ministry Committee Member
Jesus Fortaleza.........Filipino Evangelism Ministry Committee Member(Advisor)
Gordon Mallory.......Filipino Evangelism Ministry Committee Member(Advisor)
Dieudonne Kahozi..................................... French Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Don Hanscom.............................................Gypsy Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Timothy Whiseant..................................... Haitian Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Sam Suh.................................................... Korean Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Don Hanscom...............................Middle Eastern Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
David Sagil................................................Ministry of Jewish Relations Coordinator
Jeffery Chavis.Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.) Coordinator
Warren Welch................. Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.)
North West Rep
Melvin Yazzie................ Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.)
South West Rep
Thomas Greely............... Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.)
North East Rep
13

teve Breceda................. Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.)

S
South East Rep
Brent Carter.................... Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.)
Canadian Rep (East)
Albert Thunder............... Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.)
Canadian Rep (West)
Joseph Domingues.............................. Portuguese Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Jesse Pinheiro.................. Portuguese Evangelism Ministry Assistant to the Director
Marshall Xavier................. Refugee and International Student Evangelism Network
(R.I.S.E.N.) Coordinator
William Turner........................................... Slavic Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Donald Hanscom II........................... South Asian Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Tean Nhothsiri.......................... South East Asian Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
John Wolfram ................................... Vietnamese Evangelism Ministry Coordinator
Arthur Wilson...................................................United Nations Ministry Coordinator
SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRIES
Raul Orozco.................................................................................................... Director

Marvin Reyes................................................................................................ Secretary
Juan Acuña..........................................................................SW Regional Coordinator
John Burnett.........................................................................SC Regional Coordinator
Mario Zunzunegui................................................................SE Regional Coordinator
Henry Andrade.................................................................... NE Regional Coordinator
Danny Johnston................................................................... NC Regional Coordinator
Fito Avenia........................................................................NW Regional Coordinator
Misael Marin............................................................. Canadian Regional Coordinator
Sidney Perdue..............................................................Honorary Committee Member
Dan Scott......................................................................Honorary Committee Member
Tere DeLa Rosa........................................................... Ladies Ministries Coordinator
Luis De La Rosa..............................................................Sunday School Coordinator
Joseph Zambrano........................................................................... Youth Coordinator
Minerva Guerrero........................................................................ WNOP Coordinator
Ron Mullings.....................................................................................Pastoral Advisor
14

MUSIC MINISTRY
36 Research Park Court
Weldon Spring, MO 63304
www.upcimusic.com
DIRECTOR
Jeromy Hoffee...................................................................................... Florissant, MO
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Jeromy Hoffee, Chairman.................................................................... Florissant, MO
Laird Sillimon..................................................................................... Alexandria, LA
Andy Ferguson...................................................................................... Gate City, VA
Tim Pedigo......................................................................................... Indianapolis, IN
Joy Norris..................................................................................................Atlanta, GA
David Elms.................................................................................... Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jared Wood......................................................................................Lake Charles, LA
Joe Salamida.................................................................................. Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Aaron Curtis............................................................................................. Jackson, TN
MY HOPE RADIO
(The Internet Radio of the UPCI)

636.229.7900
www.myhoperadio.com
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin Mobile apps
PRODUCER
Tiffini Countaway........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
WOMEN IN MINISTRY NETWORK

COMMITTEE CHAIR
Lois Mitchell..........................................................................................Pensacola, FL
15
2017 Manual sigs.indd 15 11/16/16 10:25 AM

OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND ENDORSEMENT
Daniel Batchelor................... Chairperson of the Education and Endorsement Board
Tony Copple....................................Secretary of Education and Endorsement Board
Daniel Batchelor................................................. Military Chaplain Endorsing Agent
Donald Bryan.........................................Education and Endorsement Board Member
Daniel Butler..........................................Education and Endorsement Board Member
Jesse Fortaleza.......................................Education and Endorsement Board Member
C Patton Williams..................................Education and Endorsement Board Member
Micah Wisdom.......................................Education and Endorsement Board Member
MILITARY CHAPLAINS
Keith Adcock, Army, NG CH (MAJ) ..................................................................... Minden, LA
Kip Averett, RI State Chaplain, CH (CPT)............................................................... Clovis, NM
Terry Bell, Army, CH (CPT)................................................................................Henderson, TN
Anselmo Brillon, Army, CH (CPT)....................................................................... El Cajon, CA
Robert Brott, Army, CH (MAJ)............................................................................. Fort Silk, OK
Mark Coker, Navy, CH (LT)......................................................................... Camp Lejeune, NC
Brian Eastham, Army, CH (CPT)........................................................................Alexandria, VA
Karlton Edison, Air Force Reserves, CH (CPT)....................................................... Clovis, NM
Andrew Edwards, Navy, CH (1LT)................................................................. Gardnerville, NV
Jason Estes, Army Reserves, CH (CPT).................................................................Tacoma, WA
Chris Gueydan, Army NG, CH (1LT).............................................................Prairie Grove, AR
Doug Hogsten, Army, CH (CPT)......................................................................... Fort Hood, TX
Edward Jordan, Air Force, CH (1LT)............................................................. Wichita Falls, TX
Michael Krog, Army, CH (CPT).............................................................................Niceville, FL
Charles Luff, Navy, CH (CDR)................................................................................... Kailua, HI
Pete Martinez, Army, CH (LTC).........................................................................................Korea
Mark Rendon, Army, CH (MAJ)........................................................................... Cameron, NC
Raymond Robinson, Jr, Army, CH (COL)......................................................... Yongsan, Korea
Carlos Ruiz, Army Reserve, CH (CPT)........................................................... Woodbridge, VA
Brandon Stephens, Army Reserve, CH (CPT)........................................................... Herrick, IL
RETIRED MILITARY CHAPLAINS

Michael G. Bennett, Air Force, CH (LTC)...............................................................Seattle, WA
Wilfred Brewster, Jr., Army CH (COL).................................................................... Killeen, TX
Calvin Dixon, Air Force, CH (MAJ)...................................................................... Baytown, TX
Jeffery Hartman, Army CH (LTC)............................................................................. Pooler, GA
Richard Hall, Air Force CH (LTC)........................................................................ Kathleen, GA
Raymond Hawkins, Air Force, CH (MAJ)...............................................................Dunedin, FL
George Hernandez, Navy, CH (LCMD).................................................................. Houston, TX
Roderick Jackson, Army, Aux Chaplain................................................................ Leesville, LA
John J. Penney, Army, CH (LTC)...........................................................................Madison, AL
Otto Schnarr, Army, CH (COL).........................................................................Hazelwood, MO
James R. Snyder II, Army, CH (LTC)..................................................................Knoxville, TN
Gerald Truman, CH (MAJ).................................................................................. Florissant, MO
16

HIGHER EDUCATION
URSHAN GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
and
URSHAN COLLEGE
700 Howdershell Rd.
Florissant, MO 63042‑0040
314.921.9290
www.ugst.edu
www.urshancollege.org
APOSTOLIC BIBLE INSTITUTE INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE

6944 Hudson Blvd. 1502 E Sumner Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55128‑7020 Indianapolis, IN 46227‑3291
Phone: 651.739.7686 Phone: 317.554.8069
Fax: 651.730.8669 Fax: 317.783.9464
www.apostolic.org www.indianabiblecollege.org
CENTRO TEOLOGICO MINISTERIAL NORTHEAST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

South Texas District UPC 128 River Street
903 Heathfield Dr. PO Box 22017
Channelview, TX 77530‑2320 Fredericton, NB E3A 5T6
Phone: 281.992.4538 CANADA
Fax: 209.476.7868 Phone: 506.453.1590
www.centroteologico.net Fax: 506.453.1596
www.northeastchristiancollege.com
CHRISTIAN LIFE COLLEGE
9023 West Ln. TEXAS BIBLE COLLEGE
Stockton, CA 95210‑1401 3900 College Dr.
Phone: 209.476.7840 Lufkin, TX 75901‑7360
Fax: 209.476.7868 Phone: 936.633.7799
www.clc.edu Fax: 939.699.2600
www.tbcnow.com

17

GENERAL MINISTRY
COMPASSION SERVICES OCCUPATIONAL CHAPLAINS
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
3333‑1 Rue Royale Street 264 South Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Saint Charles, MO 63301-8237 Tupelo, MS 38804-5022
Phone: 636.724.0328 Phone: 870-814-0901
www.compassionservices.org www.ocachaplains.com
LIFE IN FOCUS EDUCATION REACH OUT AMERICA,

5021 Curtis Clark Drive INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Corpus Christi, TX 78411-4730 12300 North Freeway
Phone: 361.331.3154 Greenspoint Mall, Suite 309
Fax and Answering Machine: Houston, TX 77060
361.992.7494 Dallas Phone: 214-770-0001
www.lifeinfocus.org Houston Phone: 281-857-1234
www.reachoutamerica.org
LIGHTHOUSE RANCH FOR BOYS
PO Box 238 SPIRIT OF FREEDOM MINISTRIES
Loranger, LA 70446‑0238 PO Box 6648
(Street Address) Metairie, LA 70009‑6648
5143 Hwy. 443 Phone: 800.535.6011
Loranger, LA 70446 www.sofm.org
Phone: 985.878.6560
www.lighthouseranch.com THE JESUS MESSAGE
2062 Hyacinth Road
NEW BEGINNINGS Highlands Ranch, CO 80129-5442
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S & Phone: 303.683.8855
FAMILY SERVICES www.TheJesusMessage.com
2164 Southridge Dr.
Tupelo, MS 38801.6417 TUPELO CHILDREN’S MANSION
Phone: 662.842.6752 PO Box 167
www.NewBeginningsAdoptions.org Tupelo, MS 38802‑0167
(Street Address)
1801 E. Main St.
Tupelo, MS 38802‑0167
Phone: 662.842.6982
Fax: 662.791.7715
www.mansionkids.org
MINISTRY TRAINING
CHRISTIAN SERVICE PURPOSE INSTITUTE
TRAINING INSTITUTE PO Box 6433
395 D Street, Canton, OH 44706-0433
Chula Vista, CA 91910-1740 (Street Address)
Phone: (619) 585-0600 901 Dueber Ave SW
Fax: (619) 585-0319 Canton, OH 44706
www.cstisandiego.com Phone: 800.735.9756
Fax: 330.455.1146
www.purposeinstitute.com
18

PENTECOSTAL HERITAGE SOCIETY

David Fauss, Chairman............................................................................Houston, TX
Robin M. Johnston, (ex officio)...................................................Weldon Spring, MO
James Carney........................................................................................Columbia, MS
Ken Gurley (advisor).............................................................................. Pearland, TX
Richard Flowers..................................................................................... Mesquite, TX
Mark Foster..................................................................................... West Monroe, LA
Timothy Mahoney............................................................................Lake Charles, LA
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF ONENESS PENTECOSTALISM

Robin M. Johnston.......................................................................................... Director
POINTS OF REFUGE
(Independent, Confidential Guidance for Ministers and their Families)

888.707.6820
www.pointsofrefuge.org
COMMITTEE
Ron Libby, Chairman..................................................................... Gaithersburg, MD
Ronald Guidroz.....................................................................................Dickinson, TX
Terry Pugh.................................................................................................Odessa, TX
WORLD NETWORK OF PRAYER

Flo Shaw..............................................................................International Coordinator
Lisa Marshall................................................................. Strategic Prayer Coordinator
www.wnop.org
Email: [email protected]
19

STEWARDSHIP GROUP
Stephen M. Drury, Director.........................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Phone: 636.299.7900
Website: www.upcistewardship
UNITED PENTECOSTAL FOUNDATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David K. Bernard, Chairman.......................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Devon Dawson, Vice Chairman, General Board Member.................Hempstead, NY
Jerry Jones, Secretary-Treasurer..................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Stephen M. Drury, President.......................................................Weldon Spring, MO
David Tipton, Vice President, General Board Member....................... Raymond, MS
David Caruthers, Assistant Secretary, Minister Board Member......San Antonio, TX
Amanda L. Flemming, Assistant Treasurer, Professional Board Member..... Ames, IA
Marie Graham, Professional Board Member..................................East Meadow, NY
Arnold MacLauchlan, General Board Member.................................... Belleville, ON
Kevin Prince, General Board Member...................................................... Lufkin, TX
Delano Sherley, Professional Board Member.......................................Hamilton, OH
David Myers, Minister Board Member.................................................Palm Bay, FA
Website: www.unitedpentecostalfoundation.org
UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH LOAN FUND

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David K. Bernard, Chairman.......................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Roger D. Lewis, Vice Chairman...............................................................Mobile, AL
Stephen M. Drury, President.......................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Thomas S. Russell, Secretary.............................................................Little Rock, AR
Lincoln A. Graham, Jr., Treasurer.......................................................St. Albans, NY
J. P. Rose, Director..................................................................................Houston, TX
James E. Carney, Director....................................................................Columbia, MS
Susanna L. Drury, Assistant Secretary........................................Weldon Spring, MO
Duane Goble, Assistant Treasurer...............................................Weldon Spring, MO
Website: www.upciloanfund.org
UNITED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, INCORPORATED

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David K. Bernard, President........................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Jerry Jones, Vice-President..........................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Stephen M. Drury, Secretary-Treasurer......................................Weldon Spring, MO
Sharon Davis, Assistant Secretary...............................................Weldon Spring, MO
Duane Goble, Assistant Treasurer...............................................Weldon Spring, MO
Website: www.unitedinsurancesolutions.org
20

APOSTOLIC MAN
Men’s Ministries
APOSTOLIC MAN PRESIDENT
Michael J. Williams.................................................................................. Apopka, FL
Phone: 321.299.3222
PO Box 727 (32704-0727)
APOSTOLIC MAN VICE PRESIDENT

Jerry L. Dean.................................................................................... Bossier City, LA
Phone: 318.294.0639
2833 Viking Dr. (71111-2127)
APOSTOLIC MAN Website-Apostolicman.com

Email: Apostolicman.com
Phone: 636-229-7968
Webmasters........................................................ Michael J. Williams - Jerry L. Dean
Send all Father’s Day offerings to

your district secretary.
21

DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS
OFFICERS
Robin M. Johnston........................................................ Editor in Chief and Publisher
Lee Ann Alexander............................................................................Associate Editor
P. Daniel Buford................................................................................Associate Editor
Mark Blackburn........................................................Publishing House Administrator
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
Robin M. Johnston............................................................................... Editor in Chief
Lee Ann Alexander............................................................................Associate Editor
P. Daniel Buford................................................................................Associate Editor
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Robin M. Johnston, Chairman.....................................................Weldon Spring, MO
J. Mark Jordan.......................................................................................... Toledo, OH
Sergio Vitanza.......................................................................................... Clayton, NC
Kenneth T. Stewart........................................................................... West Chapel, FL
R. C. Craft..................................................................................................Athens, AL
Daniel L. Segraves................................................................................St. Peters, MO
Raymond Woodward......................................................................... Fredericton, NB
Mark Blackburn...........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
EXECUTIVE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Robin M. Johnston, Chairman.....................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Lee Ann Alexander......................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Mark Blackburn...........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
P. Daniel Buford..........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Jerry Jones....................................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
PENTECOSTAL PUBLISHING HOUSE DEPARTMENT

Weldon Spring, Missouri 63304-5616
Owned and operated by the
WORD AFLAME® PRESS
Publishers of
Books and Tracts
Order your Sunday school literature, Bibles, books, tracts, religious music, and
church supplies from the Pentecostal Publishing House.
OFFICERS
Robin M. Johnston........................................................ Editor in Chief and Publisher
Mark Blackburn........................................................Publishing House Administrator
22

GENERAL SUNDAY SCHOOL DIVISION
GENERAL SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Steve L. Cannon...........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
GENERAL SUNDAY SCHOOL SECRETARY

Robbie Knox....................................................................................Madisonville, KY
DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS
Donald Sheerin Jr................................................................................... Kennett, MO
SUNDAY SCHOOL PLANNING COMMITTEE

Steve L. Cannon, Chairman.........................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Donald Sheerin Jr................................................................................... Kennett, MO
Aaron Bounds, Pastoral Advisor......................................................... Zanesville, OH
Tom Foster, Pastoral Advisor.....................................................................Dallas, TX
Micheal Mitchell, Pastoral Advisor.......................................................Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Vitanza, Pastoral Advisor............................................................. Clayton, NC
Greg Kessler.....................................................................................Three Forks, MT
Andy Combs.................................................................................... Casa Grande, AZ
Tremayne Simoneaux................................................................................ Spring, TX
Donald Moore............................................................................................ Laurel, MS
Kent McLaughlin.....................................................................................Oakville, CT
Kevin J. Shaw.................................................................................... Gananoque, ON
David Hutton......................................................................................... Asheboro, NC
CHURCH SCHOOL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

David K. Bernard.........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Steve L. Cannon...........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
SPECIAL MINISTRIES COORDINATORS

Terry Marshall, Junior Bible Quiz Director........................................... Lafayette, IN
Luis De la Rosa, Spanish Evangelism.....................................................Palmetto, FL
Debbie Saiz, Singles Adult Ministry Director............................ Redondo Beach, CA
Brandon Buford, Children’s Ministry Association Director....... Lake St. Louis, MO
Lauren Crutchfield, Building the Bridge Ministries............................ Hinesville, GA
23

GENERAL YOUTH DIVISION
GENERAL YOUTH PRESIDENT
Michael Ensey..............................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
GENERAL YOUTH SECRETARY

Joshua Carson..............................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Justin Reinking............................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
YOUTH PLANNING COMMITTEE

Michael Ensey, Chairman............................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Joshua Carson, Secretary.............................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Justin Reinking, Director of Promotion.......................................Weldon Spring, MO
Shane Graves, Northwest....................................................................... Gresham, OR
David Hamilton, Southwest.......................................................................Odessa, TX
Adam Shaw, North Central....................................................................Hamilton, ON
Andrew Cox, South Central.................................................................Alexandria, LA
Michael Wright, Northeast...............................................................Williamsport, PA
Russell Drake, Southeast........................................................................Anderson, SC
David Hamilton, Youth President of the Year...........................................Odessa, TX
MINISTRY DIRECTORS
Brocc Chavis, Apostolic Youth Corps Director..........................Weldon Spring, MO
Kaleb Saucer, Campus Ministry Intl Director........................................... Center, TX
Nathan Reever, Senior Bible Quiz Director.......................................... Imperial, MO
Kristin Keller, Hyphen Young Adult Ministries Director.................... Lancaster, OH
Johnathan Nazarian, Project 7 School Bible Clubs Director...........San Antonio, TX
SPECIAL MINISTRY COORDINATORS

Joseph Zambrano, Spanish Evangelism Min. Youth Coordinator....New Orleans, LA
Dorion Norton, Building the Bridge Youth Coordinator…........Cambria Heights, NY
24

GLOBAL MISSIONS
GENERAL DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL MISSIONS
Bruce A. Howell..........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
SECRETARY OF GLOBAL MISSIONS

Scotty Slaydon.............................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Bryan D. Abernathy.....................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ASSOCIATES IN MISSIONS

James G. Poitras...........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
GLOBAL MISSIONS BOARD

Bruce A. Howell..........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Scotty Slaydon.............................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Bryan D. Abernathy.....................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
James G. Poitras...........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Mark H. Parker (At Large).......................................................... Oklahoma City, OK
Brian Orffer (Northwest Region)........................................................McCleary, WA
Norman R. Paslay II (Northeast Region)............................................ Cincinnati, OH
Francis Mason (Canada)............................................................................ Surrey, BC
Jimmy Shoemake (Southwest Region)...................................................San Jose, CA
Ron Macey (South Central Region)........................................................Houston, TX
Ron Becton (Southeast Region)............................................... Kingston Springs, TN
Granville McKenzie (North Central Region)..........................................Toronto, ON
Tim Zuniga (At Large).................................................................. Goodlettsville, TN
Harold D. Linder (At Large)....................................................... Winston Salem, NC
Raymond A. Woodward (At Large).................................................. Fredericton, NB
Timothy Pickard (DGMD)..................................................................Claremont, ON
Mike Chuppe (DGMD)........................................................................... Bismark, ND
R. P. Bell (Honorary)............................................................................Longview, TX
Harry E. Scism (Honorary).................................................................. Columbus, OH
John S. Leaman (Honorary)................................................................. Bridgeton, MO
D. D. Davis (Honorary)....................................................................... Levittown, NY
Carl H. Varnell (Honorary)..................................................................Maumelle, AR
Robert K. Rodenbush (Honorary)..................................................... Indianapolis, IN
Lloyd L. Shirley (Honorary)............................................................... Mayflower, AR
Manuel Rogers (Honorary)...................................................................Greendale, WI
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
G Randy Adams................................................................................................. Africa
Lynden G. Shalm.................................................................................................. Asia
David H. Schwarz............................................................ Central America/Caribbean
Michael L. Tuttle......................................................................... Europe/Middle East
Roger D. Buckland............................................................................................Pacific
Darry V. Crossley................................................................................ South America
GLOBAL MISSIONS OFFERINGS

Send all Global Missions offerings to the United Pentecostal Church,
Global Missions, 36 Research Park Court, Weldon Spring, MO 63304.
FAX: 636-939-7553
25

LADIES MINISTRIES
GENERAL LADIES MINISTRIES PRESIDENT
Linda Gleason...................................................................................Oregon City, OR
Phone: 503.656.7554
19440 Westling Drive (97045)
GENERAL LADIES MINISTRIES SECRETARY

Jane Buford..................................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Phone: 636.229.7900/314.276.2559
36 Research Park Court (63304)
PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST/OFFICE CLERK

Hannah Favorite...........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Phone: 636-229-7895
36 Research Park Court (63304)
LADIES MINISTRIES REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Debbie Dean..............................................................................South Central Region
Tabitha Pearce................................................................................. Northwest Region
Ronda Hurst.................................................................................... Southwest Region
Sandra Lear................................................................................North Central Region
Liane Grant...................................................................................... Northeast Region
Donna Linville................................................................................. Southeast Region
LADIES MINISTRIES CONNECTIONS COMMITTEE

Wanda Fielder, Connections Director....................................................... Portage, IN
Jean Carney, Women of Worth Director..............................................Columbia, MS
Adena Pedigo, HOPE Director.......................................................... Indianapolis, IN
Debbie Akers, Ladies Prayer International Director....................... Queen Creek, AZ
Mary Loudermilk, More to Life Director............................................ Florissant, MO
Debbie Sanders, Today’s Christian Girl Director.....................................Kapolei, HI
Denise Wynn, ABLE Director................................................................ Newfield, NJ
REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE
Published Bi-Monthly
Phone: 636-229-7895
Linda Gleason, President/Feature Writer.........................................Oregon City, OR
Melody Reever, Editor........................................................................... Imperial, MO
Rachel Coltharp, Feature Writer................................................................. Aurora, IL
Gayla Foster, Feature Writer.....................................................................Orvilla, TX
Shirley Henson, Feature Writer..................................................................... Flint, MI
Mary Loudermilk, Feature Writer....................................................... Florissant, MO
Cindy Miller, Feature Writer.................................................................Columbus, NJ
Amanda Elms, Feature Writer...................................................................Forney, TX
Ashley Chancellor, Feature Writer....................................................Hazelwood, MO
Julie Long, Feature Writer................................................................... Miramichi, NB
Please submit your Mothers Memorial offering to your district Ladies Ministries
president and/or your district office.
Ladies Ministries Website: ladiesministries.com
Ladies Ministries Books and Products: 636-229-7895
26

NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS
GENERAL DIRECTOR OF NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS
Jimmy Toney...............................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
GENERAL SECRETARY OF NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS

William J. Hobson.......................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Scott Armstrong...........................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

Lorin Bradbury, Northwest........................................................................ Bethel, AK
Troy Fair, Southwest......................................................................... Sacramento, CA
Roy L. Barnhill, Southeast................................................................. Lumberton, NC
James Lumpkin Jr., South Central......................................................Little Rock, AR
Charles Welch, North Central............................................................. Green Bay, WI
Kent W. Elliott, Northeast..................................................................Manchester, CT
Ted Wagner, Canada..........................................................................Whitehorse, YT
Terry Pugh, Pastoral Advisor West...........................................................Odessa, TX
Joseph Fiorino, Honorary.................................................................. Wentzville, MO
Kenneth Mendenhall, Honorary......................................................... South Bend, IN
Robert Fazzalore, Pastoral Advisor East................................................. Keyser, WV
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS MINISTRIES

Michael Rickenbaker, General Chaplain...........Christian Prisoner Fellowship (CPF)
Terry Long, Coordinator................................................................... Church-in-a-Day
Tim Greene, Coordinator..............................................................Evangelist Ministry
Stephen Smith, Coordinator................................................................ Metro Missions
Scott Sistrunk, Coordinator ��Training
CHRISTIAN PRISONER FELLOWSHIP

Michael Rickenbaker, General Chaplain...........................................Jacks Creek, TN
Doug Lethin, Northwest.............................................................................Salem, OR
David Olsen, Northeast..........................................................................Pawtucket, RI
James Barnes, Southwest...........................................................................Odessa, TX
Don Grigsby, South Central................................................................... Madison, TX
Nicholas Robbins, Southeast.................................................................... Saltillo, MS
27

URSHAN GRADUATE SCHOOL
OF THEOLOGY
and
URSHAN COLLEGE
700 Howdershell Road
Florissant, MO 63031-7526
314.921.9290 (UGST)
314.838.8858 (UC)
Websites: www.ugst.edu
www.urshancollege.org
ADMINISTRATION
David K. Bernard, DTh, JD ..........................................................................President
Jennie Russell, MA .............................................................Executive Vice President
Chris Paris, PhD ..................................................................Academic Dean (UGST)
Jared Runck, MTS ................................................................... Academic Dean (UC)
David Reid, MAT.............................................................................Dean of Students
David Norris, PhD ....................................................Director of Christian Ministries
Ann Ahrens, MA, MTS ..................................................................Director of Music
Thomas R. O’Daniel, EdD ............................ Director of Organizational Leadership
P.D. Buford (PhD candidate).......................................... Director of Human Services
............................................................................ Director of Communication Studies
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Janet Trout, DBA, Chair............................................................................. Dover, DE
Stephen T. Willeford, Vice Chair......................................................... St. Louis, MO
Matthew Martin, Secretary........................................................................ Dewar, OK
Daniel Flemming, MS, Treasurer.................................................................Ames, IA
David K. Bernard DTh, JD (ex officio).......................................Weldon Spring, MO
Michael Ensey (ex officio)..........................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Scott Graham (ex officio)..................................................................Hazelwood, MO
Jerry Jones (ex officio)................................................................Weldon Spring, MO
Arnulfo Cedillo, EdD..........................................................................Union City, CA
Brent Coltharp, MA.................................................................................... Aurora, IL
Jesse Fortaleza..................................................................................... Winnipeg, MB
David Ferrell, MA........................................................................ Perth Andover, NB
P. Ted Graves......................................................................................... Gresham, OR
Donnie Huslage................................................................................. Georgetown, TX
Darrell Johns..................................................................................Lithia Springs, GA
Kristin Keller, DWS............................................................................. Lancaster, OH
Robert Martin, MA.......................................................................... Baton Rouge, LA
Mark McCool........................................................................................ Knoxville, TN
Norman Paslay, MTS...................................................................... West Chester, OH
Indira Petoskey, PhD..........................................................................Manchester, CT
Rufus Sanders, PhD.............................................................................. Sandusky, OH
Janice Sjostrand, EdD.............................................................................. Newark, OH
HONORARY MEMBERS
James Beardsley, Evelyn Drury, Stan O. Gleason, Garth Hatheway, J. Mark Jordan,
Rod Pamer, Clifford Readout
28

FOREWORD
I N THE late spring of the year a.d. 30, fifty days after the resurrection of our
Lord, on the Day of Pentecost, while the disciples were in the upper room praying
and worshiping God, “suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing
mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared
unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance.”
The people, upon hearing of this phenomenon, assembled and were amazed. Peter
in explaining said, “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel,” stating fur-
ther that, “the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Approximately thirty-six years later, Jude noticed a falling away, and urged
the people to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints.” Through the centuries that followed, there were only a few who received this
wonderful experience of the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Truly it was a day that was
neither clear nor dark. (See Zechariah 14:6.)
At various intervals throughout the past centuries, the followers of the apostolic
faith and doctrines have become prominent through great revivals that have appeared
in Great Britain, United States, and Canada.
In the days of Tertullian (a.d. 207) Chrysostom (fourth century), Christians of the
thirteenth century, the early Quakers, Wesley, Whitefield and Irving, the gifts and
manifestations of the Apostolic church were much in evidence as the revival spirit
swept over the country.
During the last twenty-one days of the l9th century, a band of earnest, hungry-
hearted ministers and Christian workers in Bethel Bible College, Topeka, Kansas,
called a fast, praying earnestly for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which, to their
joyful surprise, came upon them in the early hours of the morning on January 1, 1901.
The people were heard speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them utter-
ance, just as it had happened on the day of Pentecost in the year a.d. 30. A great revival
immediately broke forth, which soon reached to the state of Texas, and thence west to
Los Angeles, where in the year 1906 it centered in an old building on Azusa Street.
Ministers and evangelists gathered in Los Angeles from every section of the United
States and Canada, and missionaries returned from the foreign fields to learn more about
this new experience. Many who came were soon filled with the Holy Ghost. From here
it spread throughout the whole earth, penetrating even into the heathen darkness of India,
Africa, China, and the isles of the sea, thus fulfilling the great commission of our Lord:
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Word of the Lord became a new book.
Truths which had been hidden for many years were made clear. In the year 1914
came the revelation of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The pivotal doctrines of the
absolute deity of Jesus Christ and the baptism in His name became tenets of faith.
God marvelously confirmed our message as the gospel was preached in its fulness.
The power which was hidden in the name of Jesus began to be revealed. Literally
thousands were rebaptized into the name of Jesus Christ, and multitudes received the
baptism of the Holy Spirit while in the water. Great numbers were healed of incurable
diseases; demons were cast out as in the days of the apostles. In many cities where
this message had gone, the report of the Samaritan revival was duplicated.
29

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom
of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women”
(Acts 8:12).
The number of those who believed the full Pentecostal message grew rapidly,
and soon it was realized that in order to properly reach the world with this great
gospel message, “how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and
that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures”
(I Corinthians 15:3-4) and that God “now commandeth all men everywhere to
repent” (Acts 17:30) “and be baptized . . . in the name of Jesus Christ for the remis-
sion of sins, and . . . receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38), it was necessary
to have a proper basis of cooperation and fellowship.
During the early half of this century, various groups were organized. Among
them two of the major bodies known as The Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ,
Inc., and The Pentecostal Church, Inc., became so closely associated in doctrine and
fellowship that in 1944 steps were taken to unite the two bodies into one organiza-
tion known as the United Pentecostal Church. The purpose of this united body was
to preach the gospel of Christ Jesus; to publish and distribute religious literature; to
establish new churches; to send forth missionaries; to perform any other duties con-
nected with religious work, and to help in any way possible to meet the needs of local
churches. To this end, we now pledge our prayers, our faith, our life and love, our
earthly means of support, and our time, in the fear of God and for His glory alone.
UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL
30

ARTICLES OF FAITH
PREAMBLE
W E believe the Bible to be inspired of God, the infallible Word of God. “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16).
The Bible is the only God-given authority which man possesses; therefore, all
doctrine, faith, hope, and all instruction for the church must be based upon, and har-
monize with, the Bible. It is to be read and studied by all men everywhere, and can
only be clearly understood by those who are anointed by the Holy Spirit (I John 2:27).
“No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came
not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by
the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:20-21).
FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE
The basic and fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be the Bible
standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the
Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives
utterance.
We shall endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit until we all come into the unity
of the faith, at the same time admonishing all brethren that they shall not contend for
their different views to the disunity of the body.
31

32 The One True God 2017 ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE ONE TRUE GOD
We believe in the one ever-living, eternal God: infinite in power, holy in nature,
attributes and purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. This one true
God has revealed Himself as Father; through His Son, in redemption; and as the
Holy Spirit, by emanation (I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; II Corinthians 5:19;
Joel 2:28).
The Scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts,
assumes and declares that the knowledge of God is universal (Romans 1:19, 21, 28,
32; 2:15). God is invisible, incorporeal, without parts, without body, and therefore
free from all limitations. He is Spirit (John 4:24), and “a spirit hath not flesh and
bones” (Luke 24:39).
“The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one
Lord” (Mark 12:29). (See also Deuteronomy 6:4.) “One God and Father of all, who
is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6).
Before the incarnation, this one true God manifested Himself in divers ways. In
the incarnation, He manifests Himself in the Son, who walked among men. As He
works in the lives of believers, He manifests Himself as the Holy Spirit.
THE SON OF GOD
The one true God, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, took upon Himself the form
of man, and as the Son of man, was born of the virgin Mary. As Paul says, “And
without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the
world, received up into glory” (I Timothy 3:16).
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). This one
true God was manifest in the flesh, that is, in His Son Jesus Christ. “God was
in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto
them” (II Corinthians 5:19).
We believe that, “in him [Jesus] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily”
(Colossians 2:9). “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell”
(Colossians 1:19). Therefore, Jesus in His humanity was man; in His deity was and is
God. His flesh was the lamb, or the sacrifice of God. He is the only mediator between
God and man. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the
man Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 2:5).
Jesus on His Father’s side was divine, on His mother’s side, human; thus, He was
known as the Son of God and also the Son of man, or the God-man.
“For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put
under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And
when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject
unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” (I Corinthians
15:27-28).
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is,
and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). *
*THE SON OF GOD
See Position Paper entitled “THE TRUE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST” on page 195

2017 ARTICLES OF FAITH Water Baptism 33
THE NAME
God used different titles, such as “God Elohim,” “God Almighty,” “El Shaddai,”
“Jehovah,” and especially “Jehovah Lord,” the redemptive name in the Old
Testament.
“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: . . . and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was
named. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for he
shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
CREATION OF MAN AND HIS FALL
In the beginning, God created man innocent, pure, and holy; but through the sin
of disobedience, Adam and Eve, the first of the human race, fell from their holy state,
and God banished them from Eden. Hence by one man’s disobedience, sin entered
into the world (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23, 5:12).
ATONEMENT
The Lord Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
This divine act of atonement is dependent on the blood of the Lamb of God and is
the foundation that makes salvation possible. For “without the shedding of blood is
no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). “In whom we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). “Unto
him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Revelation 1:5).
Salvation is by grace through faith based on the atonement provided in Jesus Christ
by His death, burial, and resurrection. (See Acts 2:38; 20:28.)
REPENTANCE
Pardon and forgiveness of sins is obtained by genuine repentance, a confessing

and forsaking of sins. We are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
John the Baptist preached repentance, Jesus proclaimed it, and the apostles empha-
sized it to both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 2:38, 11:18, 17:30).
The word repentance means a change of views and purpose, change of heart,
change of mind, change of life, transformation, etc.
Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
Luke 24:47 says, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached
in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
WATER BAPTISM
The scriptural mode of baptism is immersion and is only for those who have fully
repented, having turned from their sins and a love of the world. It should be admin-
istered by a duly authorized minister of the gospel, in obedience to the Word of God,
and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the Acts of the Apostles 2:38,
8:16, 10:48, 19:5; thus obeying and fulfilling Matthew 28:19.

34 The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit 2017 ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, said, “He shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost, and with fire.”
Jesus, in Acts 1:5, said, “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days
hence.”
Luke tells us in Acts 2:4, “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to
speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
The terms “baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire,” “filled with the Holy Spirit,”
and the “gift of the Holy Ghost” are synonymous terms used interchangeably in the
Bible.
It is scriptural to expect all who receive the gift, filling, or baptism of the Holy
Spirit to receive the same physical, initial sign of speaking with other tongues.
The speaking with other tongues, as recorded in Acts 2:4, 10:46, and 19:6, and
the gift of tongues, as explained in I Corinthians, chapters 12 and 14, are the same in
essence, but different in use and purpose.
The Lord, through the Prophet Joel, said, “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh”
(Joel 2:28).
Peter, in explaining this phenomenal experience, said, “Having received of the

Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he [Jesus] hath shed forth this, which ye now
see and hear” (Acts 2:33).
Further, “the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39).
DIVINE HEALING
The first covenant that the Lord (Jehovah) made with the children of Israel
after they were brought out of Egypt was a covenant of healing. The Lord said, “If
thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord [Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that
healeth] thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to
his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon
thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee”
(Exodus 15:26).
Our Lord Jesus Christ went about Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom
and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people (Matthew 4:23-24).
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
The vicarious suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ paid not only for the salva-
tion of our souls but also for the healing of our bodies. “With his stripes we are
healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Matthew 8:17 reads, “Himself took our infirmities, and bare
our sicknesses.” (See also I Peter 2:24.) We see from this that divine healing for the
body is in the atonement.
Jesus said of believers, “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Later, James wrote in his epistle to all the churches: “Is any sick among you? let him

2017 ARTICLES OF FAITH Holiness 35
call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall
raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your
faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual
fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:14-16).
SACRAMENT OR COMMUNION
On the night of our Lord’s betrayal, He ate the Passover supper with His apostles,
after which He instituted the sacrament. “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and
brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this
do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the
new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20).
Paul instructed the church how to observe it (I Corinthians 11:23-34).
Thus was instituted the use of literal bread and the fruit of the vine, which are
partaken of literally, as emblems of His broken body and shed blood. There is also a
spiritual significance and blessing in partaking of the sacrament.
FOOTWASHING
When the Passover supper was ended, we read in John 13:4-5, “He riseth from
supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that
he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them
with the towel wherewith he was girded.”
Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought
to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I
have done to you” (John 13:14-15).
This first example was given by our Lord, and it is a divine institution. It is well
to follow His example and wash one another’s feet; thus manifesting the spirit of
humility.
HOLINESS
Godly living should characterize the life of every child of the Lord, and we should
live according to the pattern and example given in the Word of God. “For the grace
of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this
present world” (Titus 2:11-12). “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ
also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did
no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not
again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth
righteously” (I Peter 2:21-23).
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of

conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the
Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass
the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not
redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation

36 The Grace Of God 2017 ARTICLES OF FAITH
received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:15-19).
We wholeheartedly disapprove of our people indulging in any activities which

are not conducive to good Christianity and godly living, such as theaters, dances,
mixed bathing or swimming, women cutting their hair, make-up, any apparel that
immodestly exposes the body, all worldly sports and amusements, and unwholesome
radio programs and music. Furthermore, because of the display of all these evils on
television, we disapprove of any of our people having television sets in their homes.
We admonish all of our people to refrain from any of these practices in the interest of
spiritual progress and the soon coming of the Lord for His church. *
THE GRACE OF GOD
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12).
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ”
(John 1:17).
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift
of God: not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
A Christian must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21)
and in the grace of God. When a person transgresses and sins against God and does
not repent, he will eventually be lost and cast into the lake of fire. (See John 15:2, 6;
II Peter 2:20-21.) Jude speaks of the backsliders of his day, and their reward. (See
also Hebrews 6:4-6.)
RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS
We understand the Scripture to teach the “restitution of all things, which God
hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21).
But we cannot find where the devil, his angels, and all sinners are included. (See
Revelation 20:10).
CONSCIENTIOUS SCRUPLES
Mankind is God’s earthly image bearer as stated in Genesis 1:27: “So God cre-
ated man in his own image, in the image of God created he him.” As reflectors of this
divine image, human life has been invested with the highest level of intrinsic value.
The whole idea of the taking of human life is complicated with a wide variety of
complexities. (See Exodus 20:13; Genesis 4:8-10; Numbers 35:6,12.) We recognize
the deep and difficult deliberation required in these decisions. We therefore support
our members in prayerfully and scripturally exploring their individual responsibil-
ity to God in these matters. We therefore honor the right of our members to serve
as conscientious objectors and not bear arms. We also encourage those who serve
according to their conscience, in any and all capacities, to express courageous loy-
alty to country while serving in appropriate roles working “heartily, as to the Lord”
(Colossians 3:23).
*HOLINESS
See Position Papers entitled “HOLINESS” on page 181 “MEDIA TECHNOLOGY” on page 188

2017 ARTICLES OF FAITH The Millennium 37
SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC.
According to the Word of God, we firmly believe and hold that the people of God
should have no connection whatever with secret societies or any other organization or
body wherein there is a fellowship with unbelievers, bound by an oath (James 5:12;
II Corinthians 6:14-18).
TRANSLATION OF SAINTS
We believe that the time is drawing near when our Lord shall appear; then the
dead in Christ shall arise, and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up with
them to meet our Lord in the air (I Thessalonians 4:13-17; I Corinthians 15:51-54;
Philippians 3:20-21).
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry
another, committeth adultery” (Matthew 19:9). (See also Matthew 5:32.) When this
sin has been committed, the innocent party may be free to remarry only in the Lord.
Our desire being to raise a higher standard for the ministry, we recommend that min-
isters do not marry again. *
Judgment begins at the house of God.
TITHING
We believe tithing is God’s financial plan to provide for His work, and has been
since the days of Abraham. Tithing came with faith under Abraham; Moses’ law
enjoined it, and Israel practiced it when she was right with God; Jesus indorsed it
(Matthew 23:23); and Paul said to lay by in store as God has prospered you. Do not
rob God of His portion, viz., tithes and offerings. (Read Malachi 3.)
SECOND COMING OF JESUS
That Jesus is coming again the second time in person, just as He went away, is
clearly set forth by the Lord Jesus Himself, and was preached and taught in the early
Christian church by the apostles; hence, the children of God today are earnestly,
hopefully, looking forward to the glorious event (Matthew 24; Acts 1:11, 3:19-21;
I Corinthians 11:26; Philippians 3:20-21; I Thessalonians 4:14-17; Titus 2:13-14). *
THE MILLENNIUM
We believe that the distress upon the earth is the “beginning of sorrows” and will
become more intense until there “shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since
there was a nation even to that same time” (Daniel 12:1). (See also Matthew 24:3-8.)
and that period of “tribulation” will be followed by the dawn of a better day on earth
and that for a thousand years there shall be “peace on earth and good will toward
men.” (See Revelation 20:1-5; Isaiah 65:17-25; Matthew 5:5; Daniel 7:27; Micah
4:1-2; Hebrews 2:14; Romans 11:25-27.)
*MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

See Position Paper entitled “THE BIBLICAL IDEAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY” on page 172
*SECOND COMING OF JESUS
See Position Paper entitled “THE COMING OF THE LORD” on page 176

38 Final Judgment 2017 ARTICLES OF FAITH
FINAL JUDGMENT
When the thousand years are finished, there shall be a resurrection of all the dead,
who will be summoned before the great white throne for their final judgment, and all
whose names are not found written in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake of
fire, burning with brimstone, which God hath prepared for the devil and his angels,
Satan himself being cast in first (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:7, 15; 21:8).
PUBLIC SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
We disapprove of school students attending shows, dances, dancing classes,

theaters, engaging in school activities against their religious scruples, and wearing
gymnasium clothes which immodestly expose the body.
We disapprove of school students being forced to take coeducational classes

which involve boys and girls being mixed together in swimming, calisthenics, base-
ball, and other mixed athletics while clothed in ungodly attire which immodestly
exposes the body.
We disapprove of school students being forced to take any classes in which, under
the guise of health classes, sex education is taught coeducationally or films or lectures
are given that promote amoral or unnatural behavior.
We disapprove of school students being forced to be taught by or listen to those

who promote or advocate sexual activity of any kind other than that within the bonds
of the marriage relationship of husband and wife.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
The annual conference is declared to be an international religious holiday for all

members, and all members are urged to attend. Furthermore, since the founding of
the church occurred on the Day of Pentecost, Pentecost Sunday is also a recognized
religious holiday.

GENERAL CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of the United Pentecostal Church International is to carry the whole
gospel to the whole world by the whole church; to establish an effective organized
effort; to encourage the opening and establishing of new works; to evangelize the
world by every means possible; and to produce and maintain a clean ministry and
fellowship.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
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.”
ARTICLE III
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Section 1. Meetings.
1. A regular session of our organization shall be held annually, the same to be
called a General Conference, which is the highest authority in declaration of the
Articles of Faith, and determines the policy and bylaws by which all aspects of
the General Organization shall operate.
Section 2. Date and Place.
1. The date and place for General Conference will be decided by the General
Board.
Section 3. Business Sessions.
1. All sessions shall open with prayer.
The regular order of business shall be as follows:
(a) Meeting called to order by the General Superintendent.
(b) Reading of the minutes of the last General Conference.
(c) Report of the General Superintendent.
(d) Report of the General Secretary-Treasurer.
(1) All reports shall be printed.
(2) Printed reports shall be distributed to ministers and delegates who are
present at conference.
(e) Committee reports.
(f) Unfinished business.
(g) Election of officers.
(h) New business.
(i) Adjournment.
2. All resolutions and amendments to this Constitution, except those affecting
the Articles of Faith, shall first be presented to the Resolutions Committee,
and such committee shall pass upon such resolutions or amendments prior to
the submission thereof to the General Conference. Proper notification will be
given the ministerial constituency by publishing a deadline date and address
for the submission of resolutions. All resolutions that will be presented to the

40 ARTICLE IV Section 1. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
General Conference shall be mailed to all ministers no later than sixty (60)
days prior to the General Conference, with the Resolutions Committee meet-
ing set to accommodate this mailing deadline. A resolution must have the
author’s signature. If the Resolutions Committee shall fail to act upon such
resolution or amendment or shall refuse or fail to report its action thereon to
the General Conference, or if the Resolutions Committee shall have failed to
report favorably on any such resolution or amendment, then by a vote of two-
thirds of those in attendance at the General Conference entitled to vote thereat
may force such resolution or amendment to a vote of the General Conference.
The General Board may submit resolutions to the Resolutions Committee for
consideration while the conference is in session. Resolutions presented by
the General Board, while the conference is in session, will be published and
distributed to the voting constituency in attendance at least twenty-four (24)
hours before being presented to the conference for consideration.
3. All resolutions that remove or change a portion of text from the Manual of
the United Pentecostal Church International must be presented in such a way
that the removed or changed text appears in context, and the removed text is
printed in “strike-through” character text format, added text appears in under-
lined character text format, and unaltered text appears in normal character
text format.
4. All resolutions affecting the Articles of Faith of the United Pentecostal Church
International shall be presented to the Resolutions Committee and the General
Board of said organization before going to the General Conference floor.
Should the majority of the General Board and the majority of the Resolutions
Committee vote to present the resolution to the conference floor, said resolu-
tion shall be properly advertised among the constituents and brought to the next
General Conference for action, thus making it possible for a greater representa-
tion to be there to take part in the voting.
5. All resolutions passed at General Conference affecting the Articles of Faith
shall be taken to every district conference to be voted on, requiring two-thirds
of the district’s voting constituency present for ratification, as well as two-
thirds of the districts ratifying before it can be implemented.
6. All resolutions affecting the method of election, requirements to hold office,
or length of term in office may be passed in any conference, but in an election
conference they may be passed only after the elections are complete.
7. All business meetings in the General Conference shall be conducted according
to and in harmony with Robert’s Rules of Order Revised.
ARTICLE IV
GENERAL OFFICERS
Section 1. Names of Officers.
1. The organization shall have the following general officers: a General
Superintendent, two (2) Assistant General Superintendents, a General Secretary-
Treasurer, a General Director of Global Missions, a General Director of North
American Missions, an Editor in Chief and Publisher, a General Director of
Sunday School, a General Youth President, a General Executive Presbyter for
each region and Canada, and a General Presbyter for each district.
Section 2. Election of Officers.
1. The General Superintendent, the Assistant General Superintendents, the
General Secretary-Treasurer, the General Director of Global Missions, the
General Director of North American Missions, the General Director of Sunday
School, and the General Youth President shall be elected by the General
Conference for a term of two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) consecutive

GENERAL OFFICERS ARTICLE IV Section 4. 41
years. All the above offices shall be full time with the exception of the Assistant
General Superintendents. After any general official has served four (4) con-
secutive terms in an elected office, the official would be required to be elected
by a two-thirds vote to a fifth term and all consecutive terms. In the event the
incumbent does not receive a two-thirds vote on the nominating ballot, a new
nominating ballot would be called for and the incumbent’s name would be
deleted.
2. The General Superintendent and the General Secretary-Treasurer shall be elect-
ed on alternating years. The Division Secretaries shall be elected (or appointed)
concurrent with the General Secretary-Treasurer.
3. The General Executive Presbyters shall be elected for a term of two (2) years.
The General Executive Presbyters shall be elected according to the following
procedure:
(a) The General Presbyters of each region and Canada shall nominate two
(2) candidates from within each region and Canada to be presented to the
General Conference, and the General Executive Presbyters shall be elected
from these nominees by the General Conference.
(b) The General Presbyters shall nominate two (2) District Superintendents from
the Eastern Zone and two (2) District Superintendents from the Western
Zone. The nominees from within each zone shall be presented to the General
Conference. These General Executive Presbyters shall be elected from the
nominees by the General Conference. The term of each office shall be for a
two (2) year period.
(c) The General Executive Presbyter shall not be allowed to serve two (2) con-
secutive full terms with the exceptions of the Canadian Regional Executive
Presbyter who shall be allowed to succeed himself. The name of the
Executive Presbyter for Canada who is elected by the General Conference
shall be forwarded to the Canadian conference to be ratified by the directors
of the United Pentecostal Church of Canada as the National Presbyter of the
United Pentecostal Church of Canada.
(d) In the event that a Regional Executive Presbyter no longer resides in the
region for which he was elected, he may continue to serve until the next
General Conference, at which time his successor shall be elected.
(e) In the event a District Superintendent who is serving as a Regional Execu
tive Presbyter in the Eastern Zone or the Western Zone no longer resides in
the zone for which he was elected or no longer holds the office of a District
Superintendent, he may continue to serve until the next General Conference,
at which time his successor shall be elected.
4. The General Presbyters shall be elected by their respective District Conference
for a term of two (2) years, or until their successors are elected.
Section 3. Qualifications and Restrictions.
1. In order to hold a general office in our organization, the following qualifica-
tions are required: A general officer must be at least thirty (30) years of age,
must conform to the Fundamental Doctrine, must have been a minister in good
standing with us for at least five (5) years, must have been ordained at least one
(1) year prior to election, and must have proven loyal to the organization by
cooperation in the up-building of the work. The only exception to the above is
that the General Youth President does not have to meet the thirty (30) year age
requirement.
2. No person can hold two executive offices at the same time.
Section 4. Voting Constituency.
1. Those who shall be entitled to vote for the election of officers, or upon any pro-
posal, resolution, or any other business that properly comes before the General

42 ARTICLE IV Section 5. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
Conference, shall be accredited ministers in good standing. All accredited min-

isters who vote must be in actual attendance at the General Conference with the
following exceptions:
(a) Global Missions shall prepare and send to each authorized missionary on
the foreign field a ballot for the missionary to list his or her preference for
each office to be filled at the General Conference.
(b) Said ballot is to be enclosed in a sealed envelope and mailed to the
Tabulating Committee of the General Conference in care of the General
Secretary.
(c) Said ballot is to be opened only by the Tabulating Committee, and the
names submitted are to be used in the election of each officer as long as that
name is before the conference.
2. Any and all accredited national ministers under the auspices of Global Missions
shall be welcome to be a part of our General Conferences and shall be granted
the same privileges as all accredited ministers with the exception of voting.
Section 5. Method of Election.
1. All voting for officers shall be by secret ballot.
2. The presiding officer shall appoint a committee of not less than three (3) mem-
bers who shall act as a Tabulating Committee, which committee shall collect
the votes after the first ballot, which shall be known as the nominating ballot,
and return the names of the three (3) persons receiving the highest number of
votes to the presiding officer unless one person should receive at least a two-
thirds (2/3) majority of the votes on the nominating ballot, in which event the
presiding officer shall declare an election. In the event that the one receiving
the two-thirds (2/3) majority declines to serve, a new nominating ballot shall
be taken. Each officer shall be voted upon separately in the order mentioned in
Article IV, Section 1 hereof.
3. In the event that no candidate receives a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote on the
nominating ballot, the presiding officer shall present the names of the three (3)
persons receiving the highest number of votes for that particular office, together
with the number of votes received by each. The General Conference shall there-
upon vote upon these three (3) persons, and such vote shall be termed “electoral
ballot.” Any one of these persons receiving a simple majority of the votes cast on
such ballot shall be deemed elected to the particular office involved.
4. If no such candidate shall receive a simple majority of such votes cast on the
first electoral ballot, the names of the two (2) persons receiving the highest
number of votes shall be returned to the presiding officer and another ballot
taken on those two (2) names. The balloting shall continue until a simple major-
ity is obtained by one of these two (2) candidates.
5. In the event that three (3) names are presented on the first electoral ballot and
one name is withdrawn leaving two (2) names on the ballot, voters shall be
permitted to write “NO” on their ballots. If the majority of votes cast shall be
“NO” votes, a new nominating ballot must be taken. This shall apply only to
the first electoral ballot.
Section 6. Objections to Nominees.
1. If there is any objection to any nominee, a request may be made to the chair
that the same be referred to a Qualifying Committee. No details of the objec-
tion or questions shall be discussed from the floor. The Qualifying Committee
may determine a nominee’s qualifications only according to that specified in
the Manual under the qualifications given for the office under consideration.
2. The Qualifying Committee Chair shall be appointed by the officer presiding
at the time of the objection to the nominee. The committee shall consist of
at least three (3) members, but not more than five (5), including the chair of

RIGHTS AND DUTIES ARTICLE V Section 2. 43
the committee. The Conference Chair shall, prior to the conference, prepare
a list of potential members for the Qualifying Committee. This list shall be
composed from the current voting membership. The presiding officer shall
select from this list in the event this committee is needed.
Section 7. Expiration of Office.
1. The term of office for all officials elected by the General Conference and all
officials appointed by the General Board or the Executive Board shall expire
on or before January 1 following the election or appointment of their respective
successors.
Section 8. Vacancies.
1. If a vacancy occurs by the death, resignation, or removal of the General
Superintendent, the General Secretary shall be authorized to call a special
session of the Board of General Presbyters who will appoint a replacement to
serve until the next General Conference. If there remains a year unexpired in
the term of the former General Superintendent, the General Conference shall
elect a General Superintendent to serve for that year.
2. In the event a vacancy shall occur in any other office, the Board of General
Presbyters shall fill such vacancy only until the next General Conference.
If there remains a year unexpired in the term of said office, the General
Conference shall elect a replacement to serve for that year.
ARTICLE V
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF GENERAL OFFICERS
AND RULES APPERTAINING THERETO
Section 1. General Superintendent.
1. The duties of the General Superintendent shall be as follows:
(a) To preside at all General Conferences.
(b) To call General Board meetings.
(c) To preside at all sessions of the General Board.
(d) To appoint all committees pertaining to the general work.
(e) To sign every credential, license, fellowship card, and church certificate.
(f) To be overseer of all general work in cooperation with the General Board.
(g) To attend all annual district conferences or in the event that he cannot
attend, to delegate another general official to represent him.
(h) To withhold the issuance of license, credential, or fellowship card when he
has reason to believe the applicant may be in question. The application is to
be referred back to the District Board or to the Credentials Committee.
(i) To be General Overseer and General Manager of all divisions.
2. The General Superintendent shall act as President of the Corporation in all
legal matters.
(a) He shall be authorized to sign all official and legal documents, deeds, and
mortgages.
(b) He shall act as a trustee of all corporation property.
Section 2. Assistant General Superintendents.
1. There shall be two (2) Assistant General Superintendents, each with equal status.
2. One Assistant General Superintendent shall reside in the Eastern Zone, one
in the Western Zone. The Eastern Zone shall consist of all districts east of
the Mississippi River in the United States of America and the Province of
Saskatchewan in Canada; the Western Zone shall consist of all districts west
of the Mississippi River in the United States of America and the Province of
Manitoba in Canada.
3. The duties of the Assistant General Superintendents shall be as follows:

44 ARTICLE V Section 3. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
(a) To work under the supervision of the General Superintendent.

(b) To represent the General Organization at the various district conferences in
the absence of the General Superintendent.
(c) To perform such other duties as the work of the organization demands under
the direction of the General Superintendent.
4. The General Superintendent shall be authorized at all times to delegate either
Assistant General Superintendent to serve anywhere.
Section 3. General Secretary-Treasurer.
1. The duties of the General Secretary shall be as follows:
(a) To take minutes and to preserve records of business proceedings and all
other papers belonging to the organization.
(b) To direct the business of his department under the direction of the Executive
Board.
(c) To withhold the issuance of license, credential, or fellowship card when he
has reason to believe applicant may be in question. The application is to be
referred back to the District Board or to the Credentials Committee.
(d) To sign every credential, license, fellowship card, and church membership
certificate.
(e) To represent the General Organization at the various district confer-
ences in the absence of the General Superintendent or an Assistant General
Superintendent.
2. The General Secretary shall be authorized to sign all official and legal docu-
ments, deeds, and mortgages.
(a) He shall act as a trustee of all corporation property.
3. The duties of the General Treasurer shall be as follows:
(a) To receive and care for all general funds of the organization and to make all
disbursements; to keep an accurate record of all such transactions; to hold
the books open for inspection by officers or members of the organization;
to make a report at each General Conference.
(b) To have the books of the General Treasurer audited once each year by a
qualified public accountant and finally passed upon by the General Board.
Section 4. General Executive Presbyters.
1. The duties of the General Executive Presbyters shall be as follows:
(a) To work under the supervision of the General Superintendent.
(b) To be a member of, and attend, all regular and specially called meetings of
the Board of General Presbyters.
(c) To be a member of, and attend, all regular and specially called meetings of
the Executive Board.
(d) To represent the General Organization at the various District Conferences
in the absence of the General Superintendent or the Assistant General
Superintendent.
(e) To perform such other duties as the work of the organization demands under
the direction of the General Superintendent.
(f) To maintain a spirit of harmony and cooperation between the region he
represents and the general work.
Section 5. Resignation of Executives or Officials.
1. When an executive or official tenders his or her resignation, it shall become
effective within thirty (30) days of the date tendered. The resignation shall
be presented in written form to the respective Division Head and then to the
General Superintendent. Resignation of Division Heads shall be presented in
written form to the General Superintendent. If either the Division Head or
General Superintendent feels that the termination needs to be postponed, the
executive who is resigning may be asked to extend the date of termination;

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES ARTICLE VI Section 1. 45
otherwise the thirty (30) day rule applies. All benefits will be prorated to the
official date of termination. Benefits for the executive’s or official’s replace-
ment will be prorated from his or her official date of hire.
ARTICLE VI
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Section 1. Board of General Presbyters.
1. The Board of General Presbyters shall consist of the General Superintendent,
the Assistant General Superintendents, the General Secretary-Treasurer, the
Director of Global Missions, the Director of North American Missions, the
Editor in Chief and Publisher, the Sunday School Director, the General Youth
President, a General Executive Presbyter for each region, a General Presbyter
from each zone, and a General Presbyter for each district.
2. The duties of the Board of General Presbyters shall be as follows:
(a) To have the general oversight of all activities of the organization, both
spiritual and material.
(b) To care for all general business and to be the final authority on any question
during the interim between conferences.
(c) To see that the business of the organization is carried out according to this
Constitution.
3. When deemed necessary by the General Board, such Board shall have the
authority to recommend amendments to this Constitution to be voted upon at
the next General Conference.
4. Any changes made in the bylaws must be referred to the next General
Conference for ratification.
5. The Board of General Presbyters shall be authorized to appoint a District
Superintendent in unorganized sections or districts that are to be formed.
District Superintendents appointed by the Board of General Presbyters shall be
ex officio members of the General Board and shall be appointed for a term of
one (1) year. In the event said district is organized before the year is expired,
the term of office shall cease as of such district organization.
6. A candidate for the position of Honorary General Board member may be
nominated by any General Board member while the General Board is in ses-
sion. A standing committee appointed by the General Superintendent will pass
on all nominees. To be accepted, nominees that clear this committee must be
approved by the General Board and ratified by the General Conference. To be
eligible for the position of Honorary General Board member, one must have
served at least a total of twenty (20) years (not necessarily continuous) as a
General Presbyter, or at least ten (10) years as an Executive Board member. He
must be at least sixty-five (65) years of age. Exceptions to the rule concerning
the length of service shall be permitted for men who have not served on the
General Board long enough to qualify, but who have made other outstanding
contributions to God’s cause in the line of missionary work, etc. They shall be
given the same financial remuneration as General Board members in attending
General Board meetings. They shall also comprise an advisory Board of Elders,
to be available to the General Superintendent at his discretion, for counsel
concerning matters of importance to the organization. They shall be accorded
all the privileges of General Board members, with the exception of voting in
General Board meetings.
7. Any or all of the members of the General Board shall be welcome to visit any
of the districts at any time and shall be granted the same privileges as members
living in the district, with the exception of voting.

46 ARTICLE VII Section 2. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
Section 2. Executive Board.

1. The Board of General Presbyters, while in session, shall be the Executive
Board.
2. The General Superintendent, Assistant General Superintendents, General
Secretary-Treasurer, Director of Global Missions, Director of North American
Missions, and the General Executive Presbyters shall constitute the Executive
Board between the meetings of the General Board and conduct the business of
the organization according to these bylaws. The Executive Board may be called
into session as frequently as deemed necessary by the General Superintendent.
Section 3. Board of Publication.
1. This board shall consist of six (6) ordained ministers from various areas of
the field. They shall be appointed by the General Board and ratified by the
General Conference for a three (3) year term. Their appointments shall be
staggered, with two (2) new members being appointed each year. No minister
at Headquarters shall serve on this board, with the exception of the Editor in
Chief and the Administrator of the Pentecostal Publishing House, who shall be
ex officio members.
2. The duties of the Board of Publication are listed in Article VIII, Section 6,
Paragraph 5.
Section 4. Credentials Committee.
1. The Executive Board shall act as a credentials committee.
2. Every credential, license, fellowship card, or church certificate of a question-
able nature should have the Committee’s approval before being issued.
ARTICLE VII
MINISTRY
Section 1. Christian Ministry License
1. A pastor may grant a Christian Ministry License to any member(s) he or she
considers to have met the requirements of such a position. The local pastor
shall set the limitations on the scope of ministry and term of service of anyone
holding a Christian Ministry License. A person holding a Christian Ministry
License shall have standing only under the auspices of the local congregation.
Section 2. Qualifications and Requirements for Organizational Licenses and
Certificate of Ordination.
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.
2. The acceptance, deferral, or rejection of any application shall be the prerogative
of the District Board.
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.
4. All applicants shall be required to appear before their District Board for exami-

MINISTRY ARTICLE VII Section 3. 47
nation, 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. 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.
5. All applicants shall be willing to submit to questioning and, if necessary, inves-
tigation by the District Board relative to their financial stewardship.
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.
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.)
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.
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 col-
lege students, must read the Bible through at each level of ministry and must
read the Manual of the United Pentecostal Church International.
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 col-
lege 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.
11. Any US or Canadian citizen residing in a foreign field and desiring ministe-
rial 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 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.
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

48 ARTICLE VI Section 4. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
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.)
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.
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, assistant pastor, assistant to the pastor, 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.
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.
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 teach-
ing 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.)
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.
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.
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.
4. All applicants who have previously been ordained by another church organi-
zation 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.
5. All applicants endorsed for ordination shall be notified by the District Secretary
as to the next official meeting where they may be ordained.
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 fel-
lowship meetings, youth rallies, or other sectional gatherings.

Section 6. Validity of Licenses and Certificate of Ordination.

1. All Certificates of Ordination, Licenses, and fellowship cards must be signed
by the General Superintendent, the General Secretary, and the District
Superintendent of the district in which the minister is a member.
2. All Licenses and Certificates of Ordination are void without a current fellow-
ship card.
3. Ministers who for a period of two (2) consecutive years have not been actively
engaged in the ministry shall be called before the District Board for a review
of their ministerial status according to Article VII, Section 7, paragraph 27. It
is understood that the above shall not apply to those who, because of ill health
or advanced age, qualify for honorary membership in the United Pentecostal
Church International. (See Article VII, Section 7, Paragraph 15.)
4. Any minister withdrawing from our fellowship shall be required to return his
or her license or Certificate of Ordination and fellowship card to the District
Superintendent.
Section 7. Obligations and Rules.
1. Ministers should not accept the invitation of a member or members of any
assembly to hold a meeting in any church where there is a pastor without first
obtaining said pastor’s consent. Where there is no pastor, the consent of the
church officials in charge must be obtained.
2. Any minister affiliated with us, desiring to hold a meeting in a town or com-
munity where there is an affiliated church or pastor shall first consult and obtain
the consent of the pastor before conducting a revival or crusade on his or her
own or for another assembly that is not in fellowship. He or she may appeal the
pastor’s decision to the nearest District Presbyter.
3. No minister affiliated with the UPCI shall endeavor to start a new work without
the written consent of the District Board. Furthermore, any minister wishing to
establish a preaching point, begin a daughter work, or start a church in a district
other than the one in which he or she resides or holds license, must comply with
all policies governing such activity in said district.
4. No minister, or church congregation pastored by one of our ministers, shall
relocate or move an existing church into a city or neighborhood where there
is another United Pentecostal Church, without written permission from the
District Board. All applications for permission to relocate or move an existing
church congregation in a city or neighborhood where there is another United
Pentecostal Church must be submitted in writing thirty (30) days prior to the
Board meeting. The District Secretary shall notify the Sectional Presbyter of
the application at least twenty (20) days prior to the Board meeting. The pres-
byter shall notify the neighboring pastors, if needed and necessary, at least ten
(10) days before the Board meeting.
5. Ministers shall not accept the invitation of a member or members, or the pastor
of any assembly, to preach in any church that is held in question without first
getting the consent of the District Superintendent.
6. In interpersonal relationships of ministers and saints of different congregations,
in the matter of volunteer services or religious activities, the pastor of local
church saints will be first contacted for approval. In the event of rejection, the
decision shall be held in confidence. This applies on the national, district, or
sectional level.
7. Any minister holding license or credentials who resigns the pastorate of a
church, shall be expected to sever all connection with the said church and shall
have no fellowship or visitation with any members who are held in question by
his or her successor without his or her consent.
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

Forward, a subscription to the Pentecostal Herald, 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 set by the
General Conference and cannot be changed without a proper resolution being
presented to and adopted by the Conference.
9. All ministers accepted into our fellowship after the first of any quarter (January
1, April 1, July 1, or October 1) shall be required to pay for that year begin-
ning from the first of the quarter during which they are accepted. Thereafter all
ministers shall be required to pay their membership dues at least one quarter
(three months) in advance.
10. Ministers may pay their membership dues annually, quarterly, or monthly with
appropriate processing fees. Ministers failing to keep their membership dues
paid in advance shall be notified that they have thirty (30) days to bring their
account current. After that time, a termination notice will be issued. If a min-
ister is terminated, he or she may be reinstated within twenty (20) days of the
termination date provided his or her account is made current plus a $50 service
fee paid. The reinstatement must meet with district approval. If the minister is
not reinstated within that time, the minister must complete a new application
and be approved by the District Board before he or she can be reinstated.
11. All ministers licensed or ordained shall be required to fully cooperate with
the ministerial financial plan of the districts of which they are members. (See
paragraph 28.) Any minister failing to fully cooperate with the ministerial
financial plan of the district of which he or she is a member shall be notified
by the District Board that after thirty (30) days he or she will be suspended
unless a satisfactory remittance is made or a satisfactory explanation is given.
In the event that a minister is suspended in this manner, he or she must fill out
a new application for license or credentials and appear before the District Board
before he or she can be reinstated.
12. All ministers, licensed or ordained, during the same year as the normally sched-
uled 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 member-
ship 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.
13. Ministers of the United Pentecostal Church International who are at least
sixty-five (65) years of age shall be eligible to become honorary ministers in
the United Pentecostal Church International, after having faithfully served for
twenty (20) years in the ministry, and having made a substantial contribution
to the work of God, so long as they shall live and remain in the faith, upon rec-
ommendation by their respective District Boards and approval of the Executive
Board of the United Pentecostal Church International. Such ministers shall be
exempt from membership dues if deemed necessary by the District Board. Such
ministers shall be required to pay their full premiums on their group insurance
at the prevailing rate of premium. The membership dues of such a minister
must be paid in full at the time the honorary membership is granted. An honor-
ary minister’s license or credentials shall be kept intact. An annual fellowship
card, a Manual, a Ministerial and Church Directory, the Pentecostal Herald,
and the Forward shall be mailed to honorary ministers without charge. Any min-

ister who reaches age seventy (70), has a financial need, and is not an honorary
member at the time, may be exempt from membership dues upon approval of
the District Board. Such ministers shall be required to pay the full premium on
their group insurance at the current prevailing rate of premium.
(a) Any minister who becomes disabled due to illness or injury may be exempted
from paying membership dues upon approval of the District Board. Said
exemption may continue for the duration of the disability. Such minister shall
be required to pay the full premium on his or her group insurance at the current
prevailing rate of premium.
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.
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.
16. 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.
17. Ministers holding local license may not perform marriage ceremonies unless
they are serving as pastors or are specifically authorized to do so by their
respective pastor.
18. Any minister who has been dropped or disfellowshipped or has withdrawn
from our fellowship and said action has been accepted by the district and gen-
eral officials shall not be received back into our fellowship under one (1) year
and then not without first appearing before the district with which he or she
was formerly affiliated, for a thorough investigation and acceptance by them,
having made application to meet said Board at least sixty (60) days prior. The
District Secretary shall notify the board members of such application at least
forty-five (45) days before the meeting. Exception to the above sixty (60) and
forty-five (45) day periods shall be left to the discretion of the District Board.
No license or credential of any minister being dropped or disfellowshipped
or who has withdrawn shall be accepted by the Headquarters office unless
accompanied by the decision of the District Board and the reason for the
action of the District Board in dropping or disfellowshipping said minister,
or the reason why said minister has withdrawn.
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 ser-
vices (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 con-
duct of a moral, financial, or ethical nature that would cause reproach upon
the ministry.
20. Any minister committing an offense in any district other than his or her home
district may be tried in the district in which the offense is committed.
21. Any minister belonging to our organization who commits an offense that the
District Board, after proper investigation, feels affects more than that particular
district, may refer the matter to the Board of General Presbyters for a final decision.

22. Any minister committing sins that are a great hindrance to the body and con-
tinuing to preach and fill the pulpit shall be silenced indefinitely.
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.
24. Any minister who formerly has held license or credentials with the United
Pentecostal Church International and has been dropped, or has withdrawn
under question from our fellowship, having fallen into sin, and later claims to
have repented and seeks reinstatement, shall be required to first prove to be
faithful in a local church for at least two (2) years and secure the endorsement
of his or her pastor the same as all applicants entering the ministry for the first
time. Such applicant shall apply for reinstatement at least sixty (60) days prior
to meeting the District Board, and the District Secretary shall notify the Board
members of such application at least forty-five (45) days before the applicant
appears before the Board. Exception to the above sixty (60) and forty-five (45)
day periods shall be left to the discretion of the District Board.
25. All ministers not actively engaged in pastoring, evangelizing, or teaching shall
be required to have a regular place of worship, pastored by a United Pentecostal
Church International minister, work in perfect harmony with their pastor, pay
their tithes into the assembly, and make an effort to become actively engaged in
the ministry, or forfeit their license or credentials. A District Board may grant an
exception to this provision to a minister who is licensed in said district.
26. All ministers, ordained or licensed, shall affiliate with the district in which they
labor and reside, and work in cooperation with the same.
(a) All evangelists and teachers shall affiliate with the district with which they
may desire to be a member and work in harmony and cooperation with the
same.
(b) All evangelists and teachers shall choose the section with which they desire
to be affiliated and register the desired section with the District Secretary.
They shall work in harmony and cooperation with the selected section. The
evangelists and teachers may vote only in that sectional conference as well
as their District and General Conferences.
(c) If a pastor resides in one district and pastors in another, he or she shall affili-
ate and cooperate with the district wherein the church he or she pastors is
located, unless by mutual agreement between the two (2) districts involved,
further exception shall be made in special cases. An assistant pastor must be
a member of the same district as the pastor whom he or she assists; excep-
tion shall be made in special cases by mutual agreement between the two
(2) districts involved.
(d) A minister who is the founding or duly elected official pastor of two or
more churches will vote with the section in which the churches are located.
In the event that the churches are located in separate districts, the minister
must vote in the district wherein he or she is licensed. In the event that the
churches are located in separate sections, the minister must choose which
section in which he or she will vote. Any exception to the above will be
by the mutual agreement between districts or by the District Board when
involving more than one section.
27. When a minister reports an address change to general headquarters, the min-
ister’s district membership will be automatically assigned to the district of the
new address. Notification via email or letter shall be sent to the minister, the
district he or she has become part of, and the district he or she has left. Should
the minister qualify to remain in the district from which he or she has moved,
according to Article VII, Section 7, paragraph 26, subparagraphs a through d,
he or she may do so by notifying headquarters. The District Board from where
the minister is moving may call him/her in to consider any unresolved mat-

ters during or after a transfer. If a minister is not current on his/her financial

obligation(s) to the District from which he/she is moving, a transfer does not
eliminate his/her obligation(s). The general office must be notified within thirty
(30) days.
28. No licensed minister who is a student in a recognized Bible school shall be permit-
ted 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.
29. The use of all media technology must strictly be limited to educational, reli-
gious, 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; endeavour-
ing to maintain a Godly atmosphere and influence in their lives.
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.
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 imme-
diate family. Any extenuating circumstances that warrant an exception to this
trustee policy shall be made by the District Board.
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 spiri-
tual advice or consolation and who expects that such information will not be
divulged by the minister to another person.
Section 8. Marriage and Divorce—Innocent Party.
1. Inasmuch as the ministry is the highest office on earth, no person shall be
eligible as a minister if after having been filled with the Holy Ghost said
person has been divorced for any cause save fornication or adultery on the
part of the one from whom he or she has been divorced, and has remarried; or
after having been filled with the Holy Ghost said person has married a person
who has been divorced for any cause save fornication or adultery on the part
of the one from who he or she has been divorced. Further, if fornication or
adultery is claimed as the grounds of divorce, sufficient evidence other than
his or her own personal testimony must be presented to the District Board.
The following procedure shall apply to all ministers applying for license who
have been divorced or whose spouse has been divorced since receiving the
Holy Ghost, but it shall not apply to currently licensed ministers seeking a
license upgrade. Every minister should expect full investigation and give
wholehearted cooperation to the District Board. The minister shall provide
the following items to the District Board.
(a) Court records for the case being considered.
(b) Minister’s written personal testimony, stating the improper conduct of his
or her former spouse.
(c) At least two written testimonies of reliable witnesses, stating their per-
sonal knowledge of any improper conduct of the former spouse. Also two
written testimonies attesting to the fact the party involved has lived a life
of integrity and has conducted himself or herself above reproach, both
before and after the time of the divorce.

(d) When a minister’s spouse has been divorced, the spouse is to provide the
same documentation as required of ministers.
2. The responsibility of the District Board in all cases shall be as follows:
(a) The District Board must determine whether or not the party involved
has lived a life of integrity and has conducted himself or herself above
reproach, both before and after the time of the divorce.
(b) The District Board must remember always that the Bible gives as the only
grounds for divorcement and remarriage, adultery or fornication (Matthew
5:32; 19:9).
(c) The District Board must fill out the United Pentecostal Church International
form of “INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE CASES”
and forward it to headquarters for final disposition according to Paragraph 3.
3. Final Disposition
(a) If the District Board is unanimous in approving the case, the entire file
shall be referred to the Executive Board for the final decision.
(b) If the District Board is not unanimous in approving the case, the entire file
shall be referred to the Board of General Presbyters for the final decision.
(c) If after investigation the District Board does not approve a new minister’s
application, the case is not sent any further.
4. Remarriage. We recommend that divorced ministers do not remarry. (See
Articles of Faith—Marriage and Divorce.) However, if remarriage is desired,
the minister should wait at least one (1) year from the date of the divorce
becoming final. If a divorced person has remarried or wishes to remarry, the
District Board must determine that adultery or fornication has occurred on the
part of the person’s former spouse. The personal testimony and the testimo-
nies of two witnesses must support this determination.
5. Currently Licensed Minister. If a minister desires to marry a person who is
divorced he or she shall meet the District Board. If a minister of the UPCI is
divorced or estranged for any reason from his or her spouse after receiving
his or her license, he or she shall request a meeting with the District Board
within 60 days of the divorce or estrangement. If a minister fails to make this
request within 60 days, then the District Board shall summons the minister
according to the UPCI Judicial Procedure, Article III, Section 2, Paragraph 1.
The investigation and disposition shall be conducted according to the UPCI
Constitution, Article VII, Section 8, Paragraphs 1-4 (except that in cases of
estrangement there may be no court records). If the District Board determines
that the minister was at fault or was complicit with or contributed significant-
ly to the divorce or estrangement, he or she shall not be eligible as a minister,
and the District Board shall recommend to the credentials committee that
the minister be dropped from the fellowship of the UPCI. The minister shall
be informed of the District Board’s decision in writing and all investigative
documents shall be placed in the minister’s file in the District Office.
Section 9. Immoral Conduct.
1. For the purpose of ministerial membership in the United Pentecostal Church
International or for ministering in a United Pentecostal Church International
church, immoral conduct shall be defined as adultery, fornication, homosexual-
ity, incest, and/or any other sexual acts determined by the District Board to be
perverted or immoral (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9; I Corinthians 6:9; Romans
1:24-28).
2. Any minister affiliated with our organization proven guilty of adultery or forni-
cation, or committing any other immoral offense, shall forfeit his or her papers
immediately. Immoral offense shall include sexual molestation of minors.
3. In the event a minister confesses in writing to immoral conduct and surrenders his
or her fellowship card, no trial shall be granted. In either case, such minister shall

DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS ARTICLE VIII Section 4. 55
never be qualified for reinstatement into the ministry of the United Pentecostal
Church International.
4. Any minister formerly affiliated with any other organization, (or any other
minister) who has been proven guilty of committing the act of adultery or
fornication, or committing any other immoral offense, either by confession
or conviction, shall not be eligible for license or ordination in the United
Pentecostal Church International.
Section 10. Moral Obligations.
1. “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good
work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine,
no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all
gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take
care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall
into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of
them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil”
(I Timothy 3:1-7).
2. “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not
accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God;
not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy
lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temper-
ate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by
sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:6-9).
ARTICLE VIII
DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS
Section 1. Name.
1. The name of this division of the United Pentecostal Church International shall
be Division of Publications.
Section 2. Purpose.
1. The Division of Publications shall serve as the publishing arm of the United
Section 3. The Officers shall be as follows:
1. Editor in Chief and Publisher
2. Associate Editor(s)
3. Publishing House Administrator
Section 4. The Officers shall be selected as follows:
1. Editor in Chief and Publisher:
The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall be appointed by the Board of General
Presbyters, the appointment to be ratified by the General Conference, for a two
(2) year term concurrent with the term of the General Superintendent. His or
her term of office shall expire on or before January 1, following the appoint-
ment of a successor.
2. Associate Editor(s):
The Associate Editor(s) shall be appointed by the Board of General Presbyters
for a term of two (2) years, alternating with the term of the Editor in Chief and
Publisher.
3. Publishing House Administrator:
The Publishing House Administrator shall be appointed by the Board of
General Presbyters for a period of two (2) years, concurrent with the term of
the General Secretary-Treasurer.

56 ARTICLE VIII Section 5. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
Section 5. Divisional Structure.

1. The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall serve as the head of the Division of
Publications.
2. The Division of Publications shall be made up of two departments:
(a) Editorial
(b) Pentecostal Publishing House
Section 6. Qualifications of Officers.
1. The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall have the same qualifications as in
Article IV, Section 3, Paragraph 1 of the General Constitution, and further shall
have an adequate educational background.
2. The Associate Editor(s) shall be a licensed minister of the United Pentecostal
Church International and shall have an adequate educational background.
3. The Pentecostal Publishing House Administrator shall conform to the funda-
mental doctrine, be of unquestionable character and integrity, and further have
an adequate background in the following fields:
(a) Administration
(b) Personnel Management
(c) Production Management and Cost Accounting
Section 7. Duties of Officers.
1. The Editor in Chief and Publisher:
(a) The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall serve as the head of the Division
of Publications.
(b) The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall scan all divisional manuscripts
prepared for periodicals and other publications, with the exception of divi-
sional promotional material. The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall have
the right to request changes in any publication. If and when there is a differ-
ence of opinion between any editor and the Editor in Chief and Publisher,
and no agreement can be reached, he shall take the matter to the Executive
Publication Committee. If necessary, the Editor in Chief and Publisher
may refer the matter to the Board of Publication, whose decision shall be
appealed only to the Executive Board.
(c) The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall call for, and preside over, all Board
of Publication meetings. When deemed necessary, he or she shall counsel
with this board concerning any doubtful materials.
(d) The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall serve as chair of the Executive
Publication Committee.
(e) The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall represent the Division of
Publications on the General Board.
(f) The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall serve as the chair of the Curriculum
Advisory Committee.
(g) The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall make an annual report to the
General Board, making any recommendations deemed necessary to better
the work or to increase the scope of the Division of Publications.
(h) The Editor in Chief and Publisher shall receive and be responsible for the
safekeeping of all book manuscripts.
2. The Associate Editor(s):
(a) The Associate Editor shall work under the direction of the Editor in Chief
and Publisher.
(b) The Associate Editor shall be an ex officio member of the Executive
Publications Committee.
(c) The Associate Editor(s) shall serve as an ex officio member of the
Curriculum Advisory Committee.
3. The Publishing House Administrator:

DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS ARTICLE VIII Section 10. 57
(a) The Administrator shall work under the direction of the Editor in Chief and
Publisher.
(b) The Administrator shall publish only the books and other resources
approved for publication by the Executive Publication Committee.
(c) The Administrator shall be an ex officio member of the Board of
Publications.
(d) The Administrator shall be an ex officio member of the Executive
Publications Committee.
Section 8. Board of Publication.
1. The Board of Publication shall consist of six (6) ordained ministers from
various areas of North America. They shall be appointed by the Board of
General Presbyters and ratified by the General Conference for a three (3) year
term. Their appointments shall be staggered, with two (2) members being
appointed each year. No minister at Headquarters shall serve on this board,
with the exception of the Editor in Chief and Publisher and the Pentecostal
Publishing House Administrator.
2. The Board of Publication shall implement the general policy for all publica-
tions edited by the United Pentecostal Church International.
3. At the request of the Editor in Chief and Publisher, the Board of Publication
shall pass upon any periodical (or part thereof) and upon any article of ques-
tionable nature. Its decision upon any of the aforementioned items shall be
final.
4. The Board of Publication shall meet annually. In these meetings, the board
members shall evaluate all publications of the United Pentecostal Church
International. They shall evaluate publications to determine if all the publica-
tion needs of the fellowship are being met. They shall give to the Executive
Publication Committee any advice they deem necessary. The Board of
Publication shall make suggestions and offer advice concerning any United
Pentecostal Church International periodical or publication, including setting
standards for costs and quality control.
5. All divisions desiring to publish new periodicals must receive approval from
the Board of Publication at its regularly scheduled meetings. The Board of
Publication should determine the need for the requested publication, its feasi-
bility, and that it does not infringe upon or duplicate an existing publication.
6. The head of each division and/or a representative appointed by him shall meet
with the Board of Publication annually for critique, direction, and instruction
for the purpose of increasing and improving our publications for evangelizing
the world.
Section 9. Executive Publications Committee.
1. The Executive Publication Committee shall be made up of the Editor in Chief and
Publisher, the General Secretary, the Associate Editor, the Pentecostal Publishing
House Administrator, and the Division Head or his or her appointed representa-
tive when the publication is related to his or her division.
2. All manuscripts for publication are to be submitted to the Editor in Chief and
Publisher, who may at his discretion assign said manuscripts to an associate
editor for analysis and recommendation for publication. Manuscripts shall then
be returned to the Executive Publication Committee for approval or disap-
proval. In the event the Editor in Chief and Publisher or division head does
not agree with the decision of the Executive Publication Committee, or with
the recommended changes in the manuscript, he may appeal to the Board of
Publication at its next meeting.
Section 10. Curriculum Advisory Committee.
1. The Curriculum Advisory Committee shall consist of the Editor in Chief and

58 ARTICLE IX Section 11. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
Publisher, the Associate Editor(s), the General Sunday School Director, the
General Youth President, and four (4) at large members.
2. The Curriculum Advisory Committee shall help set direction and periodically
review graded curriculum.
Section 11. Editorial Department.
1. Purpose.
(a) The Editorial Department shall publish the official magazine of the United
(b) The Editorial Department shall offer editorial assistance to the divisions in
their publications.
(c) It shall scan all publications to assure the correct doctrinal position accord-
ing to the Articles of Faith of the United Pentecostal Church International
and to maintain acceptable standards of editorial excellence.
(d) When a publication is likely to be distributed internationally, the Editorial
Department shall scan the publication as to its international acceptance.
Section 12. Pentecostal Publishing House.
1. Name.
(a) There shall be a publishing house at the headquarters of the United
Pentecostal Church International, to be called the Pentecostal Publishing
House.
2. Purpose.
(a) The purpose of the Pentecostal Publishing House shall be to advance the
cause of spreading the whole gospel to the whole world through the pro-
duction and dissemination of religious knowledge, useful literature, and
spiritual information in the form of books, tracts, periodicals, etc.
ARTICLE IX
Section 1. Overview.
1. This article designates the procedures whereby educational institutions,
military and clinical chaplains, ministries, associations and other entities
may obtain and retain endorsement through the United Pentecostal Church
International. This does not include local assemblies or a specific ministry of
a local assembly.
2. An endorsement made pursuant to the policy herein set forth shall be deemed
to constitute a recognition by United Pentecostal Church International of a
need for a ministry provided or to be provided by the organization or entity so
endorsed. In no event, however, shall any endorsement constitute a guarantee
of financial or other responsibilities of such organization or entity by United
Pentecostal Church International or an acceptance, adoption, or assumption
of any responsibility or liability whatsoever either from a fiscal standpoint or
according to any rule or principle of law. In no event shall any such endorse-
ment constitute a representation or recognition by United Pentecostal Church
International as to any legal or moral responsibility whatsoever for the day-to-
day operations of the ministry or ministries of an organization or entity that
shall be endorsed.
3. Endorsees must meet the Procedures for Endorsement at the time of application
and continued endorsement is conditioned upon compliance with the proce-
dures set forth in this article and in the appropriate policy.
4. Endorsees are permitted certain benefits as described in the policy particular to
the nature of the ministry or entity.
5. All endorsed ministries and educational institutions must conform to the

OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND ENDORSEMENT ARTICLE IX Section 2. 59
Articles of Faith. Officials and faculty members must annually affirm their
belief in the divine inspiration and infallibility of the Bible as stated in the
Preamble of the Articles of Faith.
6. Organizations endorsed by the General Conference prior to the adoption of this
article need not reapply for endorsement but must meet the criteria in Section
4 of this article for continued endorsement.
Section 2. Structure and Offices.
1. The endorsement procedure is overseen by the Education and Endorsement
Board, and all members necessary to evaluate the applications for endorsement.
The board shall evaluate and monitor the continued compliance of endorsees.
a. This board may have as few as seven members and as many as eleven
members.
b. Members are appointed by the General Board.
c. Terms are for two years with one-half of the board appointed each year.
2. Chairperson of the Education and Endorsement Board
a. The Chairperson of the Education and Endorsement Board is appointed by
the General Board and ratified by the General Conference.
b. The Chairperson is appointed for a two-year term concurrent with the
General Superintendent’s term of office.
c. The Chairperson serves as a voting member of the General Board.
d. The qualifications of the Chairperson shall be the same as Article IV, Section
3, Paragraph 1.
3. The Secretary of the Education and Endorsement Board
a. The Secretary of the Education and Endorsement Board is appointed by the
General Board.
b. The Secretary is appointed for a two-year term concurrent with the General
Secretary’s term of office.
4. The Endorsing Agent for Military Chaplaincy
a. The Endorsing Agent for Military Chaplaincy is appointed by the General
Board.
b. All chaplains are to be endorsed by the Office of Education and Endorsement,
which is recognized by the United States government as the official
endorsing agent of the United Pentecostal Church International. To
receive endorsement, a letter of approval is required from the District
Superintendent and the Pastor of the applicant.
c. The Endorsing Agent is appointed for a two-year term concurrent with the
General Superintendent.
5. The Education and Endorsement Board may be divided into subcommittees as
the chairperson sees fit to address applications or areas of emphasis.
6. The Education and Endorsement Board and subcommittees may, pursuant to
executive approval, obtain professional assistance needed to evaluate the merits
of each application and the endorsee’s continued compliance with endorsement
criteria.
7. The Education and Endorsement Board shall make an annual report to the
General Board on the status of the endorsed ministries and entities of the UPCI.
8. There shall be an Advisory Board made up of one representative from each
endorsed ministry or entity.
a. It shall meet annually at the General Conference.
b. It shall advise the Education and Endorsement Board concerning policies and
other items relative to the work of the Board.
c. This meeting shall be conducted by the Advisory Board chairperson or his
or her designee.
d. The Chairperson of the Advisory Board shall be selected by and from the
members of the Advisory Board.

60 ARTICLE IX Section 3. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
e. The selection shall be made at the conclusion of the meeting for the subse-
quent calendar year.
Section 3. Procedures for Endorsement.
1. Applications for endorsement must utilize the current application form avail-
able through the General Secretary’s office. A non-refundable application fee
must accompany each application before it can be considered for approval.
2. At least ninety (90) days before any regularly scheduled meeting of the
Executive Board, an organization or entity seeking endorsement shall prepare,
execute, and file a written proposal on a form to be obtained from the Office
of the General Secretary of the United Pentecostal Church International. The
proposal must contain the following information:
a. Proof of the need for the existence of this ministry.
b. An existing or proposed structure must be described in detail. This should
include provision for incorporation under the laws of the state or province
in which the principal office of such organization or entity shall be located.
c. A plan showing the proposed financial support for the ministry.
d. A plan for future viability and growth of the ministry.
e. A specific plan for the dissolution of the ministry, including provision for
distribution of monies and other assets in the event of the dissolution of the
ministry for any reason whatsoever.
f. Proof of the not-for-profit nature of the ministry.
3. All applications for endorsement shall be submitted to the Executive Board.
a. Upon approval by the Executive Board, the application shall be submitted to
the General Board for its approval.
b. Upon approval by the General Board, the application shall be submitted to
the next General Conference for ratification and approval.
c. Upon ratification and approval of the endorsement of an organization or
entity by the General Conference the endorsement shall become effective at
the close of the General Conference.
Section 4. Continued Responsibilities of an Endorsed Ministry or Entity.
1. Each endorsed organization or entity shall submit an annual progress report, an
annual financial report, and an annual endorsement fee to the General Board not
less than sixty (60) days prior to each regularly scheduled General Conference.
2. The financial report must be prepared by a recognized professional accountant.
3. Any questions or allegation as to non-compliance with the terms and condi-
tions of any endorsement made pursuant to the procedure set forth herein shall
be directed in writing to the Executive Board by the Office of Education and
Endorsement. In the event of non-compliance, the organization or entity may
be placed on probation and the matter shall be referred to the General Board.
4. Should the General Board determine in its sole discretion that the endorsed
organization or entity is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of
the endorsement, the endorsement may be withdrawn, effective immediately.
5. The decision of the General Board with regard to compliance shall be final.
Section 5. Categories of Endorsed Ministries and Policies Associated with them.
1. Current categories of ministries and entities are:
a. General Ministry.
b. Higher Education.
c. Elementary and Secondary Education.
d. Military and Clinical Chaplaincy.
e. Ministry Training.

MISSIONS CONCEPT ARTICLE XI Section 1. 61
2. Policies governing endorsement procedures and fees are to be developed by the

Education and Endorsement Board and approved by the General Board.
3. Policies relevant to the ministry or entity seeking endorsement will be made
available with each application requested.
Section 6. Finances.
The expenses of the Office of Education and Endorsement shall be paid from
the proceeds from fees and other revenues generated by the various endorsed
ministries and entities as provided for in the policies of the Office.
ARTICLE X
MISSIONS CONCEPT
Section 1. Definition.
1. The United Pentecostal Church International considers itself a missionary orga-
nization. Its missions endeavors shall be operated under the following concept:
(a) According to Jesus, “The field is the world” (Matthew 13:38). We must
“pray . . . the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his
harvest” (Matthew 9:38).
(b) Our world vision includes both the home and foreign fields.
(c) The ability of the church to reach the whole world with the gospel is in
direct proportion to the strength of the church at home.
(d) The two direct evangelism divisions of the United Pentecostal Church
International shall be Global Missions and North American Missions.
(e) God blesses “giving.” His blessing is generous for all missions giving.
Section 2. World Missions Plan.
1. The “World Missions” plan of missions support recognizes the two sepa-
rate identities and fund-raising programs of the Global Missions, and North
American Missions of the United Pentecostal Church International.
2. Local churches and individuals are encouraged to give vigorous and substantial
support to each division.
3. In addition, pastors and churches are offered the option of combining the actual
receiving of funds under a “World Missions” giving plan. The “Faith Promise,”
“Covenant of Sacrifice,” or any other similar method may be used to solicit
pledges from the local church.
4. The funds received by the local church under the “World Missions” giving plan
shall be divided on a local level according to the wishes of the local church and
shall be sent to the respective division.
5. Local missions conventions may include a presentation of the missionary and
evangelism programs of Global Missions and North American Missions .
6. It is recommended that any church choosing to use the World Missions Plan
should be careful that the present level of contributions to existing commit-
ments be maintained or increased.
7. The World Missions Plan shall be considered to be completely optional but may
be encouraged by any of the two divisions so long as such promotional publica-
tions do not use suggestive examples of percentages of distributions of offerings.
ARTICLE XI
GLOBAL MISSIONS POLICY
Section 1. Global Missions Policy.
1. Inasmuch as we are called of God to go into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature, it is the purpose of the United Pentecostal Church
International to seek out and to carry the gospel to the whole world, and to

62 ARTICLE XI Section 2. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
help establish self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating national

churches.
2. The Global Missions Policy of the United Pentecostal Church International is
a cooperative effort between local assemblies, Global Missions, and missionar-
ies. Experience teaches us that definite agreement of support and regulations
mutually agreed upon by the constituency of our fellowship are essential to
successful implementation of our purpose.
3. Inasmuch as global missions work is so far-reaching, covering many cultures
and varied ways of life, all divisions becoming involved in the global missions
fields must coordinate their activities under the supervision of Global Missions.
Section 2. Global Missions Board.
1. The Global Missions Board shall consist of the General Director of Global
Missions, the Secretary of Global Missions, the Director of Education and
Associates in Missions, the Director of Promotions, the six (6) Regional
Directors, eleven (11) active pastors, and two District Global Missions
Directors. These shall be persons who have demonstrated a strong burden
for the Global Missions cause as evidenced by deep concern, generous sup-
port, and the ability to inspire others to do the same. They shall meet all other
qualifications of a general official. Because of the heavy Global Missions Board
meeting schedule, they shall not hold another general office.
(a) The Secretary of Global Missions shall be elected by the General
Conference for a term of two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) con-
secutive years. After four (4) consecutive terms in an elected office, the
official would be required to be elected by a two-thirds vote to a fifth term
and all consecutive terms. In the event the incumbent does not receive a
two-thirds vote on the nominating ballot, a new nominating ballot would
be called for and the incumbent’s name would be deleted. The Director of
Education and Associates in Missions and the Director of Promotions shall
be appointed for a two (2) year term by the Board of General Presbyters and
ratified by the General Conference. The terms of the Secretary of Global
Missions and the Director of Promotions shall alternate with the term of the
General Director of Global Missions. The term of the Director of Education
and Associates in Missions shall run concurrently with the General Director
of Global Missions.
(b) The eleven (11) pastoral members of the Global Missions Board shall be
appointed for a term of four (4) years with a maximum of three (3) consecu-
tive terms. When appointing a pastoral member who represents a geograph-
ic region, each District Superintendent in that region shall present one name
from his District to the Global Missions Board. When appointing a pastoral
member “at large”, all District Superintendents shall present one name from
their Districts to the Global Missions Board. The Global Missions Board
shall present three of the nominees to the Board of General Presbyters. The
Board of General Presbyters shall appoint the pastoral member to be ratified
by the General Conference. If the incumbent has not served three terms, his
name shall be one of the three names. Canada and the other six (6) geo-
graphic regions shall each be represented by at least one (1) member. The
appointments shall be so arranged that three (3) positions shall expire every
year for three (3) years and the remaining two (2) positions shall expire
on the fourth year. If a pastoral member of the Global Missions Board
ceases to meet the qualification for this office for one (1) year by virtue of a
change of ministry or should he or she change location leaving a region or
Canada without representation, he or she shall be ineligible to continue to
serve beyond the next General Conference, at which time another shall be
appointed to fill the position and unexpired term. Exception shall be made

GLOBAL MISSIONS POLICY ARTICLE XI Section 3. 63
in the event a pastoral member retires as pastor emeritus of the church from
which he or she retired, in which case he or she shall be allowed to serve
for the balance of the term but shall not be qualified for reappointment.
(c) Two (2) District Global Missions Directors, who are currently pastoring,
shall be appointed to the Global Missions Board to represent the Eastern and
Western Zones respectively. They shall be nominated by the District Global
Missions Directors in their annual meeting from their respective zones for
one (1) four (4) year term, appointed by the Board of General Presbyters
and ratified by the General Conference. In the event they no longer hold
the position of District Global Missions Director, their replacement shall be
appointed at the next General Conference to fill the unexpired term.
(d) Honorary members may be appointed to the Global Missions Board by the
Board of General Presbyters upon recommendation of the Global Missions
Board. To be eligible for the position of Honorary Global Missions Board
member, one must be at least sixty-five (65) years of age, must have served
as a member of the Global Missions Board, and contributed a minimum
of fifteen (15) years service to global missions as a member of the Global
Missions Board, Regional Director, missionary or District Global Missions
Director. They shall be accorded all of the privileges of the Global Missions
Board members, with the exemption of voting in Global Missions Board
meetings.
(e) The Global Missions Administrative Committee shall consist of the
General Director of Global Missions, Secretary of Global Missions,
Director of Education and Associates in Missions, Director of Promotions,
and the six (6) Regional Directors. Said committee shall be authorized to
act in all matters not specifically required of the Global Missions Board.
2. The duties of the Global Missions Board shall be as follows:
(a) To have the general oversight of all activities of this organization outside
the United States and Canada, working in harmony with and under the
supervision of the General Superintendent and the Executive Board in
accordance with Article V, Section 1, Paragraph 1(f).
(b) To examine candidates (in person or by application) for missionary service and
make recommendation to the Executive Board for missionary appointment.
(c) To endorse candidates for short-term assignment or ministries other than
full-time missionary service in foreign fields.
(d) To approve the budget of Global Missions and establish policies for solicita-
tion and disbursement of funds.
(e) To serve as a board of appeals concerning problems that cannot be resolved
by the Field Superintendent, Regional Director, or the Director.
(f) To take action with regard to false doctrine or misconduct on the mission
field in harmony with the bylaws and Judicial Procedure of the organization.
(g) To approve the organizing and proposed constitutions of missions fields.
(h) To make recommendations to the Executive Board for appointment of Field
Superintendents, where field constitutions provide for this action.
(i) To perform any other responsibilities assigned to it by Global Missions
policy.
Section 3. Qualifications and Appointment.
1. Qualifications for the General Director of Global Missions, the Secretary of
Global Missions, the Director of Education and Associates in Missions, and
the Director of Promotions shall be the same as found in Article IV, Section 3,
Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the General Constitution.
2. The Global Missions Board through the General Director of Global Missions
shall offer one (1) or two (2) names to the Board of General Presbyters for
consideration in filling each vacancy in an appointed position on the Global

Missions Board, it being understood that the power of appointment rests with
the Board of General Presbyters.
Section 4. General Director of Global Missions.
1. The duties of the General Director of Global Missions shall be as follows:
(a) To act as the head of Global Missions under the supervision of the Global
Missions Board.
(b) To be the chair of the Global Missions Board.
(c) To conduct correspondence with prospective missionaries and with those
already on the field.
(d) To perform such other functions as may be directed by the Global Missions
Board not in conflict with these bylaws.
(e) To have the authority to recall missionaries as directed by the Global
Missions Board. All cases involving the missionary’s ministerial status shall
be handled according to the Judicial Procedure.
(f) To supervise and direct the receiving and disbursing of all Global Missions’
funds. In no case shall any Global Missions’ funds be disbursed without
the authorization of the General Director of Global Missions, who shall
be directed by these bylaws, the Global Missions Board or the donors. All
Global Missions’ funds shall be received and disbursed by the General
Treasurer.
(g) To visit each mission field as he or she deems it necessary.
(h) To have the authority to sign all missionary credentials and fellowship
cards.
2. The General Director of Global Missions shall be authorized to sign all legal
documents, deeds, and mortgages as a trustee of the corporation property.
Section 5. Secretary of Global Missions.
1. The duties of the Secretary of Global Missions shall be as follows:
(a) To serve as the recording secretary of the Global Missions Board and keep a
record of all decisions and official acts of the Global Missions Board, a copy of
same to be sent to all members of the Executive and Global Missions Board.
(b) To keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements of Global
Missions’ funds and make all necessary reports of such funds to the General
Director of Global Missions.
(c) To conduct correspondence relative to Global Missions under the supervi-
sion of the General Director of Global Missions.
(d) To have the authority to write missionary vouchers as directed by the
General Director of Global Missions and the Global Missions Board.
(e) To perform such other duties as the work of Global Missions demands under
the supervision of the General Director of Global Missions.
Section 6. Director of Education and Associates in Missions.
1. The duties of the Director of Education and Associates in Missions shall be as
follows:
(a) To coordinate the development of a program for the training of national
ministers abroad.
(b) To assist in the implementation of such a training program which assistance
may include on-site involvement, at the direction of the General Director of
Global Missions.
(c) To coordinate the involvement of short-term personnel.
(d) To represent the work of Education and Associates in Missions to the home
constituency.
(e) To make available printed materials for evangelism, indoctrination,
Christian living and growth, as well as other pertinent needs.

Section 7. Director of Promotions.

1. The duties of the Director of Promotions shall be as follows:
(a) To maintain the proper flow of information to the home constituency in order to
keep it challenged and involved in its responsibility toward world evangelism.
(b) To coordinate the deputational ministry of missionaries and missionary
conferences.
(c) To promote the global missions cause in general.
(d) To edit the divisional promotional publications and provide material for
the Pentecostal Herald and such other publications as might require global
missions information.
(e) To serve as coordinator of Global Missions to the District Global Missions
Directors.
Section 8. Regional Directors.
1. To more effectively and efficiently administrate and coordinate the growing
work of Global Missions of the UPCI, the global missions fields are divided
into six (6) geographical regions as follows:
Africa—excluding the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea
Asia—Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Japan, and continental Asia excluding Malaysia and
Singapore
Central America/Caribbean—including Mexico, Guyana, Suriname, and
French Guiana
Europe/MiddleEast—including countries of Africa bordering the
Mediterranean Sea and the former USSR countries of central and western Asia
Pacific—Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines,
and all other islands of the Pacific excluding Japan and Taiwan
South America—continental South America excluding Guyana, Suriname,
and French Guiana
Upon recommendation of the Global Missions Board, six (6) men are appointed
by the Board of General Presbyters to serve as Regional Directors over each
of the respective regions for four (4) year terms. By virtue of appointment, it
is understood that Regional Directors will be supported through the Partners in
Missions program as missionaries while at the same time serving as executives
within Global Missions.
2. The duties of the Regional Director shall be as follows:
(a) To fulfill duties under the direction of the Global Missions Board and the
General Director of Global Missions.
(b) To represent his or her region to the Global Missions Board and General
Director of Global Missions, making regular reports and recommendations.
(c) By virtue of his or her responsibilities, he or she shall be a voting member of the
Global Missions Administrative Committee and the Global Missions Board.
(d) To represent his or her region and Global Missions to the constituency in
North America through promotions and publications.
(e) To act as a liaison between the Global Missions Board, General Director
of Global Missions, the missionaries and national churches, and to coordi-
nate the personnel, activities, and ministries through his or her region. It is
understood that this shall not in any way impede direct access or appeal by
the missionaries to the General Director of Global Missions.
(f) To work in cooperation with the missionaries and national leadership
to establish priorities in the region and to promote the evangelization of
unreached nations and territories by surveying the needs, contacts, and possi-
bilities for personnel to these areas. He or she shall seek qualified candidates
for the region.

Section 9. Global Missions Candidates.

l. Prospective missionaries must be thoroughly examined by the Global Missions
Board, which shall be governed in its selection and nomination of missionaries
by following requirements:
(a) Personal experience—
In view of the fact that missionaries are more or less isolated in their fields of
labor and inasmuch as it is physically impossible to supervise their doctrinal
positions, such as a minister operating under the careful supervision of a dis-
trict, we believe the following to be a blessing to Global Missions. One must
have the personal experience of full New Testament salvation according to
our Fundamental Doctrine (Acts 2:38) namely, repentance of sins, baptism in
water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the receiving
of the gift of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking with other tongues as
the spirit gives utterance. Said candidates must believe this to be essential to
salvation.
(b) Doctrinal teaching and conviction—
Said candidates will teach the essentiality of this same born again experi-
ence to all converts.
(c) Definite call to foreign work.
(d) Physical, mental, and spiritual fitness for the work.
(e) Christian standing and general qualifications.
2. Categories of Appointment:
(a) Career Missionary—
This shall be an ordained minister with the full intention of lifetime com-
mitment to a global missions career. He or she must meet all qualifications
set forth in Section 9, Paragraph 1.
(b) Intermediate Missionary—
This shall be one who fulfills all the qualifications for a Career Missionary
except that he or she may hold general or local license. The Intermediate
Missionary will be sent to the field under the oversight of a Career
Missionary or the Regional Director and shall serve with a limited budget
of support and without certain benefits provided for Career Missionaries.
(c) Vocational Missionary—
This shall be a person qualified in secular fields such as a professional in
medicine, education, aviation, agriculture, etc. The Vocational Missionary
must fulfill the qualifications of an Intermediate Missionary except ministe-
rial license shall not be required.
(d) Associates in Missions—
This shall be one fulfilling all requirements outlined in Section 9, Paragraph
1, who desires to serve for a short term of two (2) to twelve (12) months
per endorsement, is willing to serve with a very limited budget and without
most benefits accruing to Career or Intermediate Missionaries. He or she
may or may not have ministerial license or credential. The Associate in
Missions will serve under the oversight of a Career Missionary, Regional
Director, or national official.
3. Missionaries and spouses shall be required to pass an examination by a compe-
tent physician, as to physical and mental fitness, before preparing to go to their
field of appointment as a missionary. A copy of the examination shall be sent
to Global Missions before deputation work begins.
4. Anyone desiring appointment as a missionary should file a missionary appli-
cation on forms provided by Global Missions with the Secretary of Global
Missions at least three (3) months prior to a meeting of the Global Missions
Board. The Secretary of Global Missions shall then secure recommendations
from the applicant’s District Board, the written opinion of the Missionary

Field Superintendent of their prospective field of labor, and other personal

references. Applicants should be examined by the Global Missions Board
which will make recommendation of appointment for approved candidates to
the General Board. Final appointment as a missionary shall be by the action of
the General Board, except in emergency cases. Such cases shall be handled by
the Executive Board.
5. Any missionary already in a foreign country who desires to be affiliated with
the United Pentecostal Church International and appointed as a missionary shall
obtain a letter of recommendation from the Missionary Field Superintendent
and apply to the General Director of Global Missions who shall submit his or
her application to the Global Missions Board and Executive Board.
6. Anyone going to a foreign field as a missionary shall not be given credentials or
license as such without first receiving the endorsement of the Global Missions
Board.
7. Newly appointed missionaries going to the field shall apply themselves, as a
first consideration, to the study of the language, the customs of the people, and
the conditions of the country in order to intelligently enter into definite mis-
sionary work. All missionaries shall be subject to and work under supervision
of the Superintendent of the field where they are laboring. Upon arrival in the
field, a meeting between the missionary and the Field Superintendent will be
held to establish a general job description for the missionary (which is accept-
able to both). If possible, the Regional Director shall assist in the drafting of
same. If the Regional Director cannot assist, a jointly signed copy of said job
description shall be sent to him or her for approval after which it shall be sent
to the General Director of Global Missions.
8. No missionary of the United Pentecostal Church International shall be per-
mitted to be a member of any other religious organization, except it be nec-
essary for the purpose of performing religious or ministerial duties where the
United Pentecostal Church International is not recognized by the government
of that country.
Section 10. Licenses and Credentials.
1. Any US or Canadian citizen residing in a foreign field and desiring ministe-
rial license or credentials shall be examined by the Regional Director and the
Missionary Superintendent of the particular field in which they are residing and
laboring. All applications endorsed by the Regional Director and Missionary
Superintendent shall be forwarded to the Global Missions Board for final
approval or denial. The recommendation of the District Superintendent where
the applicant previously resided shall be requested.
2. All applicants in a Global Missions District shall meet the requirements of
Article VII, Sections 2, 3, 4, and 5.
3. All national ministers residing and laboring outside North America shall be exam-
ined and granted license or credentials by the respective national church unless it is
deemed advisable to make exception and grant affiliation with the North American
church, after seeking the recommendation of the field superintendent.
4. Ministers desiring to go to the foreign field to become involved in ministerial
activity on a continuing basis and establishing their residence abroad must trans-
fer their district ministerial affiliation to the jurisdiction of Global Missions.
Section 11. Global Missions Support.
1. All money given for fares and shipping expenses or projects of missionaries which
is deposited with Global Missions shall be held until needed for the purpose for
which it was given. Should a missionary for any reason be unable to go to the field
or cease to do missionary work the money shall be available for other missionary
purposes except in such cases where it is necessary to return the same to donors.

2. No systematic canvass of assemblies for pledges of support or for funds for fare
and projects should be made without first securing the permission of Global
Missions.
3. In order to establish a regular and consistent source of missionary income
at the local church level, each local church is encouraged to use the Faith
Promise Plan on an annual basis. All money raised by the use of this concept
shall be for the purpose of funding the missionary (outreach) ministries of the
United Pentecostal Church International, namely, Global Missions and North
American Missions, with the allocation of such funds to be determined at the
local church level. It is suggested that the global missions portion of these funds
be allocated to one or more of the following:
(a) The pledged support of United Pentecostal Church International mission-
aries and their fields of labor according to the policy of General Global
Missions.
(b) Special projects which have the prior approval of General Global Missions.
(c) Special needs of missionaries on furlough or under appointment and while on
deputation as authorized by General Global Missions.
(d) The Global Missions General Fund.
4. In order to establish a regular and consistent source of support for duly
appointed Global Missions personnel of the United Pentecostal Church
International and their fields of labor, the Partners in Missions program shall
be considered the program of General Global Missions.
5. All missionary monies pledged and raised at our General and District
Conferences shall be raised for endorsed or appointed missionaries and their
projects only. If any money is given to other missionaries not endorsed by nor
appointed by the Global Missions Board, it shall not be credited, nor shall it be
published in the Pentecostal Herald, except under special circumstances.
6. Local churches are advised to engage missionaries in cooperation with the
District Promotional Representatives to avoid offerings to any missionary not
endorsed by our board.
7. Undesignated Global Missions’ offerings shall be placed in the Global Missions
General Fund to be used only for the support of the United Pentecostal Church
International Global Missions’ enterprise wherever the need exists. Designated
Global Missions’ offerings shall be expended as designated except:
(a) In the event that the designated funds received for any missionary shall
exceed the regular allowance for that missionary, Global Missions shall
hold such funds in a reserve fund for said missionary to be applied on the
future needs of the missionary or his or her work.
(b) In the event that one of our missionaries should cease to be a missionary
under appointment of the United Pentecostal Church International by reason
of resignation, withdrawal, death, or for any other reason, said funds held
in reserve shall be at the disposal of Global Missions for use in any Global
Missions’ endeavor of the United Pentecostal Church International with the
exception of Partners in Missions bonus and severance pay to be paid at the
time of severance.
(c) Ten percent (10%) of all funds may be allocated to the Global Missions
General Fund to defray its proportionate share of divisional operational
expenses.
8. Missionaries shall not appeal to local churches or individuals in the homeland,
by correspondence or otherwise, for finances for any new undertaking without
first getting the approval of Global Missions.
9. All money intended for the support of national ministers shall be sent to Global
Missions for disbursement through the missionary on the field and not directly
to the worker except by special authorization.

10. Basic compensation for personal support, housing allowance, transporta-

tion, and other needs shall be established on an equitable basis by the Global
Missions Board on the basis of current international money values.
11. In order to maintain missionary interest, it is most essential that the missionary on
the field cooperate by acknowledging all offerings to the donors as promptly as
possible. For this purpose, Global Missions will give to the missionary the name
and address of each donor, together with the amount contributed. It is requested
that missionaries do not encourage people to send offerings to them directly.
12. It is important that the report forms which are sent to the missionary with the
monthly remittance should be filled in as far as possible and returned promptly
to the General Director of Global Missions.
13. Any individual soliciting funds for global missions must have a letter of recom-
mendation from Global Missions.
Section 12. Global Missions Promotion.
1. Each district shall have a District Global Missions Director.
2. The District Global Missions Director shall be elected by the district confer-
ence for a term of two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) consecutive years,
running concurrently with the office of the District Superintendent.
3. Qualifications of the District Global Missions Director shall be the same as
that of a presbyter plus a deep burden for the Global Missions endeavor of the
United Pentecostal Church International as demonstrated by cooperation with
the programs of this division and an ability to inspire such a burden in others.
4. The duties of the District Global Missions Director shall be as follows:
(a) To educate in and to promote the cause of Global Missions through the
Faith Promise and Partners in Missions programs.
(b) To arrange the itineraries for missionaries under appointment and on fur-
lough in the district in cooperation with the District Superintendent.
(c) To work in harmony with General Global Missions and his own district
officials.
5. The District Global Missions Director shall not receive or disburse Global
Missions funds. The expenses of his office shall be financed by a tithe of the
personal offerings received by missionaries on deputational travel in his district.
6. It is recommended that all districts send their District Global Missions
Directors to the General Conference and midyear promotional seminar spon-
sored by General Global Missions with their expenses to be paid out of the
district Global Missions account. Daily allowance at General Conference
and motel and meals at midyear seminar will be provided by General Global
Missions. If a district cannot provide travel expenses to either of these meet-
ings, the District Superintendent should correspond with the Global Missions
regarding this matter.
7. At its discretion, the District Board in a larger district may appoint one or
more persons on a district regional basis to assist the District Global Missions
Director in arranging missionary deputational schedules.
Section 13. Global Missions Property.
1. Missionaries are advised not to purchase or undertake new developments of
the work which would involve much expense until the approval of the Global
Missions Board is obtained; otherwise, Global Missions cannot be held respon-
sible for the undertaking.
2. In order for the office to have proper records so as to be able to give accurate
advice and information concerning mission property, a copy of the property
deeds, titles, and other legal papers relating to all mission properties which have
been purchased or leased shall be forwarded to Global Missions for filing.

3. No funds shall be made available for missionary homes, stations, schools,

etc., until adequate and proper safeguards shall have been provided, such as:
complying with the laws of the respective countries for the legal holding of
property, and establishing and maintaining a proper relationship between these
missionary projects and Global Missions.
4. Missionaries contemplating the purchase of property or erection of buildings
should cooperate with the Field Superintendent, and secure his or her endorse-
ment before submitting their proposition to Global Missions.
5. All musical instruments, furniture, furnishings, motor cars, other vehicles,
machinery, etc., in connection with the missionary work, which have been pur-
chased with missionary funds, shall be regarded as the property of the United
Pentecostal Church International and shall not be disposed of without the writ-
ten consent of Global Missions; missionaries’ personal effects and belongings
excepted.
Section 14. Global Missions Fellowship.
1. Inasmuch as our missionaries are often alone and desire fellowship with other
missionaries, it is recommended that whenever possible, missionaries be given
the opportunity of visiting fellow missionaries either in their own field or in
other nearby fields.
Section 15. Global Missions Service.
1. Global Missions appointment shall be on a continuing basis for an indefinite
period of time as determined by the Global Missions Board and the missionary
in consideration of the needs of the field, health factors, family considerations,
and other factors pertaining to foreign service.
2. Missionaries shall be entitled to twelve (12) months of furlough in one
or two segments for each five (5) years of service after initial arrival on
the field. Missionaries are not to plan furloughs or other extensive moves
or financial outlays without first getting written approval of the Global
Missions Board. Global Missions will not be responsible for financial obli-
gations of missionaries when these principles are not adhered to. Furlough
may not be taken faster than furlough entitlement accrues on the following
schedule:
(a) Six (6) months furlough after two (2) years on the field.
(b) Nine (9) months furlough after three (3) years on the field.
(c) Twelve (12) months furlough after four (4) years on the field.
3. Each missionary under appointment shall be interviewed by the Global
Missions Board a minimum of once in every five (5) years for a complete
evaluation of ministry and future involvement. Additional evaluation of a mis-
sionary’s ministry and accomplishments shall be performed by the General
Director of Global Missions and the Regional Director on a continuing basis.
4. Each missionary shall attend School of Missions once each five (5) years of
continuing service.
5. It is required that a missionary have a physical examination as soon as possible
after returning from the field for the five (5) year interview and evaluation by
the Global Missions Board.
6. If a missionary returns home with no intention of returning to the field, he
or she will be expected to tender to the General Director of Global Missions
a written resignation from global missions appointment. Acceptance of
said resignation by Global Missions will constitute termination with Global
Missions. Thereafter, Global Missions offering receipts cannot be issued by
said missionary. With the termination of service, the minister shall choose
to affiliate with one of the districts in the homeland and request a transfer of
credentials from Global Missions to said district. Upon termination, Partners
in Missions of said missionary will be notified of same by Global Missions.

Section 16. Global Missions Recommendations or Complaints.

1. A missionary having a recommendation or complaint should take it up with the
Missionary Field Superintendent or Area Coordinator (if there is no Missionary
Field Superintendent) and submit said recommendation or complaint in writ-
ing. If the problem is not properly solved, the missionary may present it to the
Regional Director with the privilege of appeal to the Global Missions Board
through the General Director of Global Missions, and a final appeal to the
Board of General Presbyters, if so desired. In the case of a Missionary Field
Superintendent or Area Coordinator having a recommendation or complaint, he
or she must follow the same procedure beginning with the Regional Director.
Section 17. Field Organization.
1. Foreign fields may be organized where there are sufficient missionaries and
qualified national preachers, provided the approval of Global Missions shall first
have been secured. Where numbers are not sufficient to warrant the organization
of the field, the missionaries shall be amenable to the Regional Director, the
General Director of Global Missions, and the Global Missions Board.
2. Each organized field shall have a Field Superintendent who shall be recom-
mended by the Global Missions Board and appointed by the Executive Board
(if such action is in accord with the field constitution) for a period of one (1)
year or until his or her successor is appointed.
3. Duties of the Missionary Field Superintendent:
(a) The Missionary Field Superintendent shall supervise the work of his or her
field and make regular reports and recommendations to his or her Regional
Director and Global Missions.
(b) Shall transact all legal business and sign deeds, mortgages, and all legal
documents for the United Pentecostal Church International (Incorporated in
the USA), as directed by the Global Missions Board.
(c) Shall be subject to the recommendations and decisions of the Global
Missions Board.
4. It is recommended that any of our national churches desiring to send mission-
aries into other countries coordinate their plans with Global Missions through
their Regional Director. It is further recommended that the Regional Director
shall have the general oversight of the activities in his or her region, including
the foreign outreach of national churches.
Section 18. Global Missions Schools.
1. Any missionary or global missions field desiring to operate a school requiring
support from missionary funds shall first make application to the Global Missions
Board through the General Director of Global Missions, stating the purpose of the
school, what the curriculum will be and the monthly cost of maintenance, after
which it must have the approval of the Global Missions Board.
Section 19. Adoption of Children.
1. Missionaries, while under appointment of the Executive Board, shall not adopt,
or “take to bring up” in any legal way as their own, any children without con-
sulting with and having the agreement of the Global Missions Board.
Section 20. Global Missions Evangelism.
1. Anyone desiring to become engaged in short term evangelism or any other min-
istry on the foreign field and desiring to raise funds for this purpose outside his
or her own church shall first have the approval of the District Board and shall
then meet the following requirements:
(a) After receiving a written invitation from the Superintendent of the field con-
cerned through Global Missions, he or she shall obtain the written endorse-
ment of the District Board on the basis of his or her ministerial ability, proven

evangelistic results, cooperation with the general and district programs of

the church, general relationship with fellow ministers, and any other facet of
consideration that would qualify him or her as a proper representative of the
United Pentecostal Church International to those on the foreign field.
(b) Following this endorsement, he or she as a minister, the proposed program
of ministry, and the means of financing the program shall be approved by
the Global Missions Board.
(c) Any minister receiving such endorsement must agree that the promo-
tional value of this ministry will accredit to the general Global Missions’
work of the United Pentecostal Church International and not be for per-
sonal gain.
(d) Any minister receiving such endorsement must agree to furnish an account-
ing of funds related to the program if any part has been raised by offerings
from churches other than his or her own.
(e) Any minister engaging in ministry without following the above procedure
may be called in question by the Global Missions Board and/or the District
Board and shall not receive the cooperation of missionaries on the field.
(f) All reports of evangelistic results must have the written endorsement of the
Superintendent of the field in which the meetings were conducted.
(g) Visiting ministers are expected to pay all their own expenses plus the
expenses of the missionary related to the meeting.
Section 21. Global Missions Agreement.
1. Global Missions shall renew the fellowship card of all missionaries in good
standing the first of the year and shall pay the required membership dues to the
General Organization for same.
2. Missionaries shall be expected to read carefully the above rules and regulations
which have been mutually agreed upon by our fellowship and subscribe to same
before receiving missionary appointment.
3. In the event that any missionary under appointment of the United Pentecostal
Church International should violate this agreement by returning home with-
out the written consent of the General Director of Global Missions, Global
Missions shall be automatically released of any and all obligation to pay said
missionary’s return fare, or the fares of his or her dependents, and to give fur-
ther support.
(a) Exceptions to this rule shall be as follows:
(1) Attending funerals of loved ones such as mother, father, sister, brother,
daughter, or son.
(2) Attending the General Conference if he or she has notified and
received permission from the Global Missions Board providing the
missionary has been on the field at least two (2) years in his or her cur-
rent term and confines his or her visit to the policies governing same as
established by the Global Missions Board.
(b) It shall be absolutely necessary that the missionary bear his or her own
financial cost without solicitation for funds if these exceptions be used.
AGREEMENT
I,___________________________________ , do hereby certify that I have care-
fully read the foregoing Global Missions Policy, and that I am wholeheartedly in
favor of the principles and policy of the United Pentecostal Church International as
set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the organization.
I further certify that, by the grace of God, I shall do my best to live up to the high
standards as set forth in the Global Missions Policy and the Bylaws and Constitution
of the United Pentecostal Church International; further, that I will preach and teach

NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS POLICY ARTICLE XII Section 4. 73
only those doctrines which the organization endorses.

I shall work in peace and harmony with all ministers and missionaries and shall
cooperate with all efforts of the organization.
Inasmuch as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered, bled, and died for our
sins, I am willing to suffer for His name and shall consider it a privilege to endure
hardship and self-denial, for His sake and a lost world, whenever the call of service
demands it.
I shall recognize the elected and appointed heads of Global Missions, and I
hereby agree to abide, at all times, by their decisions. I shall live a life of dependence
upon God, receiving thankfully such support as Global Missions is able to supply,
knowing that the Lord shall supply all our needs.
I am going to the field with one supreme purpose to glorify Christ, to win souls
for Him, and to hasten His coming.
Witnesses:________________________ (Signed)____________________________
________________________________ (Signed)____________________________
ARTICLE XII
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS POLICY
Section 1. Name.
1. The name of this division shall be called North American Missions.
Section 2. Purpose.
1. Whereas there is a great need to extend the gospel to neglected and unevan-
gelized areas of the United States and Canada, and to create a framework of
operation in which our entire constituency can participate, and that the purpose
of General North American Missions shall be to strengthen our base for world
evangelization by:
(a) Opening and establishing new works in underevangelized areas of the
United States and Canada.
(b) Determining and promoting specific missions, revival, and evangelism
needs at home.
(c) Appointing, training, and overseeing missionaries.
(d) Raising funds for approved projects through a workable plan of finance.
(e) Enlisting districts, local church, and pastor involvement in home base
expansion.
(f) Providing leadership training.
(g) Providing recognition and guidance to evangelists.
Section 3. Qualifications.
1. The qualifications for the General North American Missions Director and
General North American Missions Secretary shall be the same as Article IV,
Section 3, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the General Constitution.
2. The qualifications for the General North American Missions Promotions
Director shall be as follows: at least twenty-five (25) years of age and must
conform to the Fundamental Doctrine.
Section 4. General Organization and Government.
1. General North American Missions shall consist of a General North American
Missions Director, a General North American Missions Secretary, General
North American Missions Promotions Director, seven (7) Regional Directors, a
General North American Missions Board, a General North American Missions
Executive Committee, and a General North American Missions Administrative
Committee.

74 ARTICLE XII Section 5. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
Section 5. General North American Missions Director.

1. The General North American Missions Director shall be elected by the General
Conference for a term of two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) consecutive
years and shall become a member of the Executive and General Boards. After
four (4) consecutive terms in an elected office, the official would be required
to be elected by a two-thirds vote to a fifth term and all consecutive terms. In
the event the incumbent does not receive a two-thirds vote on the nominating
ballot, a new nominating ballot would be called for and the incumbent’s name
would be deleted.
2. The duties of the General North American Missions Director shall be as follows:
(a) To act as chair of the General North American Missions Board, the
Administrative Committee, and the Evangelism Commission.
(b) To keep a record of all official acts of said Board and Committees.
(c) To perform such other functions as may be directed by the General North
American Missions Board not in conflict with the bylaws of the Manual.
(d) To supervise and to direct the receiving and disbursing of all North
American Missions funds sent to World Evangelism Center.
(e) To keep each District North American Missions Director, Regional
Director, and District Superintendent informed of the work in general, and
may visit any district meetings to assist the District Director in promoting
the North American Missions Program.
(f) To give a report at the General Conference concerning the work of the
division.
Section 6. General North American Missions Secretary.
1. The General North American Missions Secretary shall be elected by the
General Conference for a term of two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8)
consecutive years, said election alternating with the election of the General
North American Missions Director. After four (4) consecutive terms in an
elected office, the official would be required to be elected by a two-thirds vote
to a fifth term and all consecutive terms. In the event the incumbent does not
receive a two-thirds vote on the nominating ballot, a new nominating ballot
would be called for and the incumbent’s name would be deleted.
2. Duties of the General North American Missions Secretary shall be as follows:

(a) To serve as the recording secretary of North American Missions and keep a
record of all decisions and official acts of the North American Missions Board.
(b) To keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements of the North
American Missions funds and make a complete report of such funds to the
Director of North American Missions and to the North American Missions Board.
(c) To conduct the correspondence relative to the North American Missions
under the supervision of the Director of North American Missions.
(d) To write North American Missions vouchers as directed by the Director of
North American Missions and the North American Missions Board.
(e) To perform such other duties as the work of the North American Missions
demands under the supervision of the Director of North American Missions.
Section 7. General North American Missions Promotions Director.
1. The General North American Missions Promotions Director shall be appointed
by the General North American Missions Director with the approval of the
General North American Missions Executive Committee.
2. Duties of the General North American Missions Promotions Director shall be
as follows: He or she shall perform duties assigned him or her by the General
North American Missions Director to promote all phases of North American
Missions endeavors.

Section 8. Regional North American Missions Directors.

1. Method of Appointment of Regional Directors:
The General North American Missions Director shall nominate one from
each of seven (7) regions. The District Directors of each region shall have the
opportunity to ratify the name by a secret yes or no ballot, who in turn shall be
ratified by the General Board.
2. Term of office:
The Regional Directors shall serve a term of two (2) years or until their succes-
sor is chosen. They shall be chosen on the alternate year to the election of the
General North American Missions Director.
3. Duties of the Regional Directors:
(a) The Regional Directors shall work under the direction of the General North
American Missions Director and in cooperation with the District North
American Missions Director and District Superintendent.
(b) They shall serve as a liaison between General North American Missions and
the District North American Missions Department.
(c) They shall be informed of all North American Missions policies and procedures.
(d) They shall attend all meetings of the General North American Missions
Board and Administrative Committee.
(e) They shall assist the District North American Missions Directors and
Superintendents in conducting the annual District Evangelism Council in
each district.
(f) They shall promote North American Missions efforts in their respective
regions.
Section 9. General North American Missions Board.
1. The General North American Missions Board shall consist of the General
North American Missions Administrative Committee and the elected District
North American Missions Directors.
2. The duties of the General North American Missions Board shall be as follows:
(a) To assist in the work of the North American Missions.
(b) To attend all duly called meetings and conduct such business as deemed
necessary in accordance with the North American Missions Policy.
(c) To hear a full report of all special committees and approve of any major
projects to be undertaken by North American Missions.
(d) To promote evangelization of the United States and Canada.
Section 10. General North American Missions Executive Committee.
1. The General North American Missions Executive Committee shall be com-
posed of the General Superintendent, the General Secretary, and the General
North American Missions Director.
2. The duties of the General North American Missions Executive Committee shall
be as follows:
(a) To act upon North American Missions matters between meetings of the
General North American Missions Board.
(b) To administrate all General North American Missions funds invested in
North American Missions projects under their supervision.
Section 11. General North American Missions Administrative Committee.
1. The General North American Missions Administrative Committee shall consist
of the General North American Missions Director, the General North American
Missions Secretary, the General North American Missions Promotions Director,
and seven (7) Regional Directors.
2. Duties of the Administrative Committee shall be as follows:
(a) To review and develop North American Missions policy, procedures, pro-
grams, and promotion.

(b) To allocate funds received through the Christmas for Christ program.
Section 12. District Organization and Government.
1. Each organized district shall have a District North American Missions Director,
a District North American Missions Board, and a District North American
Missions Executive Committee. The district may or may not have a District
North American Missions Secretary.
2. District North American Missions Director:
(a) Qualifications:
(1) The District North American Missions Director shall be at least thirty
(30) years of age, must have been a minister in good standing with the
organization for at least two (2) years, must have been ordained at least
one (1) year, must have proven loyal to the organization and the cause
of North American Missions by cooperation with the upbuilding of the
work, and must have been a cooperating member of the district for at
least one (1) year.
(2) Must conform to the Fundamental Doctrine of the United Pentecostal
(b) Shall be elected by the District Conference for a term of two (2) years, for
a maximum of eight (8) consecutive years, alternating with the office of
District Superintendent.
(c) Duties of the District North American Missions Director shall be as follows:
(1) To act as chair of the District North American Missions Board.
(2) To promote North American Missions work throughout the district,
including time in a District Conference annually.
(3) To make an annual or semi-annual report of the activities of his or her
department to the District Conference, and to send a report of his or
her activities to the General North American Missions Director at least
thirty (30) days prior to each General Conference.
(4) To assist in the raising of funds for North American Missions projects.
(5) To secure all available materials designed for him or her in the promo-
tion of North American Missions in his or her district.
(6) To attend all duly called meetings of the General North American
Missions Board.
(7) To inform the board relative to the program of the General North American
Missions and train them in techniques of administering the same.
(8) To work with the District Superintendent and the Regional Director in
conducting an annual “District Evangelism Council” in order to develop
a District Plan of Action for meeting the missions and evangelism needs
of the district.
(9) To conduct whatever meetings he or she and the District Superintendent
deem necessary to plan and administrate the missions and evangelism
affairs of the district. These meetings shall be called with the permission of
the District Superintendent and shall be conducted in cooperation with him.
(10) To lead the board and district in raising Christmas for Christ and other
North American Missions funds.
3. District North American Missions Secretary:
(a) Qualifications:
(1) Must have been a minister in good standing with the organization for
at least one (1) year, must have a General License or Certificate of
Ordination, must have proven loyal to the organization and the cause
of North American Missions by cooperation with the upbuilding of the
work, and must be a cooperating member of the district.

(b) Term of Office:

The District North American Missions Secretary shall be either elected
by the District Conference or appointed by the District North American
Missions Director and District Board and ratified by the District Conference
for a two (2) year term, alternating with the office of District North
American Missions Director. (If elected, it shall be for a maximum of eight
[8] consecutive years.)
(c) The duties of the District North American Missions Secretary shall be as
follows:
(1) To take minutes and preserve records of all District North American
Missions Board proceedings.
(2) To receive all funds sent to the North American Missions Department
when not in conflict with the existing district practice, and shall be
authorized to write North American Missions vouchers as directed
by the Director of North American Missions and the North American
Missions Board.
(3) To keep an accurate record of all monetary transactions. He or she shall
hold the books open for inspection at all times by officials and ministers
of the district. He or she shall make an annual report to the District
Conference, a quarterly report to the District North American Missions
Board, and a monthly report to the District North American Missions
Director and District Superintendent.
(4) To make a financial report to the District Board when requested.
4. District North American Missions Board:
(a) The District North American Missions Board shall consist of the District
North American Missions Director, District North American Missions
Secretary, and Sectional North American Missions Directors. In unsection-
alized districts, the District North American Missions Director and District
Superintendent shall function in lieu of such a board.
(b) The duties of the District North American Missions Board shall be as fol-
lows:
(1) To meet as often as necessary, at least twice each year, to conduct busi-
ness and plan the programs for the department. All programs outlined
and recommended by the District North American Missions Board shall
be presented to the District Board for their approval.
(2) To promote evangelism in each section of the district and the establish-
ment of new churches.
(3) To formulate District North American Missions policy, subject to the
District Board and District Conference approval. This policy shall not
conflict with the General Policy as outlined in this Manual.
5. District North American Missions Executive Committee:
(a) The District North American Missions Executive Committee shall con-
sist of the District Superintendent, the District North American Missions
Director, the Sectional North American Missions Director, and the
Sectional Presbyter in whose section the particular project or individual
under consideration is located. The District Superintendent shall act as chair
of this committee. The Sectional Director shall be included in all matters
except his or her own appointment.
(b) The duties of the District North American Missions Executive Committee
shall be as follows:
(1) To act upon North American Missions matters between meetings of the
District North American Missions Board.
6. Sectional North American Missions Directors:
(a) Qualifications:

All Sectional North American Missions Directors should hold license or

credentials with the United Pentecostal Church International, be in good
standing with their district, and conform to the Fundamental Doctrine.
(b) Selection and term of office:
The Sectional North American Missions Director shall either be elected
by the Sectional Conference or appointed by the District North American
Missions Executive Committee.
(c) The duties of the Sectional North American Missions Director shall be as
follows:
(1) To promote North American Missions work throughout the section.
(2) To work in full cooperation with and under the supervision of the
District North American Missions Director at all times.
(3) To secure all available materials designed for him or her in the promo-
tion of North American Missions in his or her section.
(4) To attend all duly called meetings of the District North American
Missions Board.
(5) To conduct whatever meetings he or she and the District North
American Missions Director deem necessary to plan and administrate
the missions and evangelism affairs of the section. These meetings shall
be called with the permission of the Sectional Presbyter and shall be
conducted in cooperation with him or her.
(6) To lead his or her section in raising Christmas for Christ and other North
American Missions funds.
1. To finance the North American Missions program in each district:
(a) The missions and evangelism needs of the district shall be determined at a
District Evangelism Council.
(b) A budget to finance this plan of action will be determined in this meeting
and submitted to the District Board for its approval.
(c) This district missions budget will be raised by an approved district financial
program.
2. The above-mentioned offerings shall be sent in total to the District North
American Missions Secretary, unless otherwise designated by District Policy.
3. Ten percent (10%) of the total of all such North American Missions offerings,
except designated offerings, shall be sent once a month to the General North
American Missions for its operation.
4. All money raised throughout our ranks under the banner of “North American
Missions” shall be used for North American Missions work exclusively.
5. Any individual soliciting funds for a North American Missions work must
have a letter of recommendation from the District North American Missions
Executive Committee of the district in which his or her work is located, or if in
no organized district, from the General North American Missions.
6. In the event an individual goes into a district other than his or her own to solicit
funds, he or she must first request permission from the District Superintendent
of said district who shall or shall not grant permission after conferring with the
District North American Missions Director.
7. It is recommended that all districts send their District North American Missions
Director to the General Conference and to any General North American Missions
Board meeting. The expenses shall be paid out of the District North American
Missions Department treasury.
Section 14. Metro Evangelism.
1. Name:
(a) The name of this missions endeavor shall be Metro Evangelism. A Metro

Evangelism area shall be a population center of seven hundred fifty thou-

sand or more residents.
2. Purpose:
(a) To establish churches in metropolitan areas of North America.
(b) To secure financial assistance necessary for the implementation and devel-
opment of evangelism in the metropolitan areas of North America.
(c) To encourage each district to establish and develop a Metro Commission for
its metropolitan areas.
3. Administration:
(a) General North American Missions shall administrate the Metro Evangelism
Program.
(b) The General North American Missions Administrative Committee shall
approve applicants and areas for sponsored projects, establish the budget for
each missionary endeavor, make necessary appropriations for the project,
and give general direction in the implementation of the project.
(c) The General North American Missions Administrative Committee shall
review annually the progress of each project to determine present needs and
to make necessary adjustments.
(d) After a minister and the project has been approved by the Administrative
Committee, the project shall be under the supervision of a committee
composed of the General North American Missions Director, the District
Superintendent, and the District North American Missions Director. The
General North American Missions Director shall be the chair of this com-
mittee.
4. The Metro Missionary:
(a) Selection of the Missionary:
Metro missionary applicants shall complete the application form, including
a financial statement. The completed application shall be submitted through
the District North American Missions Director to his or her district.
(1) The applicant must have the approval of the District Superintendent and
District North American Missions Director before the application is sent
to the General North American Missions Administrative Committee for
consideration.
(2) The District Superintendent and the District North American Missions
Director of the applicant’s home district shall complete a questionnaire
on the applicant and return it to the General North American Missions
Administrative Committee.
(3) Additional written recommendations shall be solicited from ministers
and others acquainted with the applicant.
(4) The District Board and the District North American Missions Director
of the district to which the missionary shall be assigned must give their
approval in writing before a missionary is appointed.
(5) It is recommended that an applicant have pastoral experience.
(6) The missionary and spouse shall meet with the General North American
Missions Administrative Committee before approval.
(7) The General North American Missions Administrative Committee shall
recommend approved applicants to the Executive Board for appoint-
ment. Final appointment as a metro missionary shall be the action of the
Executive Board.
(8) No application shall be considered for an area unless the District Board
has requested a metro missionary.
(b) Duties and Responsibilities of the Missionary:
(1) The missionary’s purpose is to build and establish a congregation.
(2) The missionary shall raise support by soliciting monthly commitments
under the general North American Missions banner.

(3) Missionaries shall conscientiously give full service to the stewardship

for which they are commissioned. They may take time away from the
new church to attend district meetings, to have one week of vacation
each year, and have one week for General Conference. They will so
arrange their schedule that they will not be away from their church two
(2) consecutive weekends.
(4) Inasmuch as the missionary and spouse work as a team and are commis-
sioned as a unit, neither the spouse nor the missionary shall work on a
secular job as long as the missionary is receiving full-time sponsorship.
(5) The missionary shall send a monthly report to the General North
American Missions Director, District Superintendent, District North
American Missions Director, and monthly sponsors.
(6) Shall work in harmony with his or her district and section, and under
the direction of the General North American Missions Director, District
Superintendent, and District North American Missions Director.
(7) Shall submit an annual financial statement of the project to the General
North American Missions Administrative Committee.
(8) No missionary will be allowed to begin a parochial school or operate a
day care center for children without permission from the General North
American Missions Administrative Committee.
(9) Nothing in this policy shall inhibit, change, or limit the power or right
of a District Superintendent and District Board from approving quali-
fied ministers to start new churches in any city or town in their district,
including metro areas. Only ministers who have made application to the
General North American Missions Committee for support as a mission-
ary to a metro area will be under the jurisdiction of the policy.
(c) Missionary Tenure:
(1) The missionary term shall be five (5) years, with yearly evaluation and
approval given by the General North American Missions Administrative
Committee.
(2) A missionary shall not move on location until permission is granted by
the general North American Missions.
(3) The missionary’s term begins when the budget is raised and he or she is
on location.
(4) The missionary’s support shall not be terminated after his or her
appointment except by majority agreement of the District Superin
tendent, the District North American Missions Director, and the General
(d) Missionary Finance:
(1) The budget of the missionary shall be determined by the General North
American Missions Administrative Committee, District Superintendent,
and District North American Missions Director.
(2) Monthly commitments raised by the missionary for the budget shall be
sent by the contributing churches to general North American Missions.
(3) Support after appointment and before his or her term begins shall come
from freewill offerings received while raising the budget. He or she shall
provide the contributor and general North American Missions with a
receipt for each offering.
(4) North American Missions shall report all offerings received in a district
to the District Secretary.
(5) No budgeted funds will be released to the missionary until the term
begins.
(6) All the budgeted monies raised by the missionary shall be held by North
American Missions for disbursement. In case of termination of the mis-

sionary, said funds shall be reallocated by the General North American

Missions (Executive) Committee within the Metro Evangelism program.
(7) In case of termination of a metro missionary, all sponsors of said mis-
sionary shall be notified immediately.
(e) Missionary Scheduling:
(1) The General North American Missions Secretary and the District North
American Missions Director shall coordinate deputational schedule for
the missionary.
Section 15. Christmas for Christ.
1. Name:
(a) The name of this missions program shall be Christmas for Christ.
2. Purpose:
(a) The Christmas for Christ program shall be a fund-raising endeavor of North
American Missions.
(b) The funds shall be derived from special offerings received during the
Christmas season.
(c) The funds shall be used to enlist, train, and financially support the sending
of men into unevangelized and underevangelized areas to establish new
assemblies and places of worship, especially in smaller districts, and to
provide means for support of North American Missions programs.
3. Directors:
(a) The General North American Missions Administrative Committee shall
administer the Christmas for Christ program.
(b) It shall be their duty to approve applicants and areas for sponsored projects,
recommend appropriations, and give general direction by recommending
policies and practices.
(c) When a project is to be implemented in an established district, after approval
by the Administrative Committee, they shall transfer the oversight of the
project to the General North American Missions Director, the District
Superintendent, and the District North American Missions Director of the
district involved.
4. Raising of Funds:
(a) Each district is requested to cooperate financially with the Christmas for
Christ effort.
(b) Each local church is requested to promote and contribute annually to the
Christmas for Christ drive in their district.
(c) Each family is requested to give the money normally spent on Christmas
cards, trees, decorations, superfluous gifts, or their equivalent, or to reduce
the amount spent for these items and give the difference. In a special service
during the Christmas season, each individual is requested to bring his or her
personal gift of love to the altar, presenting it as unto the Lord.
5. Holding of Funds:
(a) The Christmas for Christ offering shall be sent by the church directly to the
District North American Missions Department, or the District Secretary/
Treasurer whichever one is designated by the district.
6. Allocation of Funds:
(a) Forty percent (40%) of the total Christmas for Christ offerings received by
the District North American Missions Department shall be retained in the
District North American Missions account. These funds are to be disbursed
according to a joint agreement of the District Board and the District North
American Missions Board.
(1) These Christmas for Christ funds shall be utilized exclusively for the
starting and funding of new churches, training and supporting district
approved home missionaries, underwriting travel expenses of district

approved home missionaries to the annual Christmas for Christ Training

Seminar, and underwriting the District North American Missions
administrative costs.
(2) If any district Christmas for Christ funds are not used as previously
specified, after a period of two (2) years these funds may be made
available for a big-brother program to be allocated by the District
Superintendent, the District Secretary, and the District North American
Missions Director in the district where applicant resides.
(3) A report of District North American Missions allocations shall be sent
by the District North American Missions Director to North American
Missions annually, prior to General Conference.
(b) Sixty percent (60%) of the total Christmas for Christ funds received by
the District North American Missions Department shall be sent to North
American Missions. These funds shall be held in a special Christmas for
Christ fund and allocated as follows:
(1) Starting and funding new churches.
(2) The selection and training of Christmas for Christ and other approved
missionaries.
(3) The administration and funding of evangelism of the metropolitan areas.
(4) Special projects approved by the Administrative Committee.
(5) Funds necessary for administrative purposes and related promotional
expenses shall be retained for the operation of North American Missions.
A minimum of $10,000 being held in reserve as a contingency fund.
7. Selection of Missionaries:
(a) Applicants requesting consideration as missionaries shall complete a detailed
application along with a financial statement, which shall be considered by
the Administrative Committee. Applicants must make application through
the District North American Missions Director of their home district.
(b) A questionnaire relative to the prospective missionary shall be completed
by the Superintendent and the North American Missions Director of his or
her home district which shall provide the Administrative Committee with
further material for their information on the prospect.
(c) Recommendations shall be solicited from ministerial and other acquain-
tances of the prospective missionary.
(d) Permission shall be secured from the District Superintendent and/or the
District Board of the district to which the missionary will be assigned.
(e) When necessary, the Administrative Committee shall require an appearance
of the applicant before the Committee.
8. Missionary Options and Continued Support:
(a) The appointed missionary may request the manner of his or her support
from several options such as full time, partial, delayed, extended, or prop-
erty support.
(b) If continued support is desired after the initial allocation, the mission-
ary shall apply to the District North American Missions Director. After a
thorough investigation and consultation with the District Superintendent,
a letter of application from the District North American Missions Director
and District Superintendent shall accompany the applicant’s request to the
Administrative Committee. A copy shall be sent to the District Secretary.
9. Responsibilities of the missionary shall be as follows:
(a) To send a monthly report to the General North American Missions Director, his
or her District Superintendent, and District North American Missions Director.
(b) To work in harmony with the Administrative Committee and support
General North American Missions programs.
(c) To lend cooperation to his or her district and section, working in harmony

and under the direction of the District Superintendent and District North
American Missions Director.
(d) To understand that his or her purpose is to establish a church and that their
services are not to be terminated under three (3) years except by mutual
agreement between themselves, the District Superintendent, and District
(e) To conscientiously give full service to the stewardship for which he or she
is commissioned. Any departure from this, such as revivals, should only be
with the consent of the District North American Missions Director.
(f) Inasmuch as the missionary and spouse work as a team and are commis-
sioned as a unit, the spouse should not work on a secular job when the
missionary is receiving full-time sponsorship.
10. Safeguarding of Property:
(a) All church property purchased with Christmas for Christ funds or under
the direction of an appointed missionary shall be subject to Article XII,
Section 16, Paragraphs 1-7 (Regulations Governing Investment of Funds
for Property).
(b) It is recommended that all church property holdings by a Christmas for
Christ missionary be in a manner approved by the District North American
Missions Executive Committee.
(c) As a part of the missionary’s approval for appointment, he or she must agree
to affiliate the new assembly immediately.
Section 16. Regulations Governing Investment of Funds for Property.
1. All applications for loans and grants must have the endorsement of the District
North American Missions Executive Committee. When the application pertains
to a new work or the purchasing of property, it shall be the responsibility of the
District North American Missions Executive Committee to investigate the prop-
erty, check city regulations, and all other matters relative to church property.
2. Churches must be set in order according to the Manual of the United Pentecostal
Church International, Article XIX, Section 1, Paragraph 1. It is advisable that
churches be locally incorporated.
3. North American Missions funds shall not be invested in property, etc., in which
the title of ownership is held in question or where the ownership is in the name
of an individual.
4. All loans and grants from the United Pentecostal Church International,
whether from North American Missions, or District North American Missions
Department, must be secured by an attachment or lien to the property deed. The
attachment or lien should stipulate that if such church agrees to withdraw or
fellowship be terminated with the United Pentecostal Church International for
any reason, or be dissolved, the said church through its duly elected board of
trustees and pastor must pay the unpaid balance of loans and the full amount
of grants immediately or make arrangements to do so to the satisfaction of the
District North American Missions Department or North American Missions.
The amount of the lien attachment against a grant shall be reduced by each
offering given to the District or general North American Missions. Loans must
be repaid unless debt is forgiven.
5. Recognizing that the success of our North American Missions program to a
large extent is dependent upon the missionaries who are sponsored in a new
field, it shall be the duty of the District North American Missions Executive
Committee to determine in the fear of God the qualifications of those desiring
North American Missions assistance.
6. The District North American Missions Executive Committee shall have the
right to refuse an application if they have good reason to believe it is not in the
best interest of the district work.

7. It shall be the responsibility of the General North American Missions Executive

Committee to review and act upon applications for loans and grants presented
to North American Missions.
8. All funds allocated for property by North American Missions shall be held
in the North American Missions fund until such time that money is to be dis-
bursed for the purpose of an approved business transaction. All property funds
disbursed by North American Missions through the District Treasury for mis-
sionary property shall be returned to North American Missions within ninety
(90) days in the event the business transaction involved is not completed. This
time may be extended if mutually agreed upon by the General North American
Missions Director and the district involved.
9. All property funds allocated by North American Missions shall be released for
reallocation by North American Missions in the event that funds are not dis-
creetly used within a period of two (2) years from time of allocation. In the case
of Sheaves for Christ funds, they shall be returned to North American Missions
to be reallocated by the General North American Missions Director and the
General Youth President. Said Sheaves for Christ funds shall be returned to the
General Youth Division until reallocation.
10. When a church property is sold, in which North American Missions funds have
been invested and the outreach terminated, the funds received by the district from
the sale shall be reallocated by the General and District North American Missions
Executive Committee. In the event of the involvement of Sheaves for Christ
grants, the General Youth President shall also be a part of this committee.
Section 17. Definition of a North American Missions Work.
1. A North American Missions work shall be defined as a work not over five
(5) years in existence. Any funds requested for a work other than the above
described may be reviewed by the District North American Missions Board for
special consideration, with final approval resting with the District Board. The
home missionary status shall be determined as follows:
(a) After a North American Missions application has been approved by the
District North American Missions Board and the District Board.
(b) After the missionary has been on site.
(c) At the time of drawing first funds from North American Missions except in
the case of moving expense.
(d) If funds are not requested, North American Missions time will be counted
six (6) months from when he or she came into the city.
Section 18. Evangelism Commission.
1. Purpose:
(a) The purpose of the Evangelism Commission is to serve as a designated
avenue by which evangelistic needs of the local church and every member
therein can be definitely met. It shall be a stronger and shorter link between
evaluated needs and the field of remedy and execution.
(b) A further object of this Commission is to study and seek ways and means of
injecting “The Outreach for the Unreached” into the heart and mind of every
member of the United Pentecostal Church International; to establish and
promote a Christ-centered program, geared to meet the needs of our time.
(c) It is also the intent of this Commission to encourage every member to train in
personal work by providing training and evangelistic material for this purpose.
By means of rallies, seminars, and other avenues, it will seek to provide inspira-
tion and incentive on a local level so that this great work may be executed.
(d) Through fervent evangelistic activity they will attempt to stimulate the mis-
sion spirit so that every district will grow up into the structure of the North
American Missions Policy and execute its purposes forthrightly.

2. Structure:
The Evangelism Commission shall be another phase of North American
Missions.
(a) Chair:
The General North American Missions Director shall be the chair of the
Commission. He or she shall be the point of contact between the General
North American Missions Board, the General North American Missions
Executive Committee, and the Commission. He or she shall report the activ-
ity and progress of the Commission.
(b) Membership:
The Evangelism Commission shall be appointed by the General North
American Missions Director and ratified by General North American
Missions Board for a term of three (3) years. Each term shall be rotated,
as nearly as possible, with one-third (1/3) of the members being replaced
each year.
No member shall be able to immediately succeed himself or herself in a
consecutive term, but may be reappointed after at least one (1) year off the
Commission.
They shall be chosen according to their ability and the need of the program.
The Commission members shall serve without salary except that North
American Missions shall endeavor to defray expenses they may incur in
their activities.
(c) Coordinator:
The work of the Commission shall be correlated with the other phases
of North American Missions by a Coordinator. The Coordinator shall be
appointed by the Director of North American Missions and ratified by the
General North American Missions Executive Board and the General North
American Missions Board for a term of one (1) year. He or she shall be an
ex officio member of the Evangelism Commission. His or her duties shall
be in the area of promotion rather than administration, except as he or she
may be authorized otherwise by the Director of North American Missions
who may authorize him or her as follows:
(1) In case of absence of the Director of North American Missions, the
Coordinator may be authorized to preside over the Commission as it
sits in committee session to plan, evaluate, and explore possibilities.
He or she shall report to the Director of North American Missions all
procedures and all findings and conclusions of the committee session.
These shall be subject to the approval of the Director of North American
Missions. Matters of major importance shall require the presence of the
Director of North American Missions. The Evangelism Commission
Coordinator and the Director of North American Missions are to com-
municate on a proposed agenda prior to each meeting that the Director
is not able to attend.
3. Duties of the Commission:
(a) In harmony with national and district policies, the Commission shall outline
and define objectives relative to each local need having as its main purpose
the stirring of the laity to personal evangelism and motivating the ministers
to see how they can more completely do their duty toward saving the lost.
(b) The Commission shall emphasize the importance of all phases of evan-
gelism, offering suggestions and creative ideas; encourage publishing of
special evangelistic tracts; encourage the training of soulwinners; provide
literature for personal workers; and encourage apostolic outreach and results.
(c) It shall promote its program through official publications; it shall recruit
teams of pastors to assist in the evangelization of needy districts or areas;
encourage organized revival efforts; conduct evangelism rallies for the

purpose of stirring both laity and ministry; promote an international day of

prayer and fasting for spiritual revival; promote inner-city evangelism; and
any other activity reasonable and possible in the field of evangelism not in
conflict with other facets of organizational work.
4. Finances:
(a) The Evangelism Commission shall be financially sponsored from the General
Fund of North American Missions and Evangelism Seminar offerings.
Section 19. Prison Ministry.
1. Name:
The name of this ministry shall be Christian Prisoner Fellowship.
2. Purpose:
(a) To encourage and assist churches to begin prison ministries.
(b) To provide assistance to local churches with prison ministries.
(c) To make available effective teaching materials for the prison ministry.
(d) To provide credentials for local prison chaplains.
(e) To coordinate nationally the prison ministries.
3. General Organization:
The Christian Prisoner Fellowship is a ministry directed by North American
Missions. A General Chaplain shall serve under the direction of the General
4. Christian Prisoner Fellowship General Chaplain:
(a) The qualifications for the General Chaplain.
(1) Shall be at least thirty (30) years of age, must have been a minister in
good standing with the organization for at least two (2) years, must
have been ordained at least one (1) year, must have proven loyal to the
organization and the upbuilding of the work and must be a cooperating
member of the district.
(3) Must have participated in Prison Ministry for at least one (1) year.
(b) Term of Office:
(1) The General Chaplain shall be appointed by the General North American
Missions Executive Committee and ratified by the General Conference,
for a term of two (2) years.
(c) Duties of Chaplain shall be as follows:
(1) To lead Christian Prisoner Fellowship in a progressive way under the
direction of North American Missions.
(2) To inspire, assist, and coordinate evangelization of those incarcerated
and in release centers.
(3) To work under the direct supervision of the General North American
Missions Director.
5. District Organization:
(a) Fellowship:
The District Chapter shall be identified by placing the name of the District,
State or Province, with Christian Prisoner Fellowship.
(Example: Western Christian Prisoner Fellowship.)
(b) District Chaplain Qualifications:
(1) Must have been a minister in good standing with the organization for at
least one (1) year, must have proven loyal to the organization and the
cause of North American Missions by cooperation with the upbuilding
of the work, and must be a cooperating member of his or her district.
(3) Must have participated in Prison Ministry for at least one (1) year.

(c) Term of Office:

The District Chaplain shall be recommended by the District North
American Missions Committee and appointed by the District Board for
a one (1) year term. (Section 12, Paragraph 4—District North American
Missions Board [a] In unsectionalized districts, the District North American
Missions Director and the District Superintendent shall function in lieu of
such a board.)
(d) Duties of the District Chaplain shall be as follows:
(1) To work under the direction of the District North American Missions
Director and in cooperation with the District Board.
(2) To lead the District Chapter of Christian Prisoner Fellowship in a pro-
gressive way.
(3) To inspire, assist, and coordinate the evangelization of those incarcerated
and in release centers within his or her district.
(4) To assist the church in starting a Christian Prisoner Fellowship Chapter
when requested by a local pastor.
6. Local Christian Prisoner Fellowship Chaplains:
(a) Qualifications:
(1) The local chaplain must be a licensed minister with the United
Pentecostal Church International or hold a Christian Worker’s License
issued by the pastor and in good standing with a local church.
(2) The chaplain must be actively involved in prison and jail ministry.
(3) Must conform to the Fundamental Doctrines of the United Pentecostal
(b) Appointment and Certification:
(1) Chaplains will be appointed by their pastor for a period of one (1)
year and approved by the District North American Missions Executive
Committee.
(2) Application for certification shall be mailed to North American
Missions.
(3) Only one chaplain may be certified from a local church for each penal
institution in which a local church ministers.
(4) Each certified chaplain is required to pay a biennial fee, as approved by
the North American Missions Administrative Committee, to the General
Christian Prisoner Fellowship. This entitles the chaplain to a bien-
nial Prisoner Ministry Chaplain’s Card and publications of Christian
Prisoner Fellowship.
(c) Duties of the Chaplain shall be as follows:
(1) To work under the authority and supervision of the pastor.
(2) To minister to inmates in penal systems available within his or her local
area.
(3) To work under the direction of his or her pastor in establishing released
prison converts within the local church structure.
(4) To aid in areas of follow up, prison transfers, referrals, monthly reports,
and newsletter distribution.
(5) The chaplain shall not solicit help for services without the pastor’s
permission. Neither shall he or she solicit help from any church without
the pastor’s consent.
(6) To maintain a good relationship with the prison administrative staff.
(7) To minister to the spiritual needs of inmates.
(8) To become acquainted with the rules of the penal institution with which he
or she is working and strive to work within the framework of these rules.

88 Article XIII Section 1. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XIII
YOUTH DIVISION
Section 1. Name.
1. The members of this division shall be called Pentecostal Conquerors.
Section 2. Mission Statement.
1. The mission of the General Youth Division is to serve the local churches of the
United Pentecostal Church International, assisting them in fulfilling the great
commission given by Jesus Christ which is to evangelize the lost and disciple
the converted.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost [which is the name of Jesus]:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew
28:19-20).
2. The method of assisting local churches is by:
(a) Providing training programs for youth and those involved in ministry.
(b) Providing youth mission opportunities for exposure to evangelism.
(c) Providing resources to youth for evangelism and discipleship.
(d) Promoting revival through ministries and events geared toward youth.
(e) Investing Sheaves for Christ funds in the work of God.
Section 3. The Officers.
1. General President
2. General Secretary
3. Director of Promotion
1. The General President shall be elected by the General Conference for a term of
two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) consecutive years concurrent with the
General Superintendent. After four (4) consecutive terms in an elected office,
the official would be required to be elected by a two-thirds vote to a fifth
term and all consecutive terms. In the event the incumbent does not receive a
two-thirds vote on the nominating ballot, a new nominating ballot would be
called for and the incumbent’s name would be deleted.
2. The General Secretary shall be elected by the General Conference for a term of
two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) consecutive years concurrent with the
General Secretary-Treasurer. After four (4) consecutive terms in an elected
office, the official would be required to be elected by a two-thirds vote to
a fifth term and all consecutive terms. In the event the incumbent does not
receive a two-thirds vote on the nominating ballot, a new nominating ballot
would be called for and the incumbent’s name would be deleted.
3. The Director of Promotion shall be appointed for a two (2) year term by the
General Youth President, as approved by the General Youth Committee, and
ratified by the Executive Board. Said term to be concurrent with the term of the
General President.
1. The qualifications for the General President and the General Secretary of the
Youth Division shall be the same as Article IV, Section 3, Paragraph 1, except
they shall be at least twenty-five (25) years of age and not beyond their thirty-
ninth (39th) birthday at the time of their election.
2. The qualifications of the Director of Promotion of the Youth Division shall
be as follows: must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and not beyond
the thirty-ninth (39th) birthday at the time of appointment; must hold General
License or be ordained, must conform to the Fundamental Doctrine.

YOUTH DIVISION Article XIII Section 7. 89

1. Duties of the President shall be as follows:
(a) To preside over all youth services at General Conference.
(b) To aid District Presidents in youth work under the supervision of the
District Superintendent, and to foster unity among the districts.
(c) To call for and to preside over all committee meetings of the General Youth
Division.
(d) To devote his or her full time to the work of the Youth Division and shall
work under the direction and supervision of the General Superintendent and
the Executive Board at all times.
(e) To endeavor to visit each district, whenever possible, at the request of the
District President.
(f) The President shall give direction and oversight to the annual Sheaves for
Christ fund-raising drive and all other ministries of the General Youth
Division.
2. Duties of the General Secretary shall be as follows:
(a) To take minutes of proceedings of Committee Meetings of the General
Youth Division.
(b) To represent the Youth Division and assist in the work of the division when-
ever called upon by the General President.
3. Duties of the Director of Promotion shall be as follows:
(a) To direct promotion of the General Youth Division under the supervision of
the General President.
(b) To represent the Youth Division and assist in the work of the division when-
ever called upon by the General President.
Section 7. Committees.
1. General Youth Committee.
(a) This Committee shall be composed of the General President, the General
Secretary, the Director of Promotion, and the District Presidents of the
Youth Division.
2. Duties of the General Youth Committee shall be as follows:
(a) To assist and counsel with the President in all matters pertaining to the
general youth work.
(b) This committee’s actions shall be subject to the General Board.
3. Meetings of the General Youth Committee shall be as follows:
(a) General Conference Youth Committee Meeting.
(b) Midwinter Youth Committee Meeting.
(c) Special called meetings by the General President as necessary with the
approval of the Executive Board.
4. Executive Youth Committee.
(a) This committee shall be composed of the General President, the General
Secretary, and one or more members of the General Youth Committee as
may be deemed advisable by the General President.
5. Duties of the Executive Youth Committee.
(a) To assist the General President in any business necessary during the
Conference year.
6. Meetings of the Executive Youth Committee.
(a) Meetings called by the General President as necessary.
7. Youth Evangelism Ministries Commission.
(a) The Youth Evangelism Ministries Commission will be made up of the General
Youth President, who will serve as chair, General Youth Secretary, Director
of Promotion, six (6) District Pentecostal Conquerors Presidents one (1) from
each of six (6) regions. The District Pentecostal Conquerors Presidents to be
appointed by the General Youth President with the approval of the General

Superintendent for a two (2) year term. No District President can succeed
himself or herself.
8. Duties of the Youth Evangelism Ministries Commission.
(a) The Youth Evangelism Ministries Commission will act on matters relative
to the Youth Evangelism Ministries. Those members present at a duly called
meeting shall constitute a quorum.
9. Meetings of the Youth Evangelism Ministries Commission.
(a) The Youth Evangelism Ministries Commission will meet annually to formu
late plans and give direction for each of the evangelistic Youth Ministries.
Section 8. Ministries of the General Youth Division.
1. Youth Mission Involvement:
Trips within North America and abroad will be periodically offered to Pente
costal youth. These trips will be designated to give them opportunity to share
in evangelism of the lost, to broaden exposure to the world’s needs, and to
develop experience in Christian service.
2. Bible Quizzing:
The ministry’s purpose is to promote Bible knowledge among our youth and to
serve as a means of developing Christian character and leadership skills.
3. Campus Ministry:
The General Youth Division will develop training and resources for high
school and college campus evangelism.
4. International Youth Day of Prayer and Fasting:
Each year a day will be set aside by the General Youth Division for all
Pentecostal youth to join in prayer and fasting. Every local church is encour-
aged to participate.
5. Preserving Christian Homes Ministries:
The General Youth Division will develop training and resources to promote
strong Christian families.
6. Publications:
Through printed literature, the General Youth Division will seek to inform and
inspire the UPCI and its youth.
7. Youth Workers Ministries:
Training and resources for local church youth workers will be provided.
Section 9. Organization of District Youth Department.
1. Officers:
(a) District officers shall consist of a District President and a District Secretary.
2. Elections and appointments:
(a) The District President and the District Secretary shall be either elected by
the District Conference, or appointed by the District Board and ratified by
the District Conference for a term of two (2) years or until their successors
are chosen. (If elected it shall be for a maximum of eight [8] consecu-
tive years.) The two (2) officers shall be elected on alternating years, the
President being elected the same year as the District Superintendent and the
Secretary being elected the same year as the District Secretary-Treasurer.
3. Qualifications:
(a) All district officers of the Youth Department must hold license or creden-
tials with the United Pentecostal Church International, be in good standing
in their district, and be under their thirty-sixth (36th) birthday, unless in
special cases, the District Board agrees to lift the age limit. If the officer is
currently serving a first term or is fulfilling an unexpired term as District
Youth President, eligibility would be granted to serve an additional term,
even if over the age of thirty-five (35) at the time of the election. Must con-
form to the Fundamental Doctrine.

4. Duties:
(a) Duties of the District President shall be as follows:
(1) To efficiently develop and administrate the district youth work.
(2) To serve as a member of the General Youth Committee and diligently
endeavor to promote the General and District Youth Programs.
(3) To be subject to the District Board at all times.
(4) To attend all meetings of the General Youth Committee. The district is
to financially assist him or her as far as possible.
(b) Duties of the District Youth Secretary shall be as follows:
(1) To take minutes and preserve District Youth Records.
(2) To work in complete harmony with the District Youth President and
help facilitate the District Youth Program.
(c) Duties of the Sectional Director shall be as follows:
(1) To serve as a member of the District Youth Committee.
(2) To attend all duly called meetings of the District Youth Committee.
Attend all other district youth functions as far as possible.
(3) To cooperate with the pastors in fostering youth work in the churches
throughout the section.
(4) To be in charge of the rallies of his or her section.
(5) To be under the supervision of the Sectional Presbyter, and be respon-
sible to the District Youth President at all times.
5. District Youth Committee:
(a) This Committee shall be composed of the District President, the District
Secretary, and the Sectional Directors.
(b) Sectional Directors shall be either elected by the Sectional Conference or
appointed by the District Youth President, the District Superintendent, and
the District Presbyter of the section concerned, and ratified by the ministers
of that section, for a term of two (2) years or until a successor is chosen. The
method of selection shall be left to the discretion of the District Board.
(c) All Sectional officers of the Youth Department should hold license or cre-
dentials with the United Pentecostal Church International, be in good stand-
ing in their district, and be under their thirty-sixth (36th) birthday, unless in
special cases, the District Board agrees to lift the age limit. Must conform
to the Fundamental Doctrine.
6. Duties of the District Youth Committee shall be as follows:
(a) To assist and counsel with the District President in all matters pertaining to
the district youth work.
(b) To diligently endeavor to promote the District Youth Programs.
(c) This committee’s activities shall be supervised by the District Board.
Section 10. Suggested Form of Local Youth Department.
1. Officers:
(a) Youth Leader
(b) Secretary
2. Duties.
(a) Duties of the Local Officers shall be as follows:
(1) The Youth Leader shall supervise and promote the local youth activities.
(2) The Secretary shall assist the local Youth Leader.
3. Local Youth Committee.
(a) This Committee will consist of the pastor, youth leader, youth secretary and
one or more Conquerors from the local assembly as may be deemed advis-
able by the pastor.
(b) The method of selection is left to the discretion of the pastor. This may be
by election or appointment.

4. Duties of the Local Youth Committee:

(a) To assist the pastor and youth leader in planning, promoting, and conduct-
ing all youth ministries of the local church as requested by the pastor.
5. Eligibility for membership in local Pentecostal Conquerors groups.
(a) All young persons (single and married) between his or her twelfth (12th)
and thirty-sixth (36th) birthdays; and who is living a clean and godly life.
Section 11. Finance.
1. General Youth Funds.
(a) All funds of the General Youth Division shall be received and disbursed
by the General Secretary-Treasurer of the United Pentecostal Church
International. Such funds shall be disbursed only upon the request of the
General Youth President.
(b) The General Youth Division shall be funded by tithes from the District
Youth Departments, the Pentecostal Conquerors Day Offerings received
during Youth Week and General Conference and all allocation from the
annual Sheaves for Christ fund drive.
(c) The expenses of the General Youth Officials to the General Conference
shall be paid out of the General Youth Division Treasury.
(d) Any special called Youth Committee meetings in addition to the General
Conference and Midwinter meetings will be funded out of the General
Youth funds.
2. District Youth Funds.
(a) All District Youth Funds shall be received and disbursed, and an annual
report made to the District Board by the District Secretary of the Youth
Department or by the District Secretary-Treasurer of the District, whichever
one is designated by the district. In the event the District shall designate that
the District Secretary-Treasurer shall handle the funds, all monies sent to
the District Youth Secretary shall be receipted and recorded by the same and
then sent to the District Secretary-Treasurer.
(b) Disbursement of funds shall be made upon the written request of the District
Youth President subject to district policy.
(c) All local Pentecostal Conquerors groups shall tithe their offerings into the
District Youth Department fund, subject to the approval of the local pastor.
(d) All District Youth Department treasuries shall tithe all funds received, except
specially designated offerings, into the General Youth Division Treasury.
(e) It is recommended that all districts send their District Youth President to
the General Conference and Midwinter meetings to represent the district
to the General Youth Committee, his or her expenses to be paid out of
the District Youth Fund in cooperation with the General Youth Division.
Section 12. Sheaves for Christ.
1. History:
(a) In 1952 the General President of the Pentecostal Conquerors was authorized
to appoint a committee to investigate the possibility of establishing an inter-
national united effort among the youth to aid in the program and its general
policy. This was presented to, and approved by, the General Board of the
United Pentecostal Church International at the General Conference conven-
ing at Little Rock, Arkansas, in the fall of 1952.
2. Name:
(a) The name of this international youth mission program shall be Sheaves for
Christ.
3. Purpose:
(a) The name, “Sheaves for Christ,” expresses the purpose of this program. The
Pentecostal Conquerors feel that they must share in the great commission.

“Go ye therefore, into all the world.” This program unites the youth in a
great world-wide effort and focuses their attention on the evangelization of
the world. It builds stronger and more spiritual youth.
4. Directors:
(a) The General Youth Committee shall be in charge of the general planning
and promoting of the program. As much as is possible, the Committee will
care for this in session at the annual General Conference of the United
(b) The Sheaves for Christ program shall be conducted subject to the approval
of the General Board.
(c) The District President shall direct the effort in his or her district. He or she
shall be assisted by the District Youth Committee. The district program
shall be conducted subject to the approval of the District Board.
(d) The General President shall be responsible to coordinate and implement
the general plans for Sheaves for Christ. He or she shall seek to assist the
districts in their fund-raising efforts.
5. Raising of Funds:
(a) Each district is requested to cooperate financially with the Sheaves for
Christ effort.
(b) Each local church is requested to contribute to the annual Sheaves for Christ
drive promoted in their district.
6. Allocation of Funds:
(a) Forty percent (40%) of the total offerings received by the District Youth
Secretary shall be retained in the District Youth Division Fund. These funds
are to be disbursed according to a joint agreement of the District Board and
the District Youth Committee. It is recommended that the funds be used
for projects such as: Global Missions equipment, North American Missions
churches, campground buildings and equipment, aid to youth camps, and
other District Youth Ministries.
(b) Sixty percent (60%) of the total offering received by the District Youth
Secretary shall be sent to the General Secretary-Treasurer of the United
Pentecostal Church International. These funds shall be held in a special
Sheaves for Christ treasury and allocated as follows:
(1) Funds necessary for administrative purposes and related expenses shall
be retained for each year’s program.
(2) The remaining funds shall be allocated to:
a. Global Missions.
b. North American Missions.
c. Tupelo Children’s Mansion.
d. Any other projects designated by the General Youth Committee and
approved by the General Board.
7. Manner of Accepting Projects:
(a) The General Director of Global Missions, the General Director of North
American Missions, the Representative of the Tupelo Children’s Mansion,
and any other department desiring to receive funds shall appear before the
General Youth Committee.
(b) The General Youth Committee shall decide by vote the projects for which
they are able to pay.
(c) A report of the projects accepted shall be made to the General Board.
(d) Whenever a project has been accepted by the General Youth Committee
and approved by the General Board, the petitioner shall be notified and
upon the petitioners request the General Youth President shall make written
request of the General Secretary-Treasurer of the United Pentecostal Church
International to make available the funds of the division.

94 ARTICLE XIV Section 1. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XIV
SUNDAY SCHOOL DIVISION
Section 1. Name.
1. The name of this arm of the United Pentecostal Church International shall be
General Sunday School Division.
Section 2. Purpose.
1. The purpose of this division shall be as follows:
(a) To promote the teaching of God’s Word through Sunday school work in
every church; to assist all Sunday schools, both home and foreign; to secure
their full cooperation in matters related to our Sunday school program.
(b) To assist in the creation, development, and promotion of all Sunday school
literature.
(c) To promote continued evangelization of our communities through outreach
visitation, bus ministry, and attendance drives.
(d) For encouragement and guidance in efficient work and influence in our
Sunday schools through general and regional Sunday school conventions,
teacher and worker training programs, educational and leadership seminars,
various publications, and other such efforts as deemed wise by the General
Sunday School Board.
(e) To conduct and promote Junior Youth Camps as called for by the Junior
Crusaders guidelines, and to provide materials and staffing for the same,
unless other arrangements are made by the district conducting the camp.
(f) To be a service division for the churches by promoting B.R.E.A.D., Junior
Bible Quizzing, Save Our Children Attendance and Offering Drive, Scouting
Ministry, Outreach, Singles, Teacher Training, Save Our Children revivals, and
Word Aflame® Sunday School Curriculum.
Section 3. The Officers shall be as follows:
1. General Sunday School Director
2. General Sunday School Secretary
3. General Sunday School Promotions Director
1. The Director and the Secretary shall be elected by the General Conference for
a term of two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) consecutive years. After
four (4) consecutive terms in an elected office, the official would be required
to be elected by a two-thirds vote to a fifth term and all consecutive terms. In
the event the incumbent does not receive a two-thirds vote on the nominating
would be deleted.
(a) The Director and the Secretary shall be elected on alternating years.
2. The Promotional Director shall be appointed by the Executive Board for a period
of two (2) years.
1. Qualifications for the General Sunday School Director and the General Sunday
School Secretary shall be as Article IV, Section 3, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the
General Constitution.
2. Qualifications for the General Sunday School Promotional Director shall be at
least twenty-five (25) years of age and conform to the Fundamental Doctrine.
l. The Director shall:
(a) Superintend the Sunday School Division according to the authority granted
in this constitution.

SUNDAY SCHOOL DIVISION ARTICLE XIV Section 8. 95
(b) Carry out the instructions of the Board of General Presbyters and the
General Sunday School Board at all times.
(c) Preside over all the meetings of the General Sunday School Board and per-
form such other duties as are incident to said office.
2. The Secretary shall:
(a) Take minutes and preserve the records of business transactions and proceedings
of the General Sunday School Board and shall be the custodian of all records
and other papers belonging to the General Sunday School Division.
(b) To issue vouchers for the disbursement of funds as instructed by the General
Sunday School Director.
(c) Keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements of the General
Sunday School Division and make all necessary reports of said funds to the
General Sunday School Director, the General Sunday School Board, and the
Board of General Presbyters.
(d) Assist in the General Sunday school work and transact any other business
incident to said office.
3. The Promotional Director shall:
(a) Create and develop promotional material.
(b) Be the editor of the Christian Educator magazine. He or she shall compile
and edit material for the Pentecostal Herald, the Forward magazine, and
any other related periodicals.
(c) Coordinate convention programs, organize and supervise exhibits and dis-
plays.
(d) Assist the Director and the Secretary.
Section 7. Boards and Committees.
1. The General Sunday School Board shall be composed of the Director, the
Secretary, the Promotional Director, and the District Sunday School Director of
each organized district. They shall meet at each General Conference and at each
General Sunday School Convention to formulate annual programs to further the
Sunday school endeavor throughout our fellowship. They shall aggressively
promote the Word Aflame® Literature, providing training opportunities for
better use and recommend changes.
2. The Executive Sunday School Committee shall be composed of the Director, the
Secretary, and one or more members of the General Sunday School Board as
may be deemed advisable by the General Sunday School Director. They shall
handle any necessary business for the General Sunday School Board between
regular business meetings, submitting all transactions in a report to the General
Sunday School Board at its next regular session.
All meetings shall be presided over by the Director. The Director shall be the
spokesperson for the same when the committee is not in session.
3. General Planning Committee.
(a) Shall consist of the chair of each of the General Sunday School Board com-
mittees. The General Sunday School Director and General Sunday School
Secretary will serve as co-chairs of the committee.
(b) To help coordinate all of the activities of the General Sunday School Division.
(c) To be responsible to help develop and offer suggestions concerning materi-
als of the committees.
(d) To determine the proper time and means of promotion.
(e) Shall initially be responsible for the General Conference program.
Section 8. Ministries of the General Sunday School Division.
1. Save Our Children:
(a) To encourage the saving of our children through crusades for children in the
local church, revival in the Sunday school, and district Crusader camps.

(b) To encourage commitment to God and the church through the various chil-
dren’s programs of the General Sunday School Division.
(c) To encourage attendance growth at Easter by setting attendance goals for
each district.
(d) To promote the Save Our Children fund drive from January to Easter to
support the programs of the General Sunday School Division.
2. B.R.E.A.D. (Bible Reading Enriches Any Day):
(a) To provide a yearly systematic Bible reading program for adults and chil-
dren.
(b) To provide Bible reading charts in English and Spanish and other languages
when feasible.
(c) To provide posters and promotional materials to encourage Bible reading.
(d) To provide completion certificates at the end of the year for adults and children.
3. Junior Bible Quizzing:
(a) To encourage Bible knowledge and memorization among our children
through the age of eleven (11) years.
(b) To encourage local, district, national, and international participation.
(c) To develop teamwork and a good attitude in competition.
(d) To conduct North American Bible Quizzing finals.
4. Scouting Ministry:
(a) To provide wholesome activity for our Pentecostal youth.
(b) To encourage good moral development.
(c) To provide activities to help develop learning skills.
(d) To provide an outreach into the community to influence others for the Lord
Jesus Christ.
5. Outreach:
(a) To provide materials to enhance junior camps, Save Our Children revivals,
bus ministry, Enroll to Grow, retreats, and attendance drives.
(b) To encourage revival and growth in the Sunday school.
6. Singles:
(a) To provide opportunity to minister to singles through Sunday school classes
and singles meetings.
(b) To help meet needs of specific groups of singles: never married, divorced or
separated, and those who have lost a companion in death.
(c) To encourage local, district, and regional singles gatherings for ministry of
encouragement and fellowship.
(d) To encourage singles to become an active, integral working force to
enhance the local church.
7. Teacher Training:
(a) To provide materials for the purpose of adequately training teachers to work
in the local church.
(b) To encourage and promote at least one (1) yearly training session in the
local church.
(c) To assist in seminars on the local, district, and national levels.
Section 9. The General Sunday School Division shall be funded through the follow-
ing sources:
1. Each District Sunday School Department shall tithe from its total tithing
income. Such amount should be forwarded to the General Sunday School
Division monthly.
2. The Board of General Presbyters shall allocate funds to the division from
Church Administration in accordance with its approved annual budget.
3. Fifty percent (50%) of the annual Save Our Children Easter offering shall be
forwarded to the General Sunday School Division by the districts. This offering
shall be used to support the special ministries of the division and an amount not

SUNDAY SCHOOL DIVISION ARTICLE XIV Section 10. 97
to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) may be used for administrative purposes.

The remaining fifty percent (50%) will be retained by the district.
Section 10. District Organization.
l. District Officers shall consist of a Sunday School Director, a Secretary, and
Sectional Directors. Additional officers may include an educational director,
rally and convention superintendent, a publicity director, and any other assis-
tants as approved by the District Board.
2. Qualifications:
(a) The District Sunday School Director must be an ordained or General
licensed minister of the United Pentecostal Church International.
(b) The District Sunday School Secretary must be an affiliated minister of the
United Pentecostal Church International.
(c) The Sectional Sunday School Director shall be a minister of the United
3. Elections and Appointments of Officers:
(a) The District Sunday School Director shall be elected by the District
Conference for a term of two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) consecu-
tive years. The District Sunday School Director shall be elected the same
year as the District Superintendent.
(b) The District Sunday School Secretary shall be either elected by the District
Conference or appointed by the District Sunday School Director and the
District Board and ratified by the District Conference for a term of two
(2) years or until his or her successor is chosen. The District Sunday School
Secretary shall be elected or appointed the same year as the District Secretary-
Treasurer. (If elected it shall be for a maximum of eight [8] consecutive years.)
(c) The Sectional Sunday School Director shall be either appointed by a commit-
tee composed of the District Sunday School Director, the Sectional Presbyter,
and the District Superintendent and ratified by the Sectional Conference, or
elected by the Sectional Conference for a two-year term. The method of selec-
tion shall be left to the discretion of the above mentioned committee. (If elected
it shall be for a maximum of eight [8] consecutive years.)
4. Duties of Officers:
(a) The duties of the District Sunday School Director shall be as follows:
(1) To actively promote the General and District Sunday school programs.
(2) To attend all General Sunday School Board meetings and preside at all
District Sunday School Board sessions.
(3) To work in cooperation with the District Board at all times.
(4) To compile field reports as requested by the General Sunday School
Division.
(5) To promote the Word Aflame® Literature assisting the local Sunday
schools in the use thereof and to supply the General Sunday School
Division with helpful information relating to the literature.
(6) To conduct tours, rallies, seminars, and other training programs through-
out the district.
(b) The duties of the District Sunday School Secretary shall be as follows:
(1) To serve as recording secretary for the District Sunday School
Department and to keep a record of all decisions of official action.
(2) To keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements of the
District Sunday School Funds, submitting a monthly report to the
District Sunday School Director.
(3) To present an annual financial report to the District Conference.
(4) To assist the Director in compiling field reports for the District and
General Sunday School purposes and any other business incidental to
said office.

(c) The duties of the Sectional Sunday School Director shall be as follows:
(1) To actively promote the General and District Sunday School programs
throughout the section.
(2) To attend all District Sunday School Board meetings when called upon
to do so.
(3) To work in cooperation with the District Sunday School Board.
(4) To compile field reports as requested by the General Sunday School
Division and the District Sunday School Director.
(5) To promote the Word Aflame® Literature, assisting the local Sunday
schools in the use thereof, and to supply the District Sunday School
Department with helpful information relating to the literature.
(6) To conduct tours, rallies, seminars and other training programs through-
out the section with the approval of the District Sunday School Director.
5. Boards and Committees:
(a) It is recommended that the District Sunday School Board be composed of the
Director, the Secretary, and the Sectional Director of each section.
It is recommended that they meet at each District Conference and at each
District Sunday School Convention to formulate annual programs to further
the Sunday school endeavor on the sectional level. They shall aggressively
promote the Word Aflame® Literature, provide training opportunities for
better use, and recommend changes.
(b) The District Executive Sunday School Committee shall be composed of the
District Sunday School Director, the District Sunday School Secretary, and
the District Superintendent.
They shall handle any necessary business for the District Sunday School
Board between regular business meetings, submitting all transactions in a
report to the District Sunday School Board at its next regular session.
All meetings shall be presided over by the Director. The Director shall be
the spokesperson for the same when the committee is not in session.
6. Finances:
(a) All District Sunday School Funds shall be received by the District Sunday
School Secretary, or the District Secretary-Treasurer, whichever one is des-
ignated by the district.
(b) The disbursement of all District Sunday School Funds shall be made upon
the request of the District Sunday School Director with the approval of the
District Board.
(c) Each Sunday school shall tithe monthly to the District Sunday School
Department, which in turn, shall tithe of such income to the General Sunday
School Division.
(d) It is recommended that all districts shall send their District Sunday School
Director to the General Conference to represent them on the General
Sunday School Board, his or her expenses to be paid out of the District
Sunday school funds as far as possible.
(e) A percentage of the District Sunday School Funds, as determined by the
District Board and/or the District Conference, may be returned to the
respective sections for the advancement of the Sectional Sunday school
program.
7. District Sunday School Promotion.
(a) It is recommended that the District Sunday school program include:
(1) Annual District Sunday School Convention.
(2) Sectional Rallies.

LADIES MINISTRIES POLICY ARTICLE: XV Section 7. 99
(3) General Sunday School Teacher Training Programs.

(4) General Sunday School Financial Program.
(5) General Sunday School Promotional Program and any other program as
may be instituted by the General or District Sunday School Department.
ARTICLE: XV
LADIES MINISTRIES POLICY
Section 1. Name.
1. Whereas we see a great need of assistance in various churches and both North
American and global missionary fields, be it resolved that we organize a
General Ladies Ministries Policy.
Section 2. Purpose.
1. We recommend the Ladies Ministries be organized in all districts and churches
where the pastor deems it profitable.
Section 3. Officers.
1. The Ladies Ministries shall consist of:
(a) General President.
(b) Secretary.
(c) A committee consisting of the District Presidents.
(d) The General President and General Secretary of the Ladies Ministries
shall be elected by the General Conference. The President shall be elected
concurrent with the General Superintendent’s office, and the Secretary con-
current with the General Secretary-Treasurer.
(e) The Ladies Ministries presidents from each district, during their annual
pre-General Conference Ladies Ministries meeting, shall nominate three (3)
candidates (or one [1] candidate if that name receives a nominating major-
ity) for the office of the Ladies Ministries General President or the Ladies
Ministries General Secretary, to be presented to the General Board for their
review and approval. After approval, the General Board will then present
the nominee(s) to the General Conference for an election.
1. General President and Secretary must be ladies at least thirty (30) years of age,
of unquestionable character and integrity, shall be loyal to the organization and
in good standing in their local church, and conform to the Fundamental Doctrine.
Section 5. Duties of General President.
1. To act as chair of all General Ladies Ministries committee meetings.
2. To keep all Ladies Ministries District Presidents informed of the work in gen-
eral and have the privilege to visit district camp meetings and conferences to
promote Ladies Ministries progress when invited.
3. To work under the direction and supervision of the General Board at all times.
Section 6. Duties of General Secretary.
1. To keep a record of all official meetings of the Ladies Ministries.
2. To give a report at the General Conference.
Section 7. Organization of District Ladies Ministries Department.
1. Officers:
(a) Each organized district shall have a Ladies Ministries Committee con-
sisting of District President, District Secretary, Sectional Presidents, and
Secretaries when necessary.
2. Elections and Appointments:
(a) The District Ladies Ministries officials shall be elected by the District

100 ARTICLE: XV Section 8. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
Conference for a two (2) year term or appointed by the District Board
and ratified by the District Conference. The election of the District Ladies
Ministries President shall be the same year as that of District Superin
tendent. (If elected it shall be for a maximum of eight [8] consecutive
years.)
(b) The Sectional President shall be elected by the Sectional Conference or
appointed by the District Superintendent, Sectional Presbyter, and Ladies
Ministries President. (If elected it shall be for a maximum of eight [8] con-
secutive years.)
3. Qualifications:
(a) The District President and the District Secretary must be ladies at least
twenty-five (25) years of age, of unquestionable character and integrity,
shall be loyal to the organization and in good standing in her local church,
and conform to the Fundamental Doctrine.
(b) The Sectional President and the Sectional Secretary must be ladies of
unquestionable character and integrity, shall be loyal to the organization
and in good standing in her local church, and conform to the Fundamental
Doctrine.
4. Duties:
(a) Duties of District President:
(1) To act as chair of committee meetings under the supervision of the
(2) To promote Ladies Ministries work throughout the district.
(3) To visit various churches of the district when invited to promote indi-
vidual Ladies Ministries organizations.
(b) Duties of District Secretary:
(1) To keep a record of all committee meetings.
(2) To give a report of Ladies Ministries activities at the District Conference.
(c) Duties of Sectional President:
(1) To promote Ladies Ministries work throughout the section.
(2) To visit various churches of the section when invited to promote indi-
vidual Ladies Ministries organizations.
(d) Duties of Sectional Secretary:
(1) To keep a record of all sectional rallies and meetings.
(2) To inform the local church presidents of any Ladies Ministries activities
in the section.
Section 8. Financial Policy.
1. It is recommended that with the consent of the pastor, each lady contribute one
dollar per month into the local Ladies Ministries. The tithing of the contribution
and any other funds received by projects of the local Ladies Ministries should
be sent to the Sectional Secretary-Treasurer. The remaining ninety percent
(90%) is to be kept in the local church.
2. It is recommended that fifty percent (50%) of all money received by the sec-
tion be sent to the District Secretary of the Ladies Ministries, or the District
Secretary-Treasurer, whichever one is designated by the district.
(a) In turn, the District Secretary of the Ladies Ministries or the District Secretary-
Treasurer, as appropriate, shall tithe into the General Ladies Ministries
Treasury.
(b) The General Ladies Ministries Treasury shall tithe all funds received into
the General Treasury of the United Pentecostal Church International.
(c) The expense of the General President and Secretary to the General
Conference shall be paid from the General Ladies Ministries Treasury.
(d) It is recommended that all districts where possible send their District
President to the General Conference to represent them on the General

APOSTOLIC MAN POLICY ARTICLE XVI Section 5. 101
Ladies Ministries committee. The expense to be paid from the District

Treasury of the Ladies Ministries.
(e) It is recommended that the districts defray expenses of the President’s offi-
cial visit to the district as far as possible.
Section 9. Safeguard of Funds.
1. The General Ladies Ministries officials with the General Board shall be respon-
sible for the safeguarding of all General Ladies Ministries Funds invested in
Ladies Ministries projects under their supervision.
2. The District Ladies Ministries committee together with the District Board shall be
responsible for the safeguarding of all Ladies Ministries projects in their district.
ARTICLE XVI
APOSTOLIC MAN POLICY
Section 1. Name.
1. The church of our Lord Jesus Christ has a biblical duty to educate, equip, and
enlist godly men in developing and displaying Christ-centered perspectives in
their homes, churches, and communities. The apostolic men’s ministry in the
United Pentecostal Church International shall be known as Apostolic Man.
Section 2. Purpose.
1. We recommend that a ministry to and for men be organized in all districts and
local churches, pursuant to the purpose of informing and inspiring apostolic
men, by developing and disseminating information pertinent to being men of
moral and spiritual power. Apostolic Man will seek to unite apostolic men
(Psalm 133:1); moreover, the ministry will strive to motivate and mobilize
apostolic men to find their place in kingdom service.
1. The leadership of the Apostolic Man ministry will consist of:
(a) President
(b) Vice President
(c) Secretary
(d) Apostolic Man Steering Committee
(1) The steering committee will consist of the officers, an administrative
assistant/editor, and the regional representatives of the Apostolic Man
ministry.
2. The President, Vice President, Secretary, and regional representatives will be
nominated by the Executive Board, and ratified by the General Board.
1. The President, Vice President, Secretary, and regional representatives must
be men of at least thirty (30) years of age, men of integrity, cooperative and
loyal to their districts and/or local churches; all leaders must conform to the
Fundamental Doctrine of the United Pentecostal Church International and hold
either general license or credentials of ordination.
Section 5. Duties of President shall be as follows:.
1. To chair all Apostolic Man committee meetings.
2. To communicate with regional representatives, as well as District Men’s
Ministries Directors, to keep them informed with regard to the work of the
ministry.
3. To aid existing men’s ministries and to encourage the establishment of the same
in each of the districts of the United Pentecostal Church International where
none exists.

102 ARTICLE XVI Section 6. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
4. To have the privilege of attending relevant district meetings for the purpose of
promoting the work of the Apostolic Man ministry.
5. To work under the supervision of the General Superintendent, and be account-
able to the Executive and General Boards.
Section 6. Duties of Vice President shall be as follows.
1. To work under the direction of the president by assisting him in promoting the
establishment of ministries to men in each of our districts, as well as aiding
those that now exist.
2. To preside at meetings of the Apostolic Man steering committee in the absence
of the President.
Section 7. Duties of Secretary shall be as follows.
1. To keep a record of all official meetings of the Apostolic Man steering commit-
tee.
2. To give a report to the General Board and General Conference concerning the
status of the ministry.
Section 8. Organization of District Men’s Ministries.
1. Officers:
(a) Each organized district shall have a Men’s Ministries Director.
2. Elections and Appointments:
(a) The District Men’s Ministries Director shall either be nominated by the
District Board and ratified by the District Conference or be elected by the
District Conference, and serve for a term of two (2) years.
3. Qualifications:
(a) The District Men’s Ministries Director must be a man of unquestionable
character and integrity, at least twenty-five (25) years old, and hold General
License or Credentials of Ordination.
4. Duties:
(a) The District Men’s Ministries Director shall be under the supervision of the
(b) He will be responsible for developing, and promoting the work of the
District Men’s Ministries. We recommend that each District Director
encourage the establishment of a men’s conference and/or retreat, either
sponsored, or endorsed, by the district.
(c) The District Director of Men’s Ministries shall do all possible to inspire
each local congregation to establish and maintain a ministry to men, as the
pastors determine the need and deem appropriate.
(d) He will be responsible for reporting to the District Board and the District
Conference on the status of District Men’s Ministries.
1. It is recommended that revenue be obtained through the registration of men for
membership in the Apostolic Man ministry. That registration will entitle one
to receive the Apostolic Man magazine, online e-zine updates, as well as have
access to any members-only area of the ministry Web site.
2. It is recommended that all men’s conferences, either sponsored or endorsed by
the districts, consider including a small amount in their registration fees to help
underwrite the efforts of the national ministry.
1. The Apostolic Man steering committee, together with the General Board, shall
be responsible for directing the use of and safeguarding ministry funds.
2. The District Men’s Ministries Director, together with his District Board, shall
be responsible for the collection, disbursement, and safeguarding of all district
monies connected to Men’s Ministries efforts.

DISTRICTS Article XVII Section 1. 103
ARTICLE XVII
DISTRICTS
Section 1. Formation of New Districts.
1. Any group consisting of a minimum of seven (7) ordained ministers and at least
ten (10) churches desiring to form a new district may apply to the Executive
Board.
2. The application must include a statement concerning the purpose and expected
advantages of the move; the geographical location of the area involved; the pro-
jected financial situation and the prospective leadership of the area according to
the qualifications of the Manual. The respective district office shall provide the
requesting group information relative to finances, ministerial and church status,
addresses and locations, and other pertinent information as requested by them
for the application.
3. The Executive Board upon the receipt of the above application and informa-
tion will formulate a report concerning the geographical location of the area
involved, the relative strength of the works, the financial standing of those
churches, the number of churches, the number of ministers involved (ordained,
general, local licensed), the past accomplishments of the area, and the future
plans of the district. The respective district office shall provide the Executive
Board any pertinent information requested. A copy of this report and informa-
tion received with the application shall be forwarded to the District Board.
4. The Executive Board will review all information and make a comprehensive
study of all factors involved, including the future impact upon the district and
the entire fellowship. Before making its recommendation to the General Board,
the Executive Board shall authorize a meeting within ninety (90) days of the
receipt of the application with all the ministers of the parent district, conducted
by the General Superintendent or an Assistant General Superintendent. The
Executive Board shall receive the report and take the vote of the ministers into
consideration. This report, along with all other information and reports, includ-
ing the Executive Board’s recommendations, shall be presented to the General
Board for a final decision.
5. Upon a favorable ruling by the General Board, a committee shall be formed to
implement the new district. A committee shall consist of the Assistant General
Superintendent of the zone as chair, the District Superintendent, two (2) other
members of the District Board, and three (3) members of the original applica-
tion group. They shall report their plans to the General Superintendent, who
shall arrange for an organizational meeting and elections in the new district
within sixty (60) days.
6. In each stage of the consideration of the application by the Executive Board and
the General Board, the parties making application and the respective District
Board shall be equally included, not to exceed three (3) representatives each.
7. The present districts holding unorganized status should become organized as
soon as possible.
(a) A minimum of ten (10) churches, to form a financial base, and at least seven
(7) ordained ministers to fill necessary district offices are required before
consideration for district status.
(b) Upon the division of any additional areas or the establishing of a new district,
the area should go to a North American Missions district status or pass direct-
ly to an organized district when the Manual is complied with, the preceding
qualifications are met, and upon the approval of the General Board.
8. Any region having applied for new district status according to the foregoing
procedure, and having received a negative ruling by the General Board, shall be
required to wait for a period of at least three (3) years before another applica-

104 Article XVII Section 2. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
tion may be submitted for consideration. This time frame may be amended by
a majority vote of the District Conference over said region.
Section 2. Consolidation of Districts.
l. When the consolidation of districts is deemed necessary or beneficial by the
officers of said districts, the consolidation must be ratified by a joint conference
of the members of the districts. The action of the conference shall be referred
to the General Conference for final decision.
Section 3. The District Constitution.
1. All districts shall adopt our District Constitution set out in this Manual after this
Constitution.
2. Each district shall have the right to adopt such bylaws as it deems needful
to enforce or handle matters not mentioned in the District Constitution and
amendments thereto; and any such bylaw shall not be construed to enlarge
upon, change, or waive any article or provision of the General Constitution or
bylaw, or any amendments thereto.
3. Each district shall pay the expenses of its District Superintendent to and from
the General Conference.
Section 4. Sections of the District.
1. A district may be divided into sections with the approval of the District
Conference. The number of sections shall correspond with the number of
District Presbyters on the District Board.
2. All sectional officers must conform to the Fundamental Doctrine.
3. As far as possible the District Presbyter shall be a resident of the section from
which he is elected.
4. A Sectional Secretary-Treasurer may be elected at a regular sectional con-
ference to serve a term of two (2) years. Qualifications shall be the same
as required of district officers, with the exception that he or she may hold a
General License and must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age.
5. The duties of the Sectional Secretary-Treasurer shall be to keep records of all
Sectional Conferences and the care of all sectional funds raised and designated
for the sectional work.
6. The section shall be an integral part of the district and is under the jurisdiction
of the District Conference and District Board.
7. No section in any of our districts shall be permitted to buy or lease real estate
for sectional purposes. They shall not hold any sectional camp meetings or
youth encampments without the annual permission of the District Board. When
such permission is obtained, the District Superintendent and the Presbyter of
the said section shall act as a committee to supervise the meeting under the
direction of the District Board.
8. No resolutions or bylaws shall be adopted at a sectional conference conflicting
with either the General or District Constitution.
9. The District Superintendent shall preside at all elections of District Presbyters
and sectional officers at the sectional conference. In the event the District
Superintendent cannot attend the sectional conference, the District Secretary
shall preside.
10. If any elected office is vacated between regularly scheduled electoral confer-
ences, the District Superintendent shall call a special election within thirty
(30) days of the vacancy, and the eligible voters of the section shall choose a
replacement for the office vacated.

LOCAL ASSEMBLIES ARTICLE XVIII Section 1. 105
ARTICLE XVIII
LOCAL ASSEMBLIES
Section 1. Affiliation.
Preamble: All true Pentecostal believers associating themselves in local assemblies
and accepting their full personal share of responsibility for maintenance and promo-
tion of scriptural order in the local body shall have a standard for membership. This
standard may be determined altogether by the local assembly itself, providing it does
not conflict with the Articles of Faith of the United Pentecostal Church International.
It is recommended that each such assembly affiliate itself with the United
Pentecostal Church International for the sake of identification, fellowship, coopera-
tion, and protection.
Each local assembly so affiliated has the right of self-government under Jesus
Christ, the Head of the Church. It shall have the power to select its pastor according
to the form of local church government it has adopted and which was approved by
the District Board at the time of its affiliation. It shall transact all other business per-
taining to its life as a local unit. It shall have the right to administer discipline to its
members according to the Scriptures. It shall have the right to acquire and hold title
to its property, either through the trustees or in its corporate as a self-governing unit.
The fact that a local assembly is affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church
International shall in no wise destroy its rights as above stated.
l. The affiliation of the local church is to be understood as not compulsory for
fellowship, but rather it shall be entirely optional. This does not affect Article
XII, Section 16, Paragraphs 2 and 3.
2. Any assembly to be affiliated with and under the protection of the general body
must publicly announce a specially called meeting for the purpose of consider-
ing whether or not they desire to be affiliated with the organization. Should a
majority of the recognized members of the assembly who are present at the
meeting vote their approval for accepting our Articles of Faith and affiliating
with us, an application must be filled in. The application must be endorsed by
at least three (3) officers of the local church.
3. The Articles of Faith and government adopted by the assembly must be pre-
sented to the District Board for their consideration. If acceptable to the Board,
the application shall be endorsed by a majority of the Board including the
4. The procedure to be used in affiliation of new churches shall be as follows: The
pastor, or Director of North American Missions if there is not a pastor, shall
notify the District Superintendent or District Presbyter of the section in which
the church is located, who shall set a date to have the church set in order and in
harmony with the Local Church Government as set forth in the Manual, after
which a certificate of affiliation shall be granted.
5. A certificate of membership will be issued to every affiliated assembly, the cost
of same being $5.
6. Any church affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International must be
pastored by a UPCI minister.
7. Any church desiring to withdraw its membership from the United Pentecostal
Church International must abide by the following procedure:
(a) Arrange for and announce a business meeting for said purpose at least ten
(10) days in advance of said meeting. The same shall be announced at three
(3) regular public services.
(b) Advise and invite the District Superintendent or his designee and District
Presbyter to speak as representatives of the district at said meeting. No
Superintendent or Presbyter shall be the representative for the District at the
disaffiliation of the church he pastors.

106 ARTICLE XVIII Section 2. 2017 GENERAL CONSTITUTION
(c) In the event a church decides to take steps to withdraw its membership in
the United Pentecostal Church International, no words derogatory to the
United Pentecostal Church International shall be spoken by the pastor, and
no words derogatory to the church and pastor shall be spoken by an official
of the United Pentecostal Church International.
(d) After a fair representation of both the church and district is heard, then a
majority vote of legal members of the church present voting shall be the
deciding factor.
(e) The fellowship of a minister who withdraws from the United Pentecostal
Church International is determined on the basis of the grounds or reason for
which he or she withdrew. The same rule shall apply to a church, and the
fellowship status of a church which has disaffiliated shall be determined by
the District Board on said basis. In the event there are no grounds or reason
for which the church should be dropped from fellowship before the church
instituted said action to disaffiliate, said disaffiliation shall not cause the
church or pastor to lose or forfeit fellowship with the United Pentecostal
(f) Any church voting to disaffiliate shall complete a disaffiliation form giv-
ing the reasons for the action and send the form to the District Board. The
District Board shall forward the form to the United Pentecostal Church
International, Weldon Spring, Missouri.
(g) Any pastor having been duly notified of a written complaint against him
or her which places him or her under judicial action shall not be permitted
to allow disaffiliation of the church he or she pastors until the complaint is
resolved.
8. Any district desiring to withdraw its approval of affiliation of a church within
its district shall abide by the following procedures:
(a) Arrange for a business meeting of the District Board and advise the affili-
ated church of the meeting at least ten (10) days in advance of said meeting,
giving written notice of reasons for withdrawing its approval of affiliation.
(b) Advise and invite any officials of the church to speak as representatives of
the church at the meeting.
(c) After a fair representation of the District Board and church officials is heard,
a majority vote of the District Board including the District Superintendent
shall be the deciding factor.
(d) Any church that is disaffiliated by the action of the District Board shall be
out of fellowship until the reasons for the necessity of such action have been
corrected and accepted by the District Board.
(e) Any District Board voting to disaffiliate a church shall fill out a disaffilia-
tion form giving the reasons for their actions and forward same to United
Pentecostal Church International, Weldon Spring, Missouri. The District
Board shall give written notice of their action to the church being disaffili-
ated.
Section 2. Local Church Government.
1. The assembly may use our adopted form of local church government, or any
form which a majority of the members voting shall endorse, so long as its pro-
visions do not conflict with the constitution of the General Body.
2. The assembly shall have the right to adopt such additional bylaws as it deems
needful or necessary to enforce or handle any matter which may arise, so long as
all new bylaws shall be in harmony with the Constitution of the General Body.
3. The Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (3) mandates some form of provision of dis-
position of assets in the event of a dissolution of nonprofit organizations, each
local assembly shall provide in its local constitution a provision for dissolution

AMENDMENTS ARTICLE XIX Section 2. 107
of property assets in the event it ceases to function as a church. Such clause

should provide that all such assets be assigned to another religious, nonprofit
organization and the disposition of these assets be reviewed and approved by
the District Board.
4. It is recommended that each local church pay its pastor’s expenses, as far as
possible, to attend the annual General Conference of the United Pentecostal
Section 3. Services.
1. “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto
him with psalms” (Psalm 95:2).
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker”
(Psalm 95:6).
2. We do not approve of plays, pantomimes, or similar programs given merely for
entertainment.
Section 4. Identification.
1. Each church that is either affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International
or is pastored by a minister who holds license or credentials with the United
Pentecostal Church International shall identify by sign or otherwise on the outside
of its church building that it is associated with the United Pentecostal Church
International.
ARTICLE XIX
AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
1. This Constitution may be amended at any General Conference by a majority of
the votes cast thereon in favor of any such amendment and each amendment
shall be voted upon separately. Only those amendments shall be considered at
the General Conference which have first passed the Resolutions Committee as
provided in Article III, Section 3, Paragraph 2.
Section 2.
1. Wherever the term “General Constitution” and the term “Bylaws” are used
herein, they shall be considered to be synonymous terms.

DISTRICT CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
In order to establish our work on a more efficient basis, to promote greater coopera-
tion, and to secure closer fellowship, we here and now organize ourselves into the
district of the United Pentecostal Church International.
PURPOSE
Our purpose shall be to use greater effort toward evangelizing the underdevel-
oped territory, and to care for all needy fields in a more efficient manner.
ARTICLE I
DISTRICT OFFICERS
1. The officers of the district shall be as follows: District Superintendent, three
(3) to seven (7) District Presbyters, and a District Secretary-Treasurer (may be
one [1] or two [2] persons). Other additional Presbyters may be added where
needed in a large district, with the permission of the Executive Board.
Section 2. District Board.
1. The District Board shall consist of District Superintendent, District Secretary,
and the District Presbyters.
1. The qualifications for members of the District Board are as follows: Must be a
male at least thirty (30) years of age, must have been a minister in good stand-
ing with the organization for at least two (2) years, must have been ordained at
least one (1) year, must have proven loyal to the organization by cooperation in
the upbuilding of the work, and must have been a cooperating member of the
district for at least one (1) year. The only exception to this is that the District
Superintendent must have been a minister in good standing with the organiza-
tion for at least five (5) years. Must conform to the Fundamental Doctrine.
Section 4. Voting Constituency.
1. Those who shall be entitled to vote for the election of officers, or upon any pro-
posal, resolution, or any other business that properly comes before the District
Conference, shall be accredited ministers in good standing. All accredited
ministers who vote must be in actual attendance at the District Conference.
2. Those who shall be entitled to vote for the election of officers, or upon any
proposal, resolution, or any other business that properly comes before the
Sectional Conference, shall be accredited ministers in the following categories:
(a) Pastors
(b) Assistant pastors and assistants to the pastor
(1) No assembly shall be permitted more than one (1) voting assistant
pastor or assistant to the pastor who derives his or her livelihood from
sources other than the ministry. Assistant pastors or assistants to the
pastor, who derive their livelihood from sources other than the min-
istry, must present a letter to the Roster Committee from the church
where they have been assistant pastors or assistants to the pastor for a
minimum of six (6) months. The letter must be signed by the pastor or
church secretary and will be in effect as long as he or she remains in
the position at the same church.

DISTRICT OFFICERS ARTICLE I Section 7. 109
(c) Evangelists
(1) An evangelist must be on the field and regularly engaged in preaching
revivals, deriving his or her livelihood from the ministry.
(d) All elected or appointed officials who are listed in the Manual.
(e) Honorary ministers
(f) Retired ministers
(1) A retired minister is a minister who, due to advanced age or physical
impairment, has retired from active ministry.
(g) Full-time administrators and instructors in all religious projects endorsed
by the United Pentecostal Church International.
(h) Full-time administrators and instructors in Christian schools, owned and
operated by our churches.
(1) All Christian school administrators and instructors must present a letter
to the Roster Committee from their local church signed by the pastor or
church secretary, stating their active involvement in ministerial service.
This letter will be in effect as long as they remain in this position at
the same church.
(i) Missionaries under appointment
(j) Accredited ministers who are between appointments shall be entitled to
vote if the time of inactivity has not exceeded ninety (90) days.
(k) All accredited ministers who vote must be in actual attendance at the
Sectional Conference
Section 5. Representation.
1. District Presbyters should be elected from different sections of the district.
Section 6. Objections to Nominees.
1. If there is any objection to any nominee, a request may be made to the chair
that the same be referred to a Qualifying Committee. No details of the objec-
tion or questions shall be discussed from the floor. The Qualifying Committee
may determine a nominee’s qualifications only according to that specified in
the Manual under the qualifications given for the office under consideration.
2. The Qualifying Committee Chair shall be appointed by the officer presiding at
the time of the objection to the nominee. The committee shall consist of at least
three (3) members, but not more than five (5), including the chair of the com-
mittee. The Conference Chair shall, prior to the conference, prepare a list of
potential members for the Qualifying Committee. This list shall be composed
from the current voting membership. The presiding officer shall select from this
list in the event this committee is needed.
Section 7. Method of Election.
1. The method of election of district officers by the District Conference shall be
the same as that used by the General Conference in the election of officers
unless the individual district desires to be divided into sections. In the event the
district desires to be divided into sections, either of the following methods may
be used: Each section within the district may nominate its District Presbyter
from within the section at a sectional conference preceding the annual District
Conference or at a sectional caucus at the District Conference and a District
Presbyter shall be elected from the nominees by the District Conference; or,
each section within the district may elect its District Presbyter from within the
section at a sectional conference preceeding the annual District Conference,
said officers to take office at the annual District Conference.
2. The election of district officers shall be conducted by the General Superin
tendent or his representative.

110 ARTICLE II Section 8. 2017 DISTRICT CONSTITUTION
Section 8. Term of Office.

1. All officers elected by the District Conference (or sectional conference) shall
remain in office for a term of two (2) years, for a maximum of eight (8) con-
secutive years. After any district or sectional official has served four (4) con-
secutive terms in an elected office, he or she would be required to be elected
by a two-thirds (2/3) vote to a fifth (5th) term and all consecutive terms. In the
event the incumbent does not receive a two-thirds (2/3) vote on the nominating
would be deleted. Each district by the voting voice of the District Conference
may determine which district office should be full time. In the event that a new
superintendent is elected in any district, the out-going superintendent shall
continue in office for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of said
election. The District Superintendent and the District Secretary-Treasurer shall
be elected on alternating years, with the Global Missions Director, Conquerors
President, the Sunday School Director, and the Ladies Ministries President
being elected the same year as the District Superintendent and the Conquerors
Secretary, Director of North American Missions, Sunday School Secretary,
and Ladies Ministries Secretary being elected the same year as the District
Secretary-Treasurer. Should a district so desire, the Ladies Ministries President
and Secretary may be appointed by the board and ratified by the conference
rather than elected.
Section 9. Death, Resignation, and Removal.
1. Any district officer taking a pastorate or establishing a residence outside of his
or her district between conferences must resign his or her office.
2. If vacancies happen by death, resignation, removal, or establishment of a
residence outside of the district, the District Board may fill such vacancies,
with the exception of the office of District Superintendent, only until the next
District Conference. If there remains a year unexpired in the term of said office,
the District Conference shall elect a replacement to serve for that year. In the
event a vacancy occurs in the office of District Superintendent, the General
Superintendent shall be authorized to preside over district business until the
election of a District Superintendent at a special district conference called by the
General Superintendent, or an Assistant General Superintendent authorized by
the General Superintendent, for the purpose of conducting an election to fill this
office. Said election shall be held within sixty (60) days after the vacancy occurs.
ARTICLE II
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS, AND
RULES APPERTAINING THERETO
Section 1. District Superintendent (General Presbyter).
1. He shall be a member of and shall attend all regular and specially called meet-
ings of the Board of General Presbyters.
2. In the event he is unable to attend a regular or specially called meeting of the
Board of General Presbyters, the District Board, should it be in session, shall
select one of its members to act as its representative. Should the District Board
not be in session, the District Superintendent of said district is authorized to
appoint a representative from the District Board.
3. The duties of the District Superintendent shall be as follows:
(a) To be overseer of the district work in cooperation with the District Board.
(b) To maintain a spirit of harmony and cooperation between the district and
general work, thereby working in harmony and unity with all other districts.
(c) To encourage the raising of missionary money.

RULES APPERTAINING THERETO ARTICLE II Section 3. 111
(d) To assist, when called upon by the pastor or local church board, in dealing
with any difficulties which may arise within local assemblies.
(e) To assist in securing pastors for assemblies in the district.
(f) To investigate all applicants of the district for credentials or license before
signing the applications.
(g) To sign each credential, license, fellowship card, and church membership
certificate issued to applicants in the district.
(h) To preside as chair of District Conferences.
(i) To encourage a series of Bible and Missionary Conferences in the various
assemblies throughout the district.
4. In the furtherance of the work in the district, he shall have the right to appeal to
any minister who is a member of the district and any evangelist or missionary
currently working in the district.
5. He must be consulted in regard to the organization of new churches within the
district.
6. He shall be empowered to ordain ministers in any district meeting or General
Conference.
Section 2. District Presbyters.
1. The duty of the District Presbyter shall be as follows:
(a) To work under the direction of and in cooperation with the District
Superintendent in carrying out district work.
(b) In the event the district is divided into sections and a District Presbyter is
elected from each section, said District Presbyter shall oversee the work
of the section in which he is elected under the supervision of the District
Superintendent.
(1) He shall preside as chair of all sectional business meetings.
(2) He shall endeavor to maintain a spirit of harmony and cooperation in the
section with all departments of the district and general work.
(3) He shall be in charge of all sectional fellowship meetings or appoint a
chair to serve in said capacity.
(4) He shall notify the District Superintendent of all resignations or impend-
ing resignations of pastors in the section and consult with him concern-
ing any complaints which have been brought to his attention regarding
any minister in the section, or any difficulty arising between pastors or
churches.
(5) He shall assist the District Superintendent in securing pastors for assem-
blies in his section.
(6) As a member of the District Board, he shall examine all applications
for license or credentials in his section in advance of their appearance
before the District Board.
(7) He shall supply the District Superintendent with whatever assistance
or information he may have which would assist him in carrying out the
district work.
(8) In the furtherance of the work in his section, he shall have the right to
appeal to any minister who is a member of his section and any evangelist
or missionary currently working in his section.
Section 3. District Secretary-Treasurer.
1. The duties of the District Secretary shall be as follows:
(a) To take minutes of District Conferences and District Board meetings.
(b) To preserve records of business proceedings and all other papers belonging
to the district.
2. The duties of the District Treasurer shall be as follows:
(a) To receive and care for all district funds and, if required by the district, the

112 ARTICLE III Section 4. 2017 DISTRICT CONSTITUTION
funds of all departments of the district; and make all district disbursements,
and department disbursements when he holds their funds; to keep an accu-
rate account of all such transactions; to hold the books open for inspection
by officers or members of the district; and to make a report at each District
Conference.
(b) No money should be paid out without the consent of the District Board.
Section 4. District Board.
1. The duties of the District Board shall be as follows:
(a) To take action with regard to false doctrine in the district, so long as the
action taken does not conflict with the bylaws of the General Body.
(b) To handle any grievance or complaint against a minister according to
Article Vll, Section 7, Paragraphs 18-32 and Sections 8 and 9 of the General
Constitution, and that it shall be according to the Judicial Procedure.
(c) To pass upon all applications for credentials, licenses, or church member-
ship certificates issued in the district.
(d) To own as trustees, real estate and personal property which may be
acquired by purchase, devise, or bequest by the district and for the benefit
of the district; to use and deal with such real estate and personal property
in such manner as may be consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of
the United Pentecostal Church International; to sell, convey, mortgage,
pledge, and otherwise encumber such real estate and personal property for
the benefit of the district; and to authorize, by proper resolution, its District
Superintendent and District Secretary-Treasurer to execute and deliver on
behalf of the District Board, as trustee, any such deeds of conveyance,
notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, or pledges.
(e) To deal with all other matters pertaining to the district which do not infringe
upon the power and privileges of the General Body.
1. Centralization of Funds:
(a) The district funds and, when specified by the district, the funds of every
department shall be deposited with and held by the District Treasurer.
(b) The District Treasurer shall release said funds after proper authorization and
a written request signed by the respective departmental treasurer.
2. Standardization of Books:
(a) The financial records of all departments shall be standardized by a uniform
system of bookkeeping approved by the District Board.
(b) The duties of the Auditing Committee shall be as follows:
(1) To secure and audit annually the financial records of every department
of the district and section that receives and disburses funds and shall
report their findings to the District Board prior to the annual district or
sectional conference.
(2) To make recommendations to the District Board regarding any improve-
ment of the district bookkeeping system.
ARTICLE III
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Section 1. Resolutions.
1. All resolutions to be presented to the District Conference and all amendments
to this constitution shall first be presented to the Resolutions Committee and
such committee shall pass upon such resolutions or amendments prior to the
submission thereof to the District Conference. The resolutions must have the

DISTRICT CONFERENCE ARTICLE III Section 2. 113
author’s signature before being considered by the Resolutions Committee. If the

Resolutions Committee shall fail to act upon such resolution or amendment or
shall refuse or fail to report its action thereon to the District Conference, or if the
Resolutions Committee shall have failed to report favorably on any such resolu-
tion or amendment, then by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those in attendance at
the District Conference entitled to vote thereat may force such resolution or
amendment to a vote of the District Conference.
Section 2. Rules of Order.
1. All business in the District Conference shall be conducted according to and in
harmony with Robert’s Rules of Order Revised.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR DISTRICT OFFICERS
(For Quick Reference)
All sectional, district, and general officials must conform to the Fundamental
Doctrine of the United Pentecostal Church International.
SUPERINTENDENT—
Male, 30 years old, member of organization 5 years, ordained 1 year, loyal to
organization, cooperating member of district 1 year. 2-year term. (See page 108)
SECRETARY-TREASURER—
organization, cooperating member of district 1 year. 2-year term alternating with
District Superintendent. (See page 108)
PRESBYTERS—
organization, cooperating member of district 1 year. 2-year term. (See page 108)
GLOBAL MISSIONS DIRECTOR—

organization, cooperating member of district 1 year, plus a demonstrated interest
in the global missionary endeavor. Elected by conference. 2-year term concur-
rent with District Superintendent. (See page 69)
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS DIRECTOR—

30 years old, member of organization 2 years, ordained 1 year, loyal to organiza-
tion, cooperating member of district 1 year. 2-year term alternating with District
Superintendent. (See page 76)
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS SECRETARY—

General licensed or ordained, loyal to organization, elected by conference or
appointed by board and ratified by conference. 2-year term concurrent with
District Superintendent. (See page 76)
SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR—

General License or ordained, 2-year term concurrent with District
Superintendent. (See page 97)
SUNDAY SCHOOL SECRETARY—

Local, General or ordained. 2-year term concurrent with District Secretary-
Treasurer. (See page 97)
YOUTH PRESIDENT—
Under 36th birthday, unless currently serving 1st term on unexpired term, licensed
or ordained. Elected by conference or appointed by board and ratified by confer-
ence. 2-year term concurrent with District Superintendent. (See page 90)
YOUTH SECRETARY—
Under 36th birthday, licensed or ordained. Elected by conference or appointed
by board and ratified by conference. 2-year term concurrent with District
Secretary-Treasurer. (See page 90)

LADIES MINISTRIES PRESIDENT—
Lady, 25 years of age, elected by conference or appointed by board and ratified by
conference. 2-year term. The president concurrent with District Superintendent.
(See page 100)
LADIES MINISTRIES SECRETARY—

Lady, 25 years of age, elected by conference or appointed by board and ratified
by conference, 2-year term. The secretary concurrent with District Secretary-
Treasurer. (See page 100)
APOSTOLIC MAN MEN’S MINISTRIES—

The District Men’s Ministries Director must be a man of unquestionable charac-
ter and integrity, at least twenty-five (25) years old, and hold General License or
Credentials of Ordination. (See page 102)
MINISTERS APPEAL COUNCIL—

Nominate one ordained minister. (See page 122)

LOCAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT
(The following is provided as a SAMPLE FORM for the local church govern-
ment. It is necessary that each church have its own written set of bylaws which have
been approved by the local congregation and signed by the local church officials. This
is being offered as a guideline for the local church to use in establishing the docu-
ments as required by various governmental agencies.)
PREAMBLE
In order to establish our work on a more efficient and permanent basis, we, the
members of the local __________________________________________________
assembly at ________________________________________, affirm our belief that
God’s people should be scrupulously set in order, and that it is needful for them to
be efficiently organized to successfully carry on the gospel work and properly handle
their business affairs.
PURPOSE
A house divided against itself cannot stand. The main purpose of this constitution
is to provide rules to govern the assembly, according to the Scriptures, so that we may
advance in the will of God. (Titus 1:5; I Corinthians 12:28).
ARTICLE I
THE ASSEMBLY
Section 1. The Name.
1. The name of this assembly shall be known as__________________________.
Section 2. The Purpose.
1. To establish and maintain a place of worship.
2. To unite a people of like faith in the bonds of brotherly love and fellowship.
(Hebrews 13:1).
3. To meet together to truly worship God in spirit and in truth and to receive
spiritual teaching. (John 4:24; Ephesians 4:11-15).
4. To point the lost to the way of life by publishing at home and abroad the true
plan of salvation, exhorting believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit. (John
1:29; Luke 11:13; Acts 1:8 and 2:38).
5. To provide rules of Christian conduct, based upon the Word of God. (Titus 2).
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility.
1. Anyone believing in and accepting the apostolic doctrine as set forth in our
Articles of Faith is eligible to become a member.
Section 2. Obligations.
1. As a member of the assembly, each one must accept the following obligations:
(a) To cleanse one’s self from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1). (Tobacco in any form is
considered filthy).
(b) To conduct one’s self everywhere as becometh a Christian.

OFFICERS ARTICLE III Section 2. 117
(c) To endeavor to manifest a spirit of brotherly love and fellowship toward all
of God’s people.
(d) To forsake not attending services, as the manner of some is. (Hebrews
10:25).
(e) To support the work of the assembly with one’s prayers and financial aid,
as God prospers. (Malachi 3:10; I Corinthians 16:2).
(f) To maintain family and secret devotion.
(g) To avoid all ungodly and worldly amusements (all amusements and recre-
ations are not harmful), that one may be blameless and harmless amidst an
evil generation and thus bring no reproach upon the name of Christ.
(h) To abide by the bylaws of the assembly as prescribed in this form of local
church government. (Titus 2:1-8; Hebrews 13:17).
(i) To secure, in case of moving, a letter of membership from the former
church, and unite with another church of the same faith as soon as possible.
Section 3. Admission.
1. Anyone who is eligible and accepts the foregoing obligations shall become a
member of the assembly by registering his or her name and address with the
pastor or secretary, and receiving the right hand of fellowship from the church.
2. No person being a member of another church in our organization shall be
received as a member into another assembly without a letter of membership.
3. No person desiring to withdraw their membership shall be refused a letter of
membership unless proven guilty of misconduct by confession or conviction.
When said person has made satisfactory restitution to the church they are leav-
ing, they shall be cleared of all foregoing matters and be ready to be accepted
into the fellowship of a local United Pentecostal Church assembly.
Section 4. Church Discipline.
1. Any member failing or refusing after the first and second admonitions to keep
the obligations and abide by the rules of the assembly may be automatically
suspended (II Thesalonians. 3:6), or dealt with according to the following
methods:
(a) If any member of this church be overtaken in a fault, he or she shall be dealt
with according to Galatians 6:1; I John 5:16-17; and James 5:19-20.
(b) Any grievance arising between individual members of this assembly shall
be dealt with according to Matthew 18:15-18. Should the accused be found
guilty by the church, he or she may be disfellowshipped from the member-
ship roll unless he or she truly repents and makes public confession.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
1. The officers of the church shall be as follows: a pastor, an assistant pastor
(when deemed necessary by the pastor), board members (at least one [1] and
not more than seven [7]), Board of Trustees (this board shall consist of three
[3] members when property is owned), and Secretary-Treasurer.
Section 2. Eligibility.
1. Pastor: Must have a recommendation from the District Superintendent. A rec-
ommendation shall not be withheld from any minister of the United Pentecostal
Church International if he or she holds a current fellowship card. However, if
there is any question concerning his or her conduct and/or qualifications, the
District Superintendent shall make proper contact to the church and minister.
2. Other officers: Must have been members in good standing at least one (1) year,
except in the case of newly organized assemblies.

118 ARTICLE III Section 3. 2017 LOCAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT
Section 3. Pastor.
1. The pastor shall be chosen by the church board, whose decision must be
endorsed by the church.
(a) However, if there are less than three (3) members on the church board, the
District Superintendent and/or the District Presbyter, who may be autho-
rized by the District Superintendent, shall call for the election of a pastor.
In such case the method of election shall be the same as Article IV, Section
5, Paragraphs 1 through 4 of the General Constitution.
2. In case of alleged misconduct, same shall be reported in writing, sent by certi-
fied mail return receipt requested, by any member of the church board to the
District Superintendent and also to the pastor. The District Superintendent,
District Presbyter, and one (1) other member of the District Board shall inves-
tigate said report and take further action as they deem necessary.
3. Resignation or dismissal and rules relating thereto:
(a) A pastor desiring to leave a church must give the church board thirty (30) days
notice. By mutual agreement, the time may be changed. In any event, it shall be
considered the church’s responsibility to pay his or her stipulated income for
the thirty (30) days following his or her resignation. Furthermore it is under-
stood that in this event, the church is immediately at liberty to start negotiations
for a new pastor as outlined in Article III, Section 5, Paragraph 3.
(b) A church desiring to change pastors shall express this desire according to
the following procedure:
(1) Any member of the church board may request in writing to the pastor
that a church board meeting be called for the purpose of discussing the
office of pastor. The reason for the requested meeting must be set forth.
The letter must be certified mail with return receipt requested to the pas-
tor, and a copy must be sent to the District Superintendent.
(2) The pastor shall call a church board meeting within thirty (30) days to
discuss the situation and if possible to resolve the matter.
(3) In the event that this meeting cannot resolve the existing problems or
differences given as the cause for desiring the change, then the pastor
and/or church board shall notify the District Superintendent.
(4) The District Superintendent or his designee shall then arrange a meeting
with the pastor and church board to assist in mediation.
(5) If the District Superintendent deems it necessary, the matter shall be
brought to the church membership in a duly called meeting, presided
over by the District Superintendent, in which meeting a vote of confi-
dence on the pastor may be taken.
(6) In the event that the pastor does not receive a majority vote, he or she is
dismissed as pastor and shall have thirty (30) days from the date of this
meeting. By mutual agreement, the time may be changed.
(7) In the event that the pastor received the confidence of the people and is
retained as pastor, the pastor shall have the right to appoint a new church
board at this time.
(c) However, where a church is established by a minister of our organization,
he or she shall have the oversight of same until said pastor and membership
jointly agree to change.
(d) After any pastor is duly notified that the church desires to change pastors,
or the pastor notifies the church that he or she desires to change pastorates,
there shall be no changes made in the bylaws, membership roll, or officers.
4. The support shall be such as he or she and the assembly shall agree upon. (Luke
10:7; I Corinthians 9:7-14).
5. The duties of the pastor shall be as follows:

OFFICERS ARTICLE III Section 7. 119
(a) To preach and teach the Word as God gives him or her ability.
(b) To visit and pray for the sick.
(c) To encourage the weak.
(d) To reprove and warn the unruly. (I Thessalonians 5:14; II Timothy 4:1-2).
(e) To give advice as needed, and be ready to every good work.
6. The pastor’s authority shall be as follows:
(a) He or she shall have the oversight and superintendence of all interests of the
church and of all departments of its work, both spiritual and temporal, not
as Lord over God’s heritage, but as feeder of the flock of God, taking the
oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but
of a ready mind ( I Peter 5:2-3), inasmuch as he or she is responsible for the
guardianship and watch-care of all who are committed to his or her trust.
(b) He or she should be consulted in regard to all business of any importance
pertaining to the spiritual, moral, and material affairs of the church.
(c) He or she shall call for and preside over business and church board meet-
ings, and shall, with the approval of the assembly, appoint committees.
Section 4. Assistant Pastor.
1. The assistant pastor shall be appointed by the pastor and endorsed by the church.
2 His or her duty shall be to assist the pastor in all matters as directed by the pas-
tor.
Section 5. Church Board.
1. The deacons or members of the church board shall be appointed by the pastor
and endorsed by the church for a term of one (1) year.
2. They, together with the pastor, shall care for the business affairs of the assem-
bly, submitting all transactions to the assembly for its approval or disapproval.
3. In case of a resignation or dismissal of the pastor, the church board shall
immediately notify the District Superintendent of such a vacancy, and under
his direction, call a business meeting, over which the District Superintendent
or the District Presbyter whom he may authorize, shall preside, to choose a
pastor or transact any other necessary business; however, be it understood that
their decision for a pastor must be endorsed by a majority vote of the members
present, this by secret ballot. All other business must be endorsed by a majority
vote of the members present.
Section 6. Trustees.
1. The board of trustees shall be elected by a majority vote of the assembly and
shall serve until their successors are elected.
2. Their duties shall be as follows:
(a) To hold all property belonging to the assembly in trust for the assembly.
(b) To make all legal acquirements and transactions which the assembly shall
dictate and look after all repairs as directed by the assembly.
Section 7. Secretary-Treasurer.
1. The Secretary-Treasurer may be one (1) or two (2) persons, and shall be
appointed by the pastor and endorsed by the church for a term of one (1) year.
2. The duties of the secretary shall be as follows: to take minutes and to preserve
records of business proceedings and all other papers belonging to the assembly.
3. The duties of the treasurer shall be as follows: to receive and care for all funds
of the assembly and make all disbursements; to keep an accurate record of all
such transactions; and to hold the books open for inspection by the members of
the assembly.
4. The assembly may call for monthly, quarterly, or annual reports from the trea-
surer, and may audit the books once each year.
5. One member of the church shall endorse all bills before the treasurer shall pay

120 ARTICLE IV Section 8. 2017 LOCAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT
them with the exception of such regular payments as salaries, light, water, fuel,
and janitor bills. All bills should be paid by check.
Section 8. Dismissal of Officers.
1. Any officer manifesting a lack of interest and failing to attend services a reason-
able amount of time shall be removed.
Section 9. Sunday School Superintendent.
1. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be appointed by the pastor and
endorsed by the church for a term of one (1) year.
Section 10. Young People’s President.
1. The Young People’s President shall be appointed by the pastor and endorsed
by the church for a term of one (1) year.
ARTICLE IV
PROPERTY
1. If at any time the assembly decides to purchase property, the pastor and church
board shall look after the business matters and present their views to the
assembly. Then, when a majority decides upon the purchase of a site, three (3)
trustees must be elected according to Article III, Section 6, Paragraph 1.
2. The title of the property shall be in the name of the church at the town where
the assembly is located, and shall be held in trust by said trustees until their
successors are elected.
3. In the event this assembly ceases to function as a church, all assets shall be
assigned to another religious, nonprofit organization. and the disposition of
these assets will be reviewed and approved by the District Board.
ARTICLE V
BUSINESS MEETINGS
1. A business meeting of the church must be announced publicly in at least three
(3) services, the first announcement being ten (10) days previous to the meeting
date.
2. A majority vote of the members present and voting at any business session shall
be the deciding factor.
3. The minimum age of a member voting in a local church business meeting shall
be sixteen (16) years.
ARTICLE VI
RECORD OF ADOPTION
The _____________________________Assembly of ______________________ and
community has met this day in a duly called business meeting with a quorum of
members present and caused to be adopted the foregoing form of Local Church
Government by the following vote:_______________________________________
___________________________ for and__________________________ against.
________________________________ Pastor
________________________________ Secretary
________________________________ Deacon

JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
CONTENTS
Introduction
Article I Definitions and Guidelines
Article II Regional Presiding Officer
Article III Appeal from District Board Action
Article IV Resolution of a Grievance
Article V Investigation of a Complaint
Article VI Hearing
Article VII Notice of Trial
Article VIII Selection of the Jury
Article IX The Trial
Article X Appeals
Article XI General Officers
Article XII North American Missions Districts
Article XIII Global Missions Areas

122 ARTICLE I Section 1. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the judicial procedure is to resolve grievances and complaints
of ethical, moral, and doctrinal violations brought against ministers in the United
Since the Bible instructs us to resolve ministerial and church problems within
the church (I Corinthians 6:1-8), the United Pentecostal Church International does
not approve of any minister in this organization resorting to the civil courts to seek
resolutions of conflicts that arise within the structure of the organization. This judicial
procedure is designed to be the instrument by which the organization resolves griev-
ances between ministers and complaints about the conduct of ministers.
Since it is the desire of the fellowship to protect the rights of the accused, it must
always be presumed that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. Moreover, the
judicial procedure makes provision for an appeal to correct errors that affect a judg-
ment.
The United Pentecostal Church International strongly condemns any attempt to
prejudice the fellowship for or against the accused through any process outside this
judicial procedure. Moreover, any attempt to obstruct the judicial process or to intimi-
date, malign the character of, or threaten recrimination of the accused minister, the
person making the complaint, the district representative, the presiding officer, jurors,
counselors, witnesses, or any others involved in the judicial process may result in
substantial disciplinary action subject to judicial process.
This judicial procedure seeks a simple means of resolving ministerial problems in
an orderly and Christian atmosphere without requiring any legal training. No person
should attempt to use its provisions to evade guilt or to bend its authority to create
confusion. It is to be administered by firm, competent hands, governed by truth and
holiness, and clothed with respect, brotherly kindness, and love.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES
Section 1. Terms, Persons, and Committees.
1. Pronouns, nouns, and terms used in this judicial procedure shall include the
masculine, feminine, neuter, singular, and plural forms thereof whenever
appropriate to the context.
2. Evidence refers to objects, statements by witnesses, or any other primary infor-
mation presented at a hearing or trial to establish a point in question.
3. A witness is someone who has personal knowledge of facts relevant to the
truth of a complaint or charge. Each witness must be able to testify to a fact
that establishes truth about the alleged violation. A witness may testify to the
character of the accused on issues related to the complaint or charge.
4. A counselor is a person selected by the District Board, the Executive Board, or
a minister to assist, advise, and speak during a District Board action, hearing,
trial, or appeal. He or she must be a licensed or ordained minister of the United
Pentecostal Church International. He or she need not reside in the district in
which the accused minister is tried. A counselor cannot be a member of the
General Board unless he or she is assisting an executive representative.
5. The ministers appeal council consists of a regional presiding officer as defined
in Article II, an executive presbyter, and five (5) ordained ministers. Each district
conference may nominate one (1) ordained minister and submit it to the General
Board; then the General Board shall select two (2) names from those nominated
for each office that is open. These names shall then be presented to the General
Conference for election. The term of service for the five (5) elected ministers
shall be two (2) years, and they shall be elected on alternate years. They may not

DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES ARTICLE I Section 2. 123
succeed themselves. The regional presiding officer shall be the chair of the coun-
cil. This council hears appeals from action of District Boards (Article III), from
the decision of an arbitration panel (Article IV), from District Board sentences
(Article VI), and from verdicts and sentences given at trials (Article X).
6. Official notice refers to a written communication sent by certified mail with
return receipt requested, or delivered in person by someone who obtains a writ-
ten receipt or who is accompanied by another person as a witness. The date of
official notice is the date of receipt.
7. The district representative is a member of the District Board designated by the
District Superintendent to represent the District Board at a trial or appeal. The
District Superintendent may designate himself.
8. The executive representative is a member of the Executive Board designated
by the Executive Board to present the case in the trial of a general officer. The
General Superintendent shall not serve in this capacity.
9. A conflict of interest is a conflict between a person’s self-interest and his or her
obligation to act for the benefit of the fellowship.
(a) To avoid a conflict of interest, no official working at Headquarters shall
serve as a counselor or as a member of an investigative committee or
jury. Exceptions are members of the North American Missions and Global
Missions Division when they function under Articles XII and XIII.
(b) No immediate relative of the accused minister, the accusers, the district
representative, or the executive representative shall serve on the jury, on the
investigative committee, on the ministers appeal council, or as the regional
presiding officer. An immediate relative is a spouse, parent, child, grandpar-
ent, grandchild, brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of a person
or his or her spouse.
(c) A person shall disqualify himself or herself from serving in any part of the
judicial process if he or she lacks impartiality or if his or her serving could
create the appearance of partiality.
Section 2. Type of Actions.
1. A grievance is a problem, disagreement, or offense between ministers.
2. A complaint is a written allegation that a minister has failed to abide by the
ministerial rules and obligations, broken his or her ministerial trust, violated
ministerial ethics, deviated from a tenet of faith, or exhibited conduct unbe-
coming to a minister of the gospel. Such complaint must be signed by two (2)
or three (3) accusers who state they have personal knowledge of the alleged
misconduct. (See Matthew 18:16; II Corinthians 13:1; I Timothy 5:19.) The
complaint shall state:
(a) Who committed the alleged act.
(b) What the alleged act was.
(c) Who the alleged act was with or against.
(d) Where the alleged act took place.
(e) When the alleged act took place.
3. An investigation is an official search or examination to uncover facts relative to
a complaint.
4. A hearing is a meeting at which evidence is presented and testimony is given
relative to a complaint to determine if the evidence warrants referring the case
to a trial.
5. A charge is a formal written allegation by the District Board that a minister
has failed to abide by the ministerial rules and obligations, broken his or her
ministerial trust, violated ministerial ethics, deviated from a tenet of faith, or
exhibited conduct unbecoming to a minister of the gospel. It is the basis for
a trial. It shall identify the alleged violation(s), specifying who committed it,
where it occurred, and when it occurred. Multiple charges may be submitted at

124 ARTICLE II Section 3. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
the same trial if they are based on violations of the same nature or if they arise
from the same events. The District Board must determine that each charge can
be supported by evidence from two (2) or three (3) witnesses.
6. A trial is the process by which evidence is examined by a jury to determine the
truth of a charge brought against a minister.
7. A verdict is the formal and official finding of a jury concerning the matter sub-
mitted to it in a trial.
8. A sentence is the consequence imposed upon a minister who has committed a
violation.
Section 3. General Guidelines.
1. The scheduled time periods within this judicial procedure are designed to
insure a fair and orderly processing of judicial matters, and all officers are
required to adhere to the scheduled dates. However, exceptions may be made
by the officer in charge of the committee, board, hearing, trial, or appeal pro-
cess in the event of unanticipated or unavoidable interruptions such as illness,
disability, or other valid reason.
2. In the case of an appeal, any disciplinary action shall be suspended until the
appeal has been resolved.
3. It is the responsibility of each minister to become familiar with the judicial
procedure.
4. All trial officials, witnesses, jurors, counselors, and others involved in the
investigation, trial, or appeal process must keep confidential all matters pertain-
ing to the case.
5. All evidence, including names of witnesses, to be presented by both sides at the
hearing and trial shall be made readily available to the accused minister, his or
her counselors, the district representative, and his counselors.
6. In all judicial proceedings, testimony shall be limited to what is relevant to the
matter under consideration. No one shall attack the character of the accused,
the accusers, or the witnesses. No one shall seek to intimidate any of them,
introduce irrelevant information about them, or speak to them discourteously.
7. In all judicial proceedings, the highest duty of every participant is to seek the
truth about the matter under consideration. No one shall deliberately withhold or
conceal information that is relevant to ascertaining the truth about the matter. No
counselor shall knowingly present a witness who will testify falsely. If a coun-
selor knows or discovers that any witness he or she has presented has testified
falsely, he or she shall correct the false information in the judicial proceeding.
8. In all judicial proceedings, no participant, including a counselor, shall receive
compensation for his or her services. He or she may be reimbursed for actual
expenses incurred.
9. Anyone who persists in violating any of the guidelines of the judicial procedure
may be barred from a proceeding by the chair or presiding officer. He or she may
also be barred from future proceedings within a district by action of the District
Board and from future proceedings in all districts by action of the General Board.
ARTICLE II
REGIONAL PRESIDING OFFICER
Section 1. Appointment.
1. A regional presiding officer shall be appointed from each region by the General
Board of the United Pentecostal Church International for a term of two (2) years.
2. In the event he or she should resign, become disabled, or move from the region,
the Executive Board shall declare the office vacant and appoint a successor to
fill the unexpired term.

APPEAL FROM DISTRICT BOARD ACTION ARTICLE III Section 2. 125
Section 2. Qualification.
1. Shall be a resident of the region for which he or she is appointed.
2. Shall meet the same qualifications as those established for general officers in
Article IV, Section 3, Paragraph 1 of the General Constitution of the United
3. Shall be of wise judgment, oriented in the judicial procedure, and capable of
discreetly and honorably presiding over a trial.
Section 3. Duties.
1.The duties of the regional presiding officer shall be as follows:
(a) To preside over the ministers appeal council.
(b) To preside over trials in his or her region and in other regions when des-
ignated by the Executive Board. In the event a trial involves the district in
which he or she resides, the General Superintendent shall select another
regional presiding officer to preside over the trial.
(c) To set the place, date, and time of a trial under his or her jurisdiction. He or
she is to notify in writing all persons involved in the trial of the place, date,
and time of the trial. In case of a trial postponement or other changes, he or
she is to reset the place, date, and time and to notify in writing all persons
involved of the changes.
(d) To follow the procedure in Article VIII in selecting a jury, notifying venire-
men of their selection, and securing their commitment to serve.
(e) To appoint an ordained minister from the region to serve as recording sec-
retary for a trial. The recording secretary cannot be a member of the District
Board that referred the case to trial.
(f) To conduct a fair and impartial trial in accordance with Article IX, and to
conduct himself or herself in a manner that will not prejudice the jury.
(g) To instruct the jury on their responsibility as jurors and on the proper pro-
cedure in reaching a verdict.
(h) To announce the verdict of the jury and take appropriate post-trial actions
according to Article IX, Section 6, Paragraphs 4, 6, and 9.
ARTICLE III
APPEAL FROM DISTRICT BOARD ACTION
Section 1. District Board Action.
1. The District Board may request a meeting with any minister to discuss matters
of ministerial and district concerns.
2. The District Superintendent and the presbyters are encouraged to communicate
and counsel privately with a minister about whom questions have surfaced in
an attempt to clear any misunderstanding and resolve any problems without
board action. Our first obligation is to create a Christian atmosphere in which
misunderstandings and problems can be cleared and resolved by brotherly love
and concern.
Section 2. District Board Procedure.
1. The District Board may summon a minister for alleged failure to comply with
the ministerial obligations as described in the General Constitution of the United
Pentecostal Church International. When a minister is summoned to appear
before the board he or she has the right to have two (2) counselors to appear with
him or her.
2. The District Board may be the district of the minister or the district in which
the failure or violation allegedly occurred.
3. The summons shall be by official notice. (See Article I, Section 1, Paragraph 6.)
4. The summons shall cite the alleged violation and give the place, date, and time

126 ARTICLE IV Section 3. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
the summoned minister is to meet with the District Board. Failure to comply
with the summons may result in the minister being dropped from the ministry
of the organization.
5. If the District Board determines that the minister has violated one of his or her
obligations, it may recommend to the credentials committee that the minister
be dropped, or it may take other appropriate disciplinary action.
Section 3. Appeal.
1. The minister may appeal being dropped or other disciplinary action to the
ministers appeal council. Such appeal must be made by official notice to
the regional presiding officer within twenty (20) days after the minister has
received the decision of the District Board.
2. The regional presiding officer shall deliver a copy of the appeal to the District
Superintendent by official notice.
3. The regional presiding officer shall set the place, date, and time for the meeting
of the ministers appeal council to review the appeal, notifying the members of
the council, the minister making the appeal, and the District Superintendent.
He or she shall also appoint a member of the council to serve as recording
secretary.
4. The ministers appeal council may review the district and other records per-
taining to the case. The minister making the appeal, his or her counselors, a
representative from the District Board, and counselors for the board shall have
the right to appear before the council to present their case.
5. After examining the appeal, the ministers appeal council may:
(a) Sustain the District Board’s action.
(b) Reverse the District Board’s action.
(c) Modify the discipline if it determines that the discipline is inappropriate
for the infraction. In this case, the ministers appeal council may alter the
discipline, impose a different discipline, or remand the case to the District
Board with guidelines for an acceptable discipline.
6. Within ten (10) days after the council reaches a decision, the regional presiding
officer shall communicate the decision by official notice to the minister who
has appealed and to the District Board.
ARTICLE IV
RESOLUTION OF A GRIEVANCE
The following steps shall be taken to resolve a grievance between ministers.
Section 1. Meeting Together.
First, ministers should meet together alone in an effort to resolve a grievance
between them. (See Matthew 18:15.)
Section 2. Arbitration Panel.
1. If the ministers fail to resolve the grievance between them, each minister shall
select an ordained minister who is neutral and unbiased about the grievance
and who is not a member of a District Board to serve as a member of an arbi-
tration panel. These two (2) selected ministers shall then jointly select a third
ordained minister who is also uninformed about the grievance and who is not
a member of a District Board to serve as the chair of the arbitration panel.
He or she shall affirm that he or she is neutral and unbiased concerning the
grievance. Two (2) additional ministers shall be chosen to serve with the chair
on the arbitration panel. They shall be chosen in the same manner as the chair
and shall affirm that they are neutral and unbiased concerning the grievance.
2. The chair of the arbitration panel shall set the place, date, and time for the arbitra-
tion panel to meet with the two (2) ministers involved in the grievance and com-
municate this information to them and to the other four (4) members of the panel.

INVESTIGATION OF A COMPLAINT ARTICLE V Section 5. 127
3. The arbitration panel shall meet with the two (2) ministers without any other
person present. After hearing each side, it shall present a solution, which shall
be binding upon both ministers. (See Matthew 18:16.)
4. The chair of the arbitration panel shall send by official notice a copy of the
arbitration panel’s decision to the two (2) involved ministers and to the District
Superintendent of each minister.
Section 3. Appeal of Decision.
Either minister may appeal the decision of the arbitration panel to the District
Board, whose decision shall be final. In the event the two (2) ministers are from
two (2) districts, the appeal shall be to the ministers appeal council, whose decision
shall be final. The appeal shall be made by notifying the District Superintendent (or
regional presiding officer) within twenty (20) days after receiving the decision of the
arbitration panel. (See Matthew 18:17.) The District Superintendent (or regional pre-
siding officer) shall arrange a meeting to hear the appeal. Only the two (2) involved
ministers and the chair of the arbitration panel or a member of the arbitration panel
designated by the chair may meet with the District Board (or the ministers appeal
council) during the appeal process.
Section 4.
Failure to abide by the decision of the arbitration panel, or, in the case of an
appeal, the District Board (or ministers appeal council), shall be considered insubor-
dination and grounds for a complaint.
ARTICLE V
INVESTIGATION OF A COMPLAINT
Section 1.
The District Superintendent is encouraged to communicate and counsel privately
with a minister about whom any question has surfaced in an attempt to resolve the
problem.
Section 2.
Upon the receipt of a complaint that does not have the required information
(see Article I, Section 2, Paragraph 2), the District Superintendent shall inform the
signatories of the need of further appropriate information to meet the requirements.
Section 3.
For the purposes of an investigation, hearing, and trial (Articles V, VI, VII, VIII,
and IX), the district taking action may be the district of the accused minister or the
district in which the violation allegedly occurred.
Section 4.
When a complaint of an alleged violation is received in writing, within thirty (30)
days the superintendent of the district that receives the complaint shall appoint two
(2) ordained ministers of the district to serve with him as the investigative committee.
The District Superintendent shall serve as the chair of the committee. If the District
Superintendent so desires, or if he has a conflict of interest according to Article I,
Section 1, Paragraph 9, he shall disqualify himself and appoint another member from
the District Board to take his place as chair. (See Article I, Section 2, Paragraph 2 for
the definition of a complaint.)
Section 5.
The District Board and the accused minister may each have two (2) qualified
counselors to assist, advise, and speak for them in the investigation, representation,
and defense of a properly received complaint by the District Superintendent.

128 ARTICLE VI Section 6. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
Section 6.
The committee shall investigate the alleged violation, taking care to safeguard the
welfare of all concerned: the person making the complaint, the minister, the church,
the district, and the international organization.
Section 7.
In the investigation of the complaint, the committee is authorized to take the fol-
lowing steps in the order given.
1. The chair shall notify the accused minister that a complaint of a ministerial
violation has been received, stating the nature of the complaint.
2. The chair shall give the accused minister an opportunity to meet with him
alone to respond to the complaint. This meeting is an attempt to resolve the
complaint in a spirit of brotherly love and concern. The accused minister may
also respond in writing.
3. Two (2) or three (3) committee members shall conduct an interview with
the person reporting the alleged violation to ascertain the factual basis of the
alleged violation.
4. The committee may interview other persons who may have personal knowl-
edge of the alleged violation. If it becomes necessary to interview a member
of a United Pentecostal congregation, under no circumstances shall the inves-
tigative committee interview that person without giving adequate and advance
notification to the pastor. If the pastor is not the accused minister, he or she
shall have the right to be present at the interview.
5. The committee may seek information from any other source that could possess
knowledge concerning the alleged violation.
6. If the accused minister confesses in writing to a violation during this phase of
the investigation, the accused minister shall appear before the District Board
for disposition of this violation according to Article VI, Section 4, Paragraphs
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Section 8.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the committee shall take one of the fol-
lowing actions:
1. Dismiss the complaint and notify the accused minister and the persons who
initiated the complaint.
2. Refer its findings to the District Board for a hearing.
ARTICLE VI
HEARING
Section 1. Purpose.
The hearing is a part of the investigative process of a complaint against a min-
ister. Its purpose is to decide if the evidence included in the investigative report and
presented at the hearing warrants a trial.
Section 2. Notice.
1. If the investigative committee determines that the investigation indicates a need
for a hearing, the chair shall submit to the District Board a written investigative
report setting forth the nature of the alleged violation as the basis of a hearing.
2. The District Board shall conduct the hearing.
3. The District Superintendent shall set the date, place, and time for the hearing
that will be heard by the District Board. The date for the hearing shall not be
less than fifteen (15) days and not more than sixty (60) days from the time the
accused minister receives notice of the hearing.

HEARING ARTICLE VI Section 3. 129
4. The District Superintendent or District Secretary shall issue a summons to the

accused minister of the designated place, date, and time of the hearing. The
summons shall be by official notice. (See Article I, Section 1, Paragraph 6.)
He shall also provide him or her a copy of the investigative report and the
complaint(s) by official notice.
(a) If the accused minister is unable to attend the hearing on the date set
because of illness, disability, or any other legitimate reason, he or she must
notify the District Superintendent in writing, stating his or her reason. Such
notice must be received by the District Superintendent at least forty-eight
(48) hours prior to the designated time of the hearing. If the investigative
committee determines that the reason is valid, the District Superintendent
shall contact the accused minister and reschedule the hearing.
(b) If the investigative committee determines that the reason given by the
accused minister is not valid, the District Superintendent shall notify the
minister that the hearing is still scheduled at the originally designated time,
and the minister shall appear at the hearing.
(c) If an emergency prevents the accused minister from attending (see Article I,
Section 3, Paragraph 1), the accused minister shall obtain two (2) unbiased
ordained ministers as witnesses to the emergency. In this case, the hearing
shall be rescheduled.
(d) If a minister fails to attend the hearing, the District Board may recommend
to the credentials committee that the minister be dropped from the ministry
without recourse to a trial.
Section 3. Procedure.
1. The hearing before the District Board gives the accused minister an opportunity
to respond to the evidence and the District Board an opportunity to question
and discuss the matter with him or her. The hearing should be conducted with
brotherly love, with respect for all present, and as informally as the occasion
will permit.
2. The accused minister may have one (1) or two (2) counselors to assist him or
her during the hearing. He or she shall notify the District Superintendent in
writing of the names of his or her counselors at least five (5) days before the
date of the hearing. Failure to notify the District Superintendent in this manner
may cause the accused minister to forfeit his or her right to counselors during
the hearing.
3. The District Superintendent shall preside at the hearing and the District
Secretary shall serve as recording secretary.
4. Only the members of the District Board, the two (2) counselors chosen by the
District Board, the members of the investigative committee, the accused minis-
ter, and his or her counselors may attend the hearing. A witness shall be present
at the hearing only during his or her testimony.
5. A designated member of the investigative committee shall read the investiga-
tive report before the presentation or discussion of the evidence.
6. The accused minister and his or her counselors may respond to the complaint.
7. The accused minister and his or her counselors may present witnesses and other
evidence on his or her behalf.
8. The District Board may hear other witnesses who have personal knowledge
about the evidence stated in the investigative report.
9. Members of the District Board, the two (2) counselors chosen by the District
Board, and the two (2) counselors for the accused minister may question any
witness. In the event the accused minister does not have a counselor, he or she
may question witnesses himself or herself.

130 ARTICLE VI Section 4. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
Section 4. Disposition.
1. If the District Board determines that the evidence does not warrant a trial, it
shall dismiss the complaint against the minister.
2. If the District Board determines by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote that the
evidence warrants a trial, then:
(a) The District Superintendent may meet with the accused minister, his or her
counselors, and two (2) ministers selected by the District Superintendent
in an attempt to resolve the matter without a trial to the satisfaction of the
accused minister and the District Board.
(b) If there is no such resolution of the matter, the District Board shall draft a
charge or multiple charges according to Article I, Section 2, Paragraph 5. It
shall then forward the charge or charges to the regional presiding officer as
the basis of a trial. The accused minister cannot appeal this decision of the
District Board.
3. If the accused minister confesses in writing to a violation of the ministerial
rules and obligations, a breach of his or her ministerial trust, a violation of
ministerial ethics, a deviation from a tenet of faith, or conduct unbecoming to a
minister, then there shall be no trial on the matter to which he or she has con-
fessed. The District Board shall take one or more of the following actions on this
confession.
(a) Warn and advise the minister.
(b) Take appropriate disciplinary action, which may include a rehabilitation
program.
(c) Place the minister on probation. Any minister placed on probation shall
submit his or her fellowship card to the District Superintendent for the dura-
tion of the probation. He or she shall support the district and pay his or her
membership dues. He or she shall not be permitted to preach or to transfer
his or her membership to another district. He or she may be required to
participate in a rehabilitation program.
(d) Recommend to the credentials committee that the minister be dropped from
the ministry of the United Pentecostal Church International.
4. The action taken by the District Board may be explained to the minister orally,
and it shall be communicated to him or her by official notice. In the case of disci-
plinary action, the District Board shall specify what is expected of the minister to
remedy the violation. In the case of probation, the District Board shall inform the
minister of the restrictions and specify the date the probation ends or is reviewed.
5. Within twenty (20) days after he or she receives official notice of the action
taken by the District Board, the minister who confesses may appeal the sen-
tence to the ministers appeal council. (For the appeal process, see Article X,
Section 5.)
6. In the event that the ministers appeal council overturns the decision of the
District Board, the District Board may appeal to the General Board, whose
decision shall be final.
(a) The appeal shall be a review of the decision of the ministers appeal council.
(b) The General Secretary shall send by official notice a copy of the appeal of
the District Board to the accused minister.
(c) The General Superintendent shall set the place, date, and time for reviewing
the appeal, preferably but not necessarily at the next General Board meet-
ing, and shall communicate the same by official notice to the accused min-
ister, regional presiding officer, the District Superintendent, and if a special
General Board meeting is necessary, to the members of the General Board.
He shall be the presiding officer at the appeal.
(d) At the appeal, only the members of the General Board, the District
Superintendent, his counselors, the accused minister, and his or her coun-
selors may be present.

NOTICE OF TRIAL ARTICLE VII Section 5. 131
(e) During the appeal process, the District Superintendent shall present the side
of the District Board first.
(f) The counselors for the accused minister shall be allowed to present the side
of the accused minister.
(g) The General Board shall (1) sustain the decision of the ministers appeal
council or (2) overturn the decision of the ministers appeal council in favor
of the action by the District Board.
(h) The General Secretary shall communicate by official notice the decision of
the General Board to the accused minister and the District Superintendent.
7. In case of an alleged violation of the restrictions imposed on a minister for
discipline or probation, the matter shall be handled by the District Board.
ARTICLE VII
NOTICE OF TRIAL
Section 1.
When the District Board refers the accused minister to the regional presiding
officer for trial, the regional presiding officer shall designate the place, date, and time
for the trial. The date for the trial shall be set not less than thirty (30) days and not
more than ninety (90) days from the date the accused is referred for trial. With the
approval of the General Superintendent, the regional presiding officer may extend
the time of ninety (90) days in the event of interruptions such as illness, disability,
or other valid reasons.
Section 2.
Within fifteen (15) days after the District Board refers the minister to a trial, the
regional presiding officer shall summon to trial the accused minister by official notice
and send a copy of the charge against him or her.
The summons shall give the place, date, and time of the trial. The regional presid-
ing officer shall send a copy of the summons to the District Superintendent. In case
of postponement, the regional presiding officer can make an exception to the time of
notice with the approval of the General Superintendent.
Section 3.
The accused minister has fifteen (15) days after receipt of the summons to trial to
state whether or not he or she will appear at the trial. If the accused minister does not
respond to the summons or states that he or she will not appear at the trial, he or she
shall forfeit his or her license or credentials without right of appeal.
Section 4.
If the accused minister does not respond to the summons or states that he or she
will not appear at the trial, the regional presiding officer shall recommend to the cre-
dentials committee that the accused minister be dropped.
Section 5.
Should the accused minister receiving a summons to trial be unable to appear at
the trial because of illness, disability, or any other legitimate reason, he or she must
notify the presiding regional officer in writing, stating his or her reason. Such notice
must be received by the regional presiding officer at least forty-eight (48) hours prior
to the designated time of trial.
1. If the regional presiding officer finds the reason to be valid, he or she shall
reschedule the trial and notify the accused minister and others involved. After
he or she resets the place, date, and time, he or she shall reissue the summons.
2. If the regional presiding officer determines that the reason given by the accused
minister is not valid, he or she shall notify the minister that the trial is still sched-
uled at the originally designated time, and the minister shall appear at the trial.

132 ARTICLE VIII Section 6. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
3. If an emergency prevents the accused minister from attending (see Article I,

Section 3, Paragraph 1), the accused minister shall obtain two (2) unbiased
ordained ministers as witnesses to the emergency. In this case, the hearing shall
be rescheduled.
4. An accused minister who fails to appear at a scheduled trial shall forfeit his or
her license or credentials without right of appeal.
Section 6. Counselors.
1. The accused minister and the District Board shall both be allowed to have one
(1) or two (2) counselors to assist and advise them during the trial proceedings.
2. The accused minister shall notify the regional presiding officer in writing of
the names of his or her counselors at least five (5) days before the date of the
trial. Failure to notify the regional presiding officer in this manner may cause
the accused minister to forfeit his or her right to counselors during the trial.
3. The District Superintendent shall notify the regional presiding officer in writing
of the names of the person who will represent the District Board at the trial (the
district representative) and the counselors for the District Board at least five (5)
days before the date of the trial. Failure to notify the regional presiding officer
in this manner may cause the District Board to forfeit its right to counselors
during the trial.
Section 7.
The regional presiding officer shall appoint an ordained minister from the region
to serve as recording secretary for the trial. The recording secretary shall not be a
member of the District Board that referred the case to trial.
ARTICLE VIII
SELECTION OF THE JURY
Section 1.
The jury shall consist of nine (9) ordained ministers and two (2) alternate
ordained ministers.
Section 2.
Each District Board shall select and keep a venire of ten (10) to twenty (20)
ordained ministers. If a district does not have ten (10) ordained ministers who are
eligible, the District Board shall select as many veniremen as possible. They shall
write the name of each veniremen on a paper, place each paper in a separate sealed
envelope identified by the name of the district, and mail the envelopes to the General
Secretary at Headquarters, who shall keep the envelopes on file until the regional
presiding officer calls for them. The names of the veniremen shall be kept secret until
they are requested to serve on a jury.
Section 3.
The District Board shall update the names of veniremen each year, preferably
changing the names when possible.
Section 4.
At the request of the regional presiding officer, the General Secretary shall
forward to the officer as many sealed envelopes from his or her region as he or she
requires.
Section 5.
A venireman who is a member of the accused minister’s district or of the district
in which he or she is being tried shall not serve on the jury.

THE TRIAL ARTICLE IX Section 3. 133
Section 6.
The regional presiding officer shall send a list of the names of the ministers so
selected to the accused minister and to the superintendent of the district involved
for their approval or disapproval not less than thirty (30) days before the trial date.
The accused minister and the District Superintendent must indicate their approval or
disapproval not less than twenty (20) days before the trial date. Failure to respond
may cause forfeiture of the right to disapprove any name. The accused minister and
the District Superintendent may each disapprove up to three (3) names. No reason
needs to be given.
Section 7.
A member of a District Board shall not serve on a jury.
Section 8.
The regional presiding officer shall notify the ministers who have been selected to serve
on the jury. If a selected minister has formed an opinion on the case or if he or she has a
conflict of interest according to Article I, Section 1, Paragraph 9, the regional presiding
officer shall disqualify him or her from serving. The regional presiding officer shall admon-
ish each selected member of the jury to keep his or her selection a secret, not to discuss the
case, and to approach the trial with an unprejudiced mind.
ARTICLE IX
THE TRIAL
Section 1. Attendance.
Only the regional presiding officer, the recording secretary, the jury and alter-
nates, the accused minister and his or her counselors, and the district representative
and his counselors may attend the trial. A witness may attend the trial only while
giving his or her testimony.
Section 2. Order.
1. The regional presiding officer shall preside over the trial. He or she has the
authority to maintain order, rule on questions and objections, and act on any
matter that will secure a fair and impartial trial.
2. In the event the accused minister, the district representative, or any counselor
becomes unruly, the regional presiding officer may sequester the jury and
warn the person misbehaving that a continuation of such behavior could result
in serious consequences; he or she could be dismissed from the trial and he
or she could be dropped from the ministry of the United Pentecostal Church
International. Being unruly includes intimidation of witnesses, presiding offi-
cer, counselors, or other participants in the judicial process. (See Introduction.)
(a) If a counselor persists in being unruly, the regional presiding officer shall
dismiss him or her from the trial.
(b) If the accused minister persists in being unruly, the regional presiding offi-
cer shall terminate the trial and recommend to the credentials committee
that the minister be dropped.
(c) If the district representative persists in being unruly, the regional presiding
officer shall dismiss him from the trial and recommend that the Executive
Board take disciplinary action against the district representative. One of
the District Board counselors shall then present the evidence against the
accused minister.
Section 3. Records.
1. The recording secretary shall keep a written record and shall make one (1) offi-
cial tape recording of all the proceedings at the trial. No other tape recording of
any part of the trial proceedings is permitted.

134 ARTICLE IX Section 4. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
2. All records of the trial shall be the property of the United Pentecostal Church
International and held in custody during the trial by the regional presiding
officer, who shall make them available to the accused minister, the district
representative, and their counselors, but only under his or her supervision.
3. No copies or tape recording shall be made of the court records.
4. After the final disposition of the case, the regional presiding officer together
with the recording secretary shall seal the records and mail them to the General
Secretary with a signed report of this action. These sealed records shall not be
opened except by the approval of the Executive Board.
Section 4. Procedure.
1. The district representative and his counselors shall present the case against the
minister first, including all testimony intended to prove the charge made against
the accused minister. No questions can be asked or evidence presented unless such
questions and evidence have a bearing upon the charge already filed in writing.
2. The accused minister shall be given time and opportunity to present his or
her side of the case. Statements by the minister or his or her counselors must
be confined to the alleged violation and must not include counter accusations
against anyone. All testimony must be pertinent to the charges on which the
minister is being tried.
3. A witness for either side may be cross-examined by the opposing side with due
respect; no discourteous acts or words shall be permitted. A witness may be
cross-examined as to possible collusion, conspiracy, prejudice, motive, or bias.
The regional presiding officer has the right to question the witness for clarifica-
tion. No member of the jury shall be permitted to question the witness.
4. Testimony of a witness not present may be read to the jury under the following
conditions.
(a) The witness cannot be a signer of the complaint.
(b) The witness was unable to appear due to illness, physical disability, or extreme
distance from the place of the trial, or was otherwise unable to appear.
(c) The testimony of the witness was obtained in writing, dated, and signed in
the presence of an ordained minister or notary public who has no personal
interest in the case and who is not an immediate relative of the accused
minister or district representative. He or she shall sign and date the paper.
(d) The regional presiding officer is to instruct the jury to weigh the testimony
in the light that the witness cannot be cross-examined in the trial.
5. The accused minister shall have the right to refuse to testify in his or her behalf
on the grounds that he or she may tend to incriminate himself or herself. If he or
she chooses to testify, he or she may be cross-examined. If he or she chooses not
to testify, he or she shall not voice himself or herself in any manner during the
trial.
6. Opportunity for rebuttal testimony shall be granted to both sides. After both
sides have made a second rebuttal, the regional presiding officer may end the
rebuttals, even if one or both sides wish to continue. After rebuttals, each side
shall be granted an opportunity for a closing statement, with the accused min-
ister’s side being last. No new evidence and no witnesses may be presented in
the closing statements.
7. When both sides finish their closing statements, the regional presiding officer
shall close the trial proceedings.
Section 5. Deliberation of the Jury.
1. At the close of the trial proceedings, the regional presiding officer shall give the
jury a written copy of the charge.
2. The regional presiding officer shall instruct the jury on the procedure to reach
a verdict. He or she shall also inform the jury that it shall reach one of the fol-
lowing verdicts on each charge:

THE TRIAL ARTICLE IX Section 6. 135
(a) The accused minister is innocent of the charge.

(b) The accused minister is guilty of the charge as stated.
(c) The accused minister is guilty of a lesser violation that is not specified in the
charge but is logically included in the charge by implication.
3. Only the members of the jury shall retire to themselves to consider the verdict.
They shall elect a member of the jury to serve as foreperson.
4. The foreperson of the jury shall preside during the deliberations. He or she shall
call for a vote at various intervals to determine if a verdict has been reached.
5. The vote shall be by secret ballot. No verdict can be reached except by a two-
thirds (2/3) majority vote.
6. Only the regional presiding officer has the right to contact the jury, and then
only regarding matters not pertaining to the case under consideration and in the
presence of the accused minister and the district representative or their coun-
selors.
7. The foreperson of the jury may come before the regional presiding officer and
in the presence of the accused minister and the district representative or their
counselors ask questions concerning the General Constitution or the judicial
procedure that may not be clear in the minds of the jury. Such conferences must
be limited to the purpose of clarification and must not be used to discuss any
evidence or testimony.
Section 6. Verdict.
1. When the jury reaches a verdict, the foreperson shall so inform the regional
presiding officer, who shall call for the announcement of the verdict.
2. The verdict must be in accordance with the instruction given to the jury by the
regional presiding officer. If it is not, the regional presiding officer shall instruct
the jury to resume deliberations.
3. When multiple charges are filed, the jury shall render a verdict on each charge.
4. The regional presiding officer shall present a written copy of the verdict signed
by the jury foreperson to the accused minister and the district representative by
official notice.
5. If the accused minister is found innocent, the verdict shall be final. He or she
shall not be tried a second time on the same charge.
6. If the accused minister is found guilty of immoral conduct as defined by the
General Constitution, Article VII, Section 9, Paragraph 1, the regional presid-
ing officer shall recommend to the credentials committee that the minister be
dropped from the ministry of the United Pentecostal Church International.
7. If the accused minister is found guilty of any charge other than immoral
conduct as defined by the General Constitution, Article VII, Section 9,
Paragraph 1, the jury shall determine the sentence by taking one or more of
the following actions.
(a) Warn and advise the minister.
(b) Take appropriate disciplinary action, which may include a rehabilitation
program administered by the District Board.
(c) Place the minister on probation to be administered by the District Board.
Any minister placed on probation shall submit his or her fellowship card to
the District Superintendent for the duration of the probation. He or she shall
support the district and pay his or her membership dues. He or she shall
not be permitted to preach or to transfer his or her membership to another
district. He or she may be required to participate in a rehabilitation program
administered by the District Board.
(d) If the accused is found guilty only of a lesser charge than filed against him
or her by the District Board, the jury must select one of the sentences in this
paragraph, items a, b, and c, for that charge.

136 ARTICLE X Section 1. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
(e) Recommend to the credentials committee that the minister be dropped from
the ministry of the United Pentecostal Church International.
8. A minister who is found guilty may appeal the verdict and/or sentence to the
ministers appeal council in accordance with Article X, Sections 4 and 5.
9. In the event the jury cannot reach a verdict, the regional presiding officer shall
declare a mistrial. He or she shall then set the place, date, and time for a new trial,
and follow the provisions of Articles VII, VIII, and IX of this judicial procedure.
No member of the jury or alternate in the first trial shall serve in the second trial.
ARTICLE X
APPEALS
Section 1. District Board Action.
A minister may appeal any disciplinary action by the District Board to the minis-
ters appeal council. (For the procedure, see Article III, Section 3.)
Section 2. A Grievance.
A minister may appeal the decision of an arbitration panel to the District Board
(or ministers appeal council), whose decision shall be final. (For the procedure, see
Article IV, Sections 3 and 4.)
Section 3. A Hearing.
There shall be no appeal from the decision of the District Board to refer a case
to a trial.
Section 4. The Verdict of a Trial.
1. A minister who has been found guilty by a trial may appeal the verdict to the
ministers appeal council.
2. A minister who appeals a verdict must do so within twenty (20) days after he
or she receives the notification of the verdict or else he or she forfeits his or her
right to appeal.
3. He or she must send this appeal by official notice to the General Secretary.
4. He or she may appeal this verdict on one or both of the following grounds.
(a) The trial was not conducted in accordance with the judicial procedure. An
appeal on this ground must be based on an objection or objections raised in
a timely manner during the trial (when the error may have been corrected).
(b) The evidence presented at the trial is insufficient to support the verdict.
5. The General Superintendent shall select another regional presiding officer for
the appeal.
6. The General Secretary shall send by official notice a copy of the appeal to the
district representative and the regional presiding officer.
7. The regional presiding officer shall set the place, date, and time for the min-
isters appeal council to hear the appeal. He or she shall communicate this
information by official notice to the minister who has appealed, the district
representative, and the regional presiding officer of the trial.
8. Both the district representative and the regional presiding officer of the trial
may submit written responses to the appeal.
9. The ministers appeal council shall not conduct a trial but must limit its inquiry
to the grounds allowed for an appeal.
10. Only the regional presiding officer of the trial, the district representative,
his counselors, the accused minister, and his or her counselors may appear
before the ministers appeal council. Their presentation must be pertinent to the
grounds stated for appeal.
11. The counselors for the minister making the appeal shall present the case for the
appeal first.

APPEALS ARTICLE X Section 5. 137
12. After the ministers appeal council hears the counselors, receives information from
the regional presiding officer of the trial, and reviews the records of the trial, the
appeal, and the written responses, it shall take one of the following actions.
(a) Uphold the verdict.
(b) Reverse the verdict if the evidence is insufficient to support the verdict.
(c) Order a new trial if it finds that the judicial procedure was not followed and
that the error could have had a material effect on the outcome of the trial. In
the case of a new trial, the Executive Board:
(1) Shall designate another regional presiding officer for the trial.
(2) Shall refer the case to the regional presiding officer, who shall set the
place, date, and time for the new trial and follow the procedure in
Articles VII, VIII, and IX.
13. The regional presiding officer of the ministers appeal council shall commu-
nicate the decision of the ministers appeal council to the minister who has
appealed, to the District Superintendent, to the regional presiding officer of the
trial, and to the General Secretary by official notice within ten (10) days of the
decision.
14. In the event the ministers appeal council overturns the verdict of the jury or
rules a mistrial, the District Board may appeal the decision of the ministers
appeal council to the General Board, whose decision shall be final.
(a) The appeal shall be a review of the decision of the ministers appeal council.
(See this section, Paragraph 12, Items b and c.)
(b) The General Secretary shall send by official notice a copy of the appeal of
the District Board to the accused minister and the regional presiding officer
of the trial.
(c) The General Superintendent shall set the place, date, and time for review-
ing the appeal, preferably but not necessarily at the next General Board
meeting, and shall communicate the same by official notice to the accused
minister, regional presiding officer of the trial, the District Superintendent,
and if a special General Board meeting is necessary, to the members of the
General Board. He shall be the presiding officer at the appeal.
(d) At the appeal, only the members of the General Board, the regional presid-
ing officer of the trial, the district representative, his counselors, the accused
minister, and his or her counselors may be present.
(e) During the appeal process, the district representative and his counselors
shall present the side of the District Board first.
(f) The counselors for the accused minister shall be allowed to present the side
of the accused minister.
(g) The General Board shall (1) sustain the decision of the ministers appeal
of the verdict by the jury.
(h) The General Secretary shall communicate by official notice the decision of
the General Board to the accused minister, the district representative, and
the regional presiding officer of the trial.
Section 5. A Sentence.
1. A minister who has been sentenced may appeal the sentence to the ministers
appeal council. A minister who appeals a sentence must do so within twenty
(20) days after he or she receives official notice of the sentences.
2. The procedure to appeal the sentence shall be the same as the procedure given
for an appeal of a verdict in Article X, Section 4, Paragraphs 1-13 with the fol-
lowing changes:
(a) The references to the regional presiding officer of the trial shall be deleted.
(b) The minister may appeal on one (1) or both of the following grounds.
(1) The sentence is not consistent with the General Constitution.

138 ARTICLE XI Section 6. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
(2) The sentence is too severe for the violation.

(c) In response to the appeal, the ministers appeal council shall take one (1) of
the following actions:
(1) Uphold the sentence.
(2) Modify the sentence.
3. In the event the ministers appeal council modifies the sentence, the District
Board may appeal to the General Board, whose decision shall be final.
(a) The procedure shall be the same as Article X, Section 4, Paragraph 14,
Items a-f, except that the references to the regional presiding officer of the
trial shall be deleted.
(b) The General Board shall (1) sustain the decision of the ministers appeal
of the sentence imposed by the jury.
(c) The General Secretary shall send by official notice the decision of the
General Board to the accused minister, the District Superintendent, and the
regional presiding officer of the ministers appeal council.
Section 6. Notification.
1. Within thirty (30) days after the conclusion of the trial and appeal process, the
General Secretary shall send a letter to the accused minister stating the verdict.
2. If the accused minister is found innocent of all charges, the General Secretary
shall send a copy of the letter to every minister in the district of the accused
minister.
ARTICLE XI
GENERAL OFFICERS
Section 1. Resolution of a Grievance.
1.When a general officer is one of the ministers involved in a grievance, the pro-
cedures of Article IV shall apply, with the following exceptions:
(a) In implementing Section 2, the ministers on the arbitration panel shall not
be members of the Executive Board.
(b) In implementing Sections 3 and 4, an appeal of the decision of the arbitra-
tion panel shall be to the Executive Board, who shall take the place of the
District Board and whose decision shall be final.
Section 2. Investigation of a Complaint.
1. A complaint against any general officer except the General Superintendent
shall be filed with the General Superintendent.
2. The General Superintendent is encouraged to communicate and counsel pri-
vately with a general officer about whom any question has surfaced in an
attempt to resolve the problem.
3. Upon the receipt of a complaint that does not have the required information (see
Article I, Section 2, Paragraph 2), the General Superintendent shall inform the sig-
natories of the need of further appropriate information to meet the requirements.
4. The General Superintendent shall notify the general officer that a complaint has
been received, stating the nature of the complaint.
5. Within thirty (30) days of receiving the complaint, the General Superintendent
shall appoint five (5) members of the General Board, excluding himself, to
serve as an investigative committee. The General Superintendent shall appoint
one of the committee members to serve as chair. The committee shall follow
Article V, Section 5 and Article V, Section 6, Paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 5. (See
also Article I, Section 1, Paragraph 9.)
6. A complaint against the General Superintendent shall be filed with the General
Secretary, who shall designate one of the Assistant General Superintendents to

GENERAL OFFICERS ARTICLE XI Section 4. 139
serve as the investigative officer. He shall follow the guidelines given for the
General Superintendent in this section, Paragraphs 1-5. He shall select five (5)
members of the Executive Board to serve as an investigative committee, which
shall follow Article V, Section 6 and Article V, Section 7, Paragraphs 2, 3, 4,
and 5. (See also Article I, Section 1, Paragraph 9.)
7. At the conclusion of the investigation, the committee shall take one of the fol-
lowing actions:
(a) Dismiss the complaint and notify the accused minister and the persons who
initiated the complaint.
(b) Refer its findings to the Executive Board for a hearing.
Section 3. Hearing.
1. A hearing for general officers shall follow the procedure in Article VI, with the
changes as noted in this section.
2. The General Superintendent and the General Secretary shall take the place
of the District Superintendent and District Secretary respectively, and the
Executive Board shall take the place of the District Board.
3. In a hearing of a complaint against the General Superintendent, an Assistant
General Superintendent shall take the place of the District Superintendent.
Consequently, he shall take the place of the General Superintendent in this
article when necessary.
4. In implementing Article VI, Section 4, Paragraph 2, the charge or charges shall
be given to the General Superintendent.
5. In implementing Article VI, Section 4, Paragraph 5, the minister who confesses
in writing may appeal the sentence to the General Board.
Section 4. Trial of a General Officer.
1. If the Executive Board refers the case to a trial, the procedure shall be the same
as in Articles VII and IX, with the following changes.
(a) The Executive Board shall take the place of the District Board, the General
Superintendent shall take the place of the regional presiding officer, and the
General Secretary shall be the recording secretary.
(b) The Executive Board shall select one member to present the evidence at the
trial. This executive representative takes the place of the district representative.
(c) The jury shall consist of nine (9) members with two (2) alternates selected
from the General Board by a drawing conducted by the General Secretary.
Someone who has formed an opinion on the case or who has a conflict of
interest according to Article I, Section 1, Paragraph 9 shall not serve on the
jury. Members of the Executive Board and the superintendent of the district
of which the officer is a member shall not serve on the jury. (This paragraph
takes the place of Article VIII.)
(d) Only the General Superintendent, General Secretary, the jury and alternates,
the accused officer and his or her counselors, and the executive representa-
tive and his counselors may attend the trial. A witness may attend the trial
only while giving his or her testimony.
(e) Counselors may be members of the Executive Board or General Board.
(f) In the event the executive representative becomes unruly, and after being
warned by the General Superintendent persists in being unruly, the General
Superintendent may dismiss him or her from the trial and recommend that
the Executive Board take disciplinary action against him or her. One of the
counselors for the Executive Board shall then present the evidence against
the accused general officer.
(g) A general officer who is found guilty may appeal the verdict or sentence in
accordance with Article X, Sections 4 and 5, except that the appeal shall be
made to the General Board.

140 ARTICLE XII Section 5. 2017 JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
Section 5. Notification.
1. Within thirty (30) days after the conclusion of the trial and appeal process, the
General Secretary shall send a letter to the accused minister stating the verdict.
2. If the accused minister is found innocent of all charges, the General Secretary
shall mail a copy of the letter to every minister in the district of the accused
minister.
ARTICLE XII
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS DISTRICTS
The procedure for an appeal from board action, grievance, investigation, hearing,
charge, trial, and appeal shall be the same as in Articles III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX,
and X, except that the Executive Board shall serve as the District Board, the General
Secretary shall serve as the District Secretary, and the General North American
Missions Director as the District Superintendent.
ARTICLE XIII
GLOBAL MISSIONS AREAS
Section 1. Definition and Scope.
This article of the judicial procedure shall apply to anyone under appointment
to serve in missionary work outside the continental United States and Canada and to
any other minister licensed or holding credentials with the United Pentecostal Church
International living outside the continental United States and Canada.
Section 2. Appeal from Board Action, Grievance, Investigation, Hearing, Charge,
Trial, and Appeal.
The procedure shall be the same as in Articles III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X,
except that the Global Missions Board shall serve as the District Board, the Director
of Global Missions shall serve as the District Superintendent, and the Secretary of
Global Missions shall serve as the District Secretary. Moreover, the regional judicial
officer shall be from the region with which the accused minister was most recently
affiliated unless otherwise decided by the General Superintendent.

POLICIES
of the
General Board
January 1992 – Present
CONTENTS
Annual Report in the Pentecostal Herald
Assistant Pastor Voting Requirement
Building the Bridge Ministries
Communications Council Policy
Complaint or Charge under Judicial Procedure
Conflict of Interest Policy
Daughter Churches
Day of Prayer
Divisions in Deficit Budgeting
Dual Membership
Election of Ladies Ministries District Officers
Family Ministries Council Policy
Formation of New Districts
Funding Plans for New Programs
Educational Projects Seeking Endorsement
Honoring Our Ministers Flag Ceremony
Implementation of Disabled Minister’s Status
Implementation of Term Limits
International Ministry Recommendation
Ministerial Credential Acceptance from Affiliated UPCI Organizations
Multicultural Ministries
Music Ministry Policy
“Non-Cooperating Member of The District” and Qualifications for Office
Pentecostal Heritage Society Policy
Policies of the Office of Education and Endorsement
Platform Policy and Guidelines
Preaching Points
Procedure for Minister Resignations
Qualifying Offices for Voting
Racial and Ethnic Affirmation
Spanish Evangelism Ministry
Stewardship Group, The
UPCI Manual and Directory
Women in Ministry
Youth Ministry Projects as SFC Allocation Category

142 ANNUAL REPORT IN THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD 2017 POLICIES
ANNUAL REPORT IN THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD

The general secretary will each year place a summary of the financial report in
the Pentecostal Herald.
Adopted 2010
ASSISTANT PASTOR VOTING REQUIREMENT

An assistant pastor must be licensed for six months as well as be in his position
for six months in order to be qualified to vote.
Adopted 2004
BUILDING THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES

Section 1. Name
The name shall be Building the Bridge Ministries.
Section 2. Purpose and Principles
1. Building the Bridge Ministries (BTB) of the United Pentecostal Church
International (UPCI) seeks to evangelize the African-American community
and to build upon successful cross-cultural, cross-racial, and urban ministries
as evidenced by the large number of African-American members and ministers
in the UPCI.
2. Building the Bridge has been at the forefront in battling the social, spiritual,
and lifestyle ills that have decimated the African-American community for
over thirty years. These signs of urban decay have spread throughout North
America, and BTB is uniquely poised to assist the UPCI in combatting the
root causes of these issues. The need is evidenced by the epidemic of drug
(especially methamphetamine) and alcohol addiction and the rising numbers
of single mothers and absentee fathers in rural areas. To further this purpose,
BTB will address issues such as the following:
• Urban evangelism
• Dealing with effects of single mothers and absentee fathers
• Dealing with alcohol and drug addictions
• Financial planning and training
• Job counseling and training
• Parenting and relationship skills and mentoring programs
• Community events such as health fairs, block parties, and street evangelism
3. Building the Bridge Ministries will provide leadership, tools, and support to
evangelize the African-American population in the U.S. and Canada and to
evangelize urban areas. It will also promote the programs and activities of the
UPCI among African-American pastors and congregations. BTB will:
a. Encourage and support evangelism and discipleship of African-
Americans and those suffering from the ills of urban lifestyle in the US
and Canada.
b. Encourage the starting of new congregations that minister in African-
American and urban communities.
c. Assist in training and equipping African-American ministers and those
interested in urban ministry.
d. Assist ministers of all cultures and churches to reach out to African-
American and urban communities with the gospel.
e. Assist African-American believers, ministers, and churches in function-
ing as integral members of the UPCI.
4. Building the Bridge Ministries plans to host a conference every year to assist

2017 POLICIES BUILDING THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES 143
in accomplishing its purposes. BTB also plans to host Conferences On Urban

Evangelism for those active or desiring to be active in African-American or
urban ministry as appoved by the BTB Board and the UPCI Executive Board.
BTB will also plan marriage retreats when deemed necessary by the BTB
Board and approved by the UPCI Executive Board.
Section 3. Officers
1. Building the Bridge Ministries officers shall be as follows:
a. Director
b. Secretary
c. Administrative Regional Board of Directors
d. Divisional Coordinators
e. District Directors
f. Headquarters Administrative Liaison
g. North American Missions Administrative Committee Representative
2. The director and secretary of Building the Bridge Ministries shall be elected by
a majority vote of ministers present at the annual Building the Bridge business
meeting and ratified by a majority vote of the General Board. The director’s
election will be concurrent with that of the General Superintendent; the sec-
retary’s election will be concurrent with that of the General Secretary. Their
terms of office will begin with the ratification of the General Board.
3. The Building the Bridge Administrative Board shall be composed of the direc-
tor, the secretary, and regional directors. Regional directors shall be nominated
by the director and submitted to the Executive Board for ratification. A regional
director shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The regional directors’ term
of office begins immediately after the annual Building the Bridge Conference
business meeting.
4. The district representatives shall be selected according to the method and term
designated by each district.
5. Division and ministry liaisons shall serve on committees and boards of the UPCI
by mutual agreement of the respective body and Building the Bridge Ministries.
Liaisons shall be nominated by the director jointly with the division or ministry
leadership (pre-approved by their district superintendents), approved by major-
ity vote of the BTB Administrative Board, and submitted to the annual BTB
business meeting for ratification. Their term of office shall be for two (2) years
beginning immediately following the annual BTB business meeting.
Section 4. Qualifications
1. The director and secretary shall be ministers of at least thirty (30) years of age
who have been licensed with the UPCI at least five (5) years, have held ordina-
tion credentials for at least one (1) year, support their district and the organiza-
tion, and have been involved in Building the Bridge Ministries.
2. The BTB Administrative Board members shall be ministers who have held a
general license or ordination credentials for at least one (1) year. They must
have supported their district and the organization and have been involved in
Building the Bridge Ministries.
3. District representatives shall have license with the UPCI and fulfill the require-
ments as stipulated by the policy of their districts
4. All officers, board members, and liaisons of Building the Bridge Ministries
shall conform to the Fundamental Doctrine and Articles of Faith of the United
Section 5. Duties of the Director
1. To establish the vision and goals of the ministry with the support of the secre-
tary and BTB Administrative Board.
2. To chair meetings of the Building the Bridge Ministries and the annual
business meeting.

144 BUILDING THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES 2017 POLICIES
3. To submit all official actions of boards and business meetings to the Executive
Board and represent its interests during meetings of the Executive Board.
4. To keep a record of all official acts of all boards and business meetings.
5. To promote and support the vision and goals of the ministry.
6. To represent the ministry to its constituency and the entire constituency of
the UPCI. The BTB director serves on the General Board by invitation of the
General Board.
7. To nominate board members and liaisons and submit their names for ratification.
8. To develop and supervise fundraising programs and oversee the disbursement
of funds according to the approved budget.
9. To work with the secretary to develop and submit an annual budget.
10. To supervise planning and implementation of national events.
Section 6. Duties of the Secretary
1. To work under the supervision of the director and support the director in devel-
oping and accomplishing the vision and goals of the ministry.
2. To maintain records of policies, minutes of meetings, and other documents.
3. To conduct the correspondence of BTB under the supervision of the director.
4. To prepare agendas and reports with the BTB director.
5. To keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements and make reports
of such funds at the request of the director and the BTB Administrative Board.
6. To approve disbursement of funds according to the budget or as authorized by
the director.
7. To represent the ministry to its constituency and the UPCI when requested by
the director.
Section 7. Duties of the BTB Administrative Board Members
1. To work with the director and secretary to support them in developing and
accomplishing the vision and goals of the ministry.
2. To aid the director and secretary in carrying out their functions.
3. To develop, support, and help implement the programs and policies of BTB.
4. To promote the financial goals of BTB nationally with the district representatives.
5. To prepare an annual regional budget, which must be approved by the BTB
Administrative Board.
6. To promote the Building the Bridge events in their particular regions.
7. To represent BTB at events and meetings at the request of the director.
8. To attend and participate in all BTB Administrative Board meetings.
Section 8. Duties of the District Representatives
1. To strengthen the relationship between BTB and each district.
2. To support the national BTB leadership in all functions of the ministry.
3. To promote evangelism within the African-American communities of their
districts.
4. To attend all duly called meetings and conduct all business as deemed neces-
sary in accordance with the BTB policy.
5. To promote within their district the annual Building the Bridge Conference.
Section 9. Duties of BTB Liaisons to Other Divisions and Ministries
1. To provide a connection between BTB and other divisions and ministries of the
UPCI by mutual agreement.
2. To promote the goals of each division and ministry within BTB with the over-
sight of the BTB Administrative Board.
3. To be a resource to the division or ministry in regard to BTB.
4. To plan, organize, and assist in special events for BTB as authorized by the
BTB Administrative Board.

2017 POLICIES COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL POLICY 145
Section 10. Organization of District Directors

1. Officers
Any district with a vision to reach the African-American population in its
district may have a Building the Bridge Ministries director and other offi-
cers as deemed necessary by the district.
2. Elections and Appointments
The district director shall be elected or appointed according to the district’s
policy. The director shall hold office for a term of two (2) years.
3. Qualifications
The director must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age; must have been
a licensed minister in good standing with the organization for two (2) years;
must support the district and the organization; and must be involved in
Building the Bridge Ministries.
4. Duties
a. The director will lead Building the Bridge Ministries in the district
according to the district’s guidelines, and within the structure as defined
by the district’s policy.
b. The director will serve as a liaison between the African-American con-
stituency and the district leadership, working harmoniously with both, and
promoting the programs and events of the UPCI to the constituency.
c. The director will support the work of Building the Bridge Ministries,
working harmoniously with the leadership, and promoting all its pro-
grams and events.
d. The director will assist the district leadership at all levels upon request
in working with its constituency.
e. The director will be a member of the District Representatives Committee,
and will attend its meetings and support its functions.
Section 11. Finances
1. The ministry will operate based on a yearly budget that will be developed
by the BTB director and secretary and approved by the BTB Administrative
Board. The director and secretary will be responsible for implementing the
budget.
2. Revenue for the functioning of BTB shall come from:
a. Special offerings taken during events.
b. Offerings from district BTB with the approval of the district.
c. Monthly or annual pledges to BTB.
d. A BTB offering, to be gathered at the annual BTB meetings.
Section 12. Safeguarding of Funds
1. The BTB Administrative Board together with the Executive Board shall be
responsible for collection, disbursement, and safeguarding of ministry funds.
2. The district BTB director, together with the District Board, shall be responsible
for collection, disbursement, and safeguarding of district ministry funds.
Adopted 2013
COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL POLICY

The Communications Council consists of promotional representatives from the
divisions, and the editor-in-chief. Others may be asked to attend as the need arises.
The council is chaired by the general secretary.
The responsibility of the council is to address five major needs:
(1) Coordination of communications from WEC, fostering a common brand.
(2) Public relations.
(3) Information on the UPCI website.

146 COMPLAINT OR CHARGE UNDER JUDICIAL PROCEDURE 2017 POLICIES
(4) Email communication to the constituency to highlight the work of the various
divisions.
(5) Coordination with the Division of Publications, which is the publisher for the
UPCI and manages all UPCI imprints.
Adopted 2013
COMPLAINT OR CHARGE UNDER JUDICIAL PROCEDURE

A complaint or a charge must be supported by evidence from two or three wit-
nesses. This requirement may be fulfilled by two witnesses who testify to a violation on
the same occasion. This requirement may also be fulfilled by one witness who testifies
to a violation on one occasion and a second witness who testifies to the same type of
violation on another occasion.
Example 1: A minister is charged with violating a tenet of faith. The charge can be
supported by one witness who testifies that the minister spoke against that tenet of faith
on one occasion and a second witness who testifies that he did so on another occasion.
Example 2: A minister is charged with adultery. The charge can be supported by
one witness who testifies that the minister committed adultery on one occasion and a
second witness who testifies that he did so on another occasion.
Adopted 1992
CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

Section 1. Policy and Objective
1. The Conflict of Interest Policy exists to ensure that business transactions of the
United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) are based on best interests of
UPCI by avoiding actual and apparent conflicts of interest.
2. Application. This policy covers all covered personnel as defined in Section IV
to include board members and employees.
3. Construction. This policy is intended to be read and understood according to
the meaning of its plain text. However, no policy can cover every conceivable
circumstance. The aim and spirit of this policy is that those affiliated with
UPCI conduct themselves at all times in the highest manner of Christian, ethi-
cal, honest, and impartial behavior. (See I Thessalonians 5:22; I Peter 2:12.)
4. Compliance. An unwillingness, inability, or failure to follow the policy, to file
an annual statement, to remain free of apparent and actual conflicts of interest,
to follow procedures for resolving conflicts, and failing to report conflicts is
legitimate cause for adverse employment and other action.
5. Waiver. Conflicts of interest may be waived only by UPCI upon approval of
the next higher authority which is not conflicted. Waivers must be specific as
to their breadth and scope and should be in writing and filed with the UPCI
general superintendent or designee.
Section 2. Annual Review
1. The Board of General Presbyters shall approve this conflict of interest policy as
the governing policy for UPCI. This policy shall remain in force until amended
by the board.
2. All covered personnel shall be given an opportunity to review the policy.
3. Upon hiring or upon initiation of a contract for personal or professional ser-
vices, and at least once annually thereafter, each covered person must acknowl-
edge having read the policy, must disclose any conflicts, and must agree to
abide by the policy.

2017 POLICIES CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY 147
4. Governing boards will perform an annual evaluation of compliance with this policy.
Section 3. Avoiding and Reporting Conflicts of Interest
1. All covered personnel have an affirmative duty to prevent actual and apparent
conflicts of interest.
2. Upon becoming aware of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, a covered
person must cease taking further action and notify his or her next level of
supervision.
3. If any board member becomes aware of a conflict, the board member will
notify the respective board of the conflict. A person with an actual or apparent
conflict will not participate in the discussion on resolving the conflict.
4. A covered person who is not a board member who has an actual or apparent
conflict of interest will notify his or her supervisor or superior and will not
participate in the discussion on resolving the conflict. The chair of the respec-
tive governing board will report an actual or apparent conflict to that board.
Section 4. Definitions
1. “Apparent Conflict of Interest” is circumstance under which an objectively
reasonable person outside the organization would conclude an actual conflict
of interest existed or was likely to exist.
2. “Business Transaction” is any sale, purchase, contract, lease, settlement, award
of aid, loan, or agreement in which the organization is a party or beneficiary.
The hiring of any person or making a contract for the personal or professional
services of any person or company is also considered a business transaction.
3. “Conflict of Interest” or “Actual Conflict of Interest” occurs when a covered
person is in a position to affect the hiring, advancement, reassignment, disci-
pline, or retention by UPCI of an employee, staff member, or consultant and
is an immediate family member of the person under consideration. A conflict
of interest also occurs when a covered person is in a position that affects the
business transactions of UPCI with a person, organization, or business in
which the covered person has an interest. A covered person has an interest in
an organization or business:
A. in which that covered person or an immediate family member is an
owner, partial owner, director, manager, administrative officer; or
B.which employs, or has employed in the last twelve (12) months, or has an
arrangement to employee, or retain as a consultant, or pay a commission
to a covered person or an immediate family member; or
C.which has retained as a consultant or has hired or contracted for personal
or professional services with the covered person or an immediate family
member; or
D. which has provided the covered person or immediate family with a gra-
tuity or gift in the previous twelve (12) months in excess of $100.
4. “Covered Personnel” or a “Covered Person” are individuals affiliated with the
UPCI as a board member, administrative officer, employee, or staff.
A. “Administrative Officer” means an employee of UPCI with duties and
responsibilities directly related to the operation of the business affairs
of the organization, specifically those in a position to affect decisions as
to the purchase or disposal of property or services, settlement of claims,
or other business obligations. (The chairman shall develop a list of such
staff in a position to affect business transactions.)
B. “Employee” or “Staff” includes any person on UPCI payroll, retained as
a consultant, or paid a commission. It also includes anyone who holds a
position of authority, supervision or policy making, even if they receive
no pay or compensation.
C. “Board Member” is anyone currently serving, selected, or designated

148 DAUGHTER CHURCHES 2017 POLICIES
to serve on the UPCI Board of General Presbyters or another board that

governs the financial operation of a division.
D.“Employee or Staff member” are individuals serving as full time or part
time at UPCI.
5. “Immediate Family” is a spouse, parent, child, stepchild, and any spouse of the
same. Also, anyone who dwells in the same household with a board member,
administrative officer, employee, or staff is considered for purposes of this
policy as immediate family.
Adopted 2012
DAUGHTER CHURCHES
A daughter congregation is a congregation which has met at least three months,
and is the result of the concerted efforts of an established mother church to plant a
new congregation, and holds at least one service per week apart from the mother
church, and is under the general oversight of the pastor of the mother church. A
daughter congregation must have the approval of either the District North American
Missions Executive Committee (in accordance with the UPCI Manual) or the District
Board before they can be listed in the annual UPCI Directory. A list of approved
daughter congregations shall be provided to Church Administration annually for
printing in the Directory.
Adopted 1998
The listings of daughter churches in the Directory should be done alphabetically

by city with an option for listing the mother church pastor as the pastor of the daugh-
ter church or the daughter work pastor as pastor. This is to be the option of the mother
church pastor. The daughter church should be clearly identified as a daughter church
and what church is the mother church. To be listed in the Manual, a daughter church
must be reported to the general secretary by the district. A form has been prepared
to use in this reporting.
Adopted 2004
DAY OF PRAYER
February 17 will be named as a day of prayer for our nation, our church, our
president, etc.
Adopted 2003
DIVISIONS IN DEFICIT BUDGETING

All divisions in deficit must annually present to the Budget Committee a balanced
budget that is based on not more than ninety-five percent of the said division’s actual
income from the previous fiscal year.
Any division carrying a deficit must be required to annually allocate a minimum

of five percent of actual income to the reduction of said deficit.
Adopted 2009
DUAL MEMBERSHIP
Any religious organization or association that offers the same or similar benefits

2017 POLICIES FORMATION OF NEW DISTRICTS 149
of the UPCI, requires payment of dues, and subscribing to a set of articles of faith
in order to be a member, shall be interpreted as satisfying the description “to hold
license or ordination with” in Article VII, Section 2, Paragraph 6, even though those
specific words may not be used by said organization or association.
Adopted 2007
ELECTION OF LADIES MINISTRIES DISTRICT OFFICERS

District Ladies Ministries officers shall be elected in the same manner as all other
district officials
Adopted 2014
FAMILY MINISTRIES COUNCIL POLICY

1. The Family Ministries Council coordinates the work of five divisions/minis-
tries: Sunday School, Youth, Ladies, Men, and Education.
2. The council is chaired by the general secretary and is made up of the division
heads of the five divisions.
3. These divisions report directly to the general secretary for regular operations
but have access to the general superintendent as needed.
4. In addition the council will address four major needs:
a. Interdivisional communication and coordination
b. Areas that overlap or fall between divisional mandates
c. Joint projects
d. Ministry to families
Adopted 2013
FORMATION OF NEW DISTRICTS

I. Upon receiving an application to form a new district by dividing an existing
district, the general superintendent should immediately determine that it meets
all the requirements as set forth in the Manual.
A. Requirements
1. The request must come from a minimum of seven ordained ministers and
at least ten churches. (The Executive Board requires signatures to verify
the participants.)
2. The application must include:
a. “A statement concerning the purpose and expected advantages” of the
formation of a new district;
b. The proposed geographical location and area for the new district;
c. The projected financial situation;
d. The prospective leadership in the proposed district area according to
the qualifications of the Manual.
3. Upon request by the group applying for the formation of a new district,
the office of the existing district “shall provide the requesting group infor-
mation relative to finances, ministerial and church status, addresses and
locations, and other pertinent information needed as requested by them
for the application.”
4. Should there be a question concerning whether the application meets the
requirements, the general superintendent may present it to the Executive
Board for their decision.
B. Before presentation to the Executive Board, the general superintendent may
meet with any affected party to determine any information he feels he needs.

150 FORMATION OF NEW DISTRICTS 2017 POLICIES
If he does so, he should always attempt to meet with both sides of the issue.
II. Presentation to the Executive Board
A. The general superintendent is the final authority in determining when the appli-
cation is presented to the Executive Board. He should do so in a timely manner
after he has determined it complies with the requirements of the Manual.
B. Once the application has been presented to the Executive Board, and the
Executive Board receives the application by verifying that it complies with
the requirements of the manual, the Executive Board may not abort the pro-
cess, but it must complete this policy and make a presentation to the General
Board for final decision.
C. The Executive Board will review all information given and make a compre-
hensive study of all factors involved, including the future impact upon the
existing district and the entire fellowship. This study will include:
1. The geographical location of the area involved.
2. The relative strength of the works involved.
3. The number and financial standing of the churches involved.
4. The number of ministers involved and their ministerial status (ordained,
general, local).
5. The past accomplishments of the area involved.
6. The future plans of the proposed district.
D. The respective district office shall provide the Executive Board any perti-
nent information requested.
E. A copy of the Executive Board report and the information received with the
application shall be forwarded to the District Board.
F. The Executive Board shall authorize a meeting within ninety (90) days of
the receipt of the application with all the ministers of the existing district.
This meeting is to be conducted by the general superintendent or an assistant
general superintendent, who will take a vote of the ministers to determine the
view of the ministers concerning the formation of the proposed new district.
1. Voting by members of the district should be conducted as in any district
meeting where voting is done, including the observance of voter qualifi-
cation rules given in Article I, Section 4 of the District Constitution.
2. The ministers in the existing district and the proposed new district will
vote together on the issue of forming a new district.
3. The chairman may allow time in the district meeting for the ministers to
discuss the proposal under the following guidelines:
a. Robert’s Rules of Order must be followed.
b. The time allowed for discussion must be set by the majority vote of the vot-
ers in the meeting, but should be no longer than thirty to forty-five minutes.
c. The time should be strictly followed.
4. The presiding officer shall report on the meeting and the results of the
vote taken at the meeting to the Executive Board.
G. In conjunction with the Executive Board, the general superintendent may
conduct whatever meetings and polling he feels necessary to provide what-
ever information he feels important for the completion of the report of the
Executive Board.
III. Representation of All Parties
A. Both the Executive Board and the General Board will invite representatives
of the existing District Board, who shall be chosen by the District Board
itself, and representatives of those applying for the formation of the new
district, who shall be chosen by those making the application, to any meeting
where the matter will be discussed, not to exceed three representatives each.
In the spirit of fairness, these representatives shall reflect opposing views
regarding the formation of the new district if such divergent views exist.

2017 POLICIES EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS SEEKING ENDORSEMENT 151
This excludes the initial meeting when the application is first presented
by the general superintendent, since at that meeting the application is
simply received and the fact-finding stage is organized. The merits of the
application are not debated at that time.
B. In the event one party does not attend, the process may continue in their absence.
IV. The Report to the General Board
A. The Executive Board upon its completing of the gathering of all information
it feels pertinent, shall present to the General Board the following:
1. The presiding officer’s report of the district ministers meeting with the
results of the vote. Although the Executive Board and the General Board
are required to consider the district ministers vote, both boards are free
to use their own discretion to evaluate the vote and the possible impact it
may have upon the merits of the application.
2. All information and all other reports the Executive Board has received.
3. Its recommendation concerning the application to form a new district.
B. A positive recommendation of the Executive Board may be based on
changes to the application its feels are necessary. Should those changes, or
any changes the General Board wishes to make, be adopted and the entire
application be approved, those changes must be accepted by majority vote
of the ministers in the proposed new district.
V. The General Board
A. The General Board will make the final decision on the application to form
a new district.
B. If the General Board rules in favor of the formation of the proposed new
district, a committee shall be formed to implement the new district.
1. The assistant general superintendent of the zone shall serve as chairman
of this committee.
2. The committee will include the district superintendent and two other
board members of the existing district and three members of the original
group that submitted the application to form the new district.
3. The committee shall submit plans to the general superintendent, who
shall then arrange for an organizational meeting and elections in the new
district within sixty (60) days.
Adopted 2002
FUNDING PLANS FOR NEW PROGRAMS

No program may be put in place until a realistic funding plan is developed.
Adopted 2004
No program, position, department, or division may be created without advance

financing being presented to and approved by the Budget Committee.
Adopted 2009
EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS SEEKING ENDORSEMENT

It is the policy that all education projects seeking endorsement come first to the
Office of Education and Endorsement. These projects will be divided into two cat-
egories that will be reflected as listings in the Manual and Directory based on whether
the project has a physical campus.
Adopted 2010

152 HONORING OUR MINISTERS FLAG CEREMONY 2017 POLICIES
HONORING OUR MINISTERS FLAG CEREMONY

The flag ceremony conducted by Honoring Our Ministers should be limited to
UPCI ministers.
Adopted 2009
IMPLEMENTATION OF DISABLED MINISTER’S STATUS

Disabled applicants must submit a statement from a doctor of their condition,
specifying their disability, its severity, and its expected duration.
1. Confirmation is required of their financial need.
2. There will be an annual reconfirmation of their condition, by visit or phone
call from their presbyter.
3. The district must also exempt the applicant from district dues.
A letter explaining that exemption is only for those in need (this letter would also
cover honorary exempt) should be attached to the application.
Adopted 1999
IMPLEMENTATION OF TERM LIMITS

In the event someone is appointed or elected to fill a one-year (or less) unexpired
term, the extra year would not count toward the eight-year limit.
1. If a new district is formed in such a way that an incumbent continues in office
in the new district, the years spent serving in the old district do not count.
2. If no one is qualified for a particular office, the term limit can be extended.
Adopted 1999
In the event an office falls under the two-thirds requirement for an incumbent
to be returned to that office, the chair must announce that the office is indeed under
term-limit restrictions immediately prior to conducting the voting for that office.
Adopted 2011
If a new section is formed in such a way that an incumbent continues in office in

the new section, the years spent serving in the old section do not count.
Adopted 2014
It is at the discretion of district conference; which sections are new sections.
Adopted 2016
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY RECOMMENDATION

Any minister affiliated with us who receives an invitation to minister outside the
United States and Canada should notify the superintendent or the UPCI missionary
of the country. In cases where there is no UPCI missionary, the regional director
should be notified. This notification will facilitate the minister receiving information
concerning, but not limited to, church teachings, culture, legal and financial obliga-
tions. Following the visit the minister should provide information to the missionary or
superintendent and regional director that will help them follow up contacts and foster
good relationships among ministers.

2017 POLICIES MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES 153
Any minister affiliated with us who wishes to extend a ministerial invitation to a

minister from outside the United States and Canada should first contact the regional
director. The inviting minister should also communicate with the United States or
Canadian district superintendent concerning the invitation. This will facilitate the
regional director receiving information beneficial to the success of the efforts of
the visiting minister. Following the visit, the inviting minister should provide any
information to the regional director that will assist in fostering good relationships
among ministers.
Any minister affiliated with us, whether in the United States, Canada, or overseas,
who travels on his or her own initiative without having been formally invited should
follow the same protocol as those who have received an invitation, as recommended
in the two previous paragraphs.
Adopted 2012
MINISTERIAL CREDENTIAL ACCEPTANCE FROM

AFFILIATED UPCI ORGANIZATIONS
The UPCI will accept the ministerial credentials of a minister from another affili-
ated UPCI organization, issuing credentials based on this acceptance. If the following
stipulations are met, the districts will consider issuing credentials at the same level
that the minister held in the originating organization.
1. There must be a letter of recommendation from the national board of the affili-
ated UPCI organization where the minister has been holding credentials.
2. The minister must comply with the bylaws of the UPCI and be in submission
to his or her leadership in the UPCI.
Adopted 2011
MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES
Section 1. Name
The name of this missions endeavor shall be Multicultural Ministries (MCM).
1. The Multicultural Ministries of the United Pentecostal Church International
(UPCI) will focus on the coordination of evangelism efforts of the ethnic com-
munities within the United States and Canada (North America).
2. MCM will provide the structure, tools, and support necessary to evangelize the
various ethnicities in North America. It will also serve as a vehicle to promote
the programs and activities of the UPCI within the ethnic congregations. MCM
will:
a. Provide a forum of expression and ministry for people of other ethnicities
b. Assist whenever possible in the transfer of UPCI ministers and saints coming
to and going from North America by working with Global Missions.
c. Assist the local church with evangelizing and discipling those from within the
many ethnicities in the United States and Canada.
d. Encourage the starting of new congregations that minister in a language other
than English.
e. Train and equip indigenous ministers.
f. Assist indigenous believers, ministers, and churches in functioning as integral
members of the UPCI.
Section 3. Structure
MCM is a ministry directed by the Executive Committee.

154 MINISTERIAL CREDENTIAL ACCEPTANCE 2016 POLICIES
Section 4. MCM Council

The MCM Council shall be made up of the coordinators of all ministries under
the direction of the MCM director. The Council shall endeavor to meet at least twice
(2) each year for the purpose of planning annual MCM events and budgets.
Section 5. Officers
1. Multicultural Ministries shall be composed of:
a. Director
b. Executive Administrative Committee
c. Ministry Coordinators
d District Representatives
2. The director of MCM shall oversee all aspects of Multicultural Ministries under
the direction of the Executive Committee. The director of MCM will work to
promote harmony and cooperation among all cultures represented within the
United Pentecostal Churches of the United States and Canada. Special atten-
tion will be given to developing daughter, ethnic, and multicultural churches.
3. The MCM Administrative Committee shall be composed of the Director, the
executive assistant to the director, and regional directors. Regional directors
shall be nominated by the director and submitted to the Executive Board for
ratification. A regional director shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The
regional directors’ term of office begins immediately after the annual General
Conference.
4. The ministry coordinator of a specific cultural/language group shall oversee
all aspects of the ministry under the direction of the director of MCM. He/she
will cooperate with all leaders (general and district), will give special attention
to evangelism and discipleship, and will maintain a spirit of participation with
the various ministries and departments of the UPCI.
Section 6. Term of Office
1. The director of MCM shall be appointed by the general superintendent of the
UPCI and be ratified by the UPCI General Board for a term of two (2) years.
2. MCM coordinators will come by recommendation from the director of MCM.
The Executive Committee shall receive said recommendations and shall nomi-
nate one (1) person to be ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2)
years.
1. The director shall be a minister of at least thirty (30) years of age who, for at
least two (2) years, is licensed with the UPCI and has held ordination creden-
tials for a minimum of one (1) year. He/she must be a member of the UPCI
who believes and conforms to the Fundamental Doctrine of the UPCI and has
proven loyal to the organization.
2. Each ministry coordinator shall be a minister of at least thirty (30) years of
age who, for at least two (2) years, is licensed with the UPCI and has held
ordination credentials for a minimum of one (1) year. He/she must have the
recommendation of his/her district superintendent, be a member of the UPCI
who believes and conforms to the Fundamental Doctrine of the UPCI, and has
proven loyal to the organization.
1. The MCM director shall serve on the General Board by invitation of the
General Board.
2. He/she may serve as the ministry coordinator of any of the ministries under the
direction of MCM until such time as a qualified candidate is appointed.
3. To constantly promote awareness of the cultural diversity that exists across
North America.

2017 POLICIES MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES 155
4. To facilitate training and development of effective leaders within various

culture groups.
5. To connect the various culture groups and their leaders to the UPCI at large.
6. To provide resources for the local church to be aware of and effective in reach-
ing the cultures in its community.
7. The MCM director shall be responsible for the promotion of the All Nations
Sunday (ANS) initiative.
8. The MCM director shall be responsible for the oversight of the Global Tracts
website (www.globaltracts.com).
Section 9. Duties of the Administrative Committee
1. To work with the director to support in developing and accomplishing the
vision and goals of the ministry.
2. To aid the director in carrying out their functions.
3. To develop, support and help implement the programs and policies of MCM.
4. To promote the financial goals of MCM with the district representatives.
5. To promote the annual ALL NATIONS SUNDAY offering as defined in
Section 11, Paragraph 5.
6. To represent MCM at events and meetings at the request of the director.
7. To attend and participate in all MCM Administrative Committee meetings.
Section 10. Duties of the Ministry Coordinators
1. To coordinate all activities of the specific cultural/language group through the
framework of MCM policy.
2. To work in cooperation at all times with the policies and officials of each dis-
trict in fulfilling the responsibilities of the MCM coordinator position.
3. To constantly promote awareness of the cultural diversity that exists across
North America.
4. To facilitate training and development of effective leaders within the specific
cultural/language group.
5. To connect the various culture groups and their leaders to the UPCI at large.
6. To provide resources for the local church to be aware of and effective in reach-
ing the cultures in its community.
Section 11. Duties of the District Representatives
1. To strengthen the relationship between MCM and each district.
2. To support the national MCM leadership in all functions of the ministry.
3. To promote evangelism with in the many different cultures/language commu-
nities of their districts.
sary in accordance with the MCM policy.
5. To promote the annual All Nations Sunday initiative recommending an
ANS offering be received from the churches for the support of the national
Multicultural Ministries.
6. To schedule services for deputizing Intra-Cultural Missionaries as called upon.
Every effort will be made to keep all MCM accounts with a positive balance
through the raising of monthly donors and offerings at MCM events. A voluntary
offering can be solicited from the fellowship to help cover the promotional expenses
of the All Nations Sunday initiative.
Adopted 2016

156 MUSIC MINISTRY POLICY 2017 POLICIES
MUSIC MINISTRY POLICY

Section 1. Name
The name of the ministry will be called UPCI Music Ministry.
Section 2. Mission and Objectives
1. The mission of this ministry shall be to assist the local church and all divisions
within the UPCI in providing resources, training, and community for those
who facilitate worship.
2. The objectives of this ministry shall be as follows:
a. To develop and implement resources, systems, and training in order to sup-
port churches and individuals.
b. To provide an Apostolic voice of influence for music ministry in the UPCI.
c. To assist divisions within the organization through initiatives and projects
that benefit from music ministry.
Section 3. Committee
The committee shall be selected as follows:
1. The committee chair is appointed by the General Superintendent and ratified
by the Executive Board.
2. Committee members are recommended by the chair and appointed by the
General Superintendent.
3. Members should be active in music ministry in the UPCI, reflect the diverse
ministries of the UPCI, and have the recommendation of their pastor.
Adopted 2015
“NON-COOPERATING MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT” AND

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE
As the Manual states, qualifying committees may only consider the criteria
specified for the office under question. It is further to be understood that “cooperating
member of the district” and “loyal to the organization” are instructions to the voters
and not subject for the qualifying committee’s deliberations; therefore one cannot be
disqualified upon the basis of being declared a non-cooperating member.
Adopted 2004
PENTECOSTAL HERITAGE SOCIETY POLICY

Section 1. Name.
1. The name of this ministry of the United Pentecostal Church International shall
be Pentecostal Heritage Society.
Section 2. Purpose.
1. The purpose of this ministry shall be as follows:
a. To promote, through publication, social media, and historical conferences,
the preservation of our Pentecostal heritage among the ministers and con-
stituents of the UPCI.
b. To help adequately fund the Center for the Study of Oneness Pentecostalism
through donations, membership dues, and other efforts.
c. To promote the collection of historical artifacts, documents and photographs
that could become a part of the digital library or displayed in the museum
area at the Center for the Study of Oneness Pentecostalism.
d. To celebrate anniversaries and dates corresponding to significant events in
the Oneness Pentecostal history.

2017 POLICIES Policies of the Office of Education and Endorsement 157
1. The leadership of the Pentecostal Heritage Society will consist of:
a. The Heritage Committee shall be composed of up to 11 members, seven of
which shall be appointed by the Executive Board for a term of five years.
The initial appointment shall be as follows: Two for five years, two for four
years, one for three years, one for two years and one for one year.
b. The director of the Center for the Study of Oneness Pentecostalism shall
serve as ex-officio committee person. Other advisors may be appointed to
the committee by the General Superintendent as needed and shall be ratified
by the Executive Board.
c. The General Superintendent shall appoint the chair of the committee. This
appointment shall be ratified by the Executive Board.
1. The chair and the committee members shall be licensed or ordained ministers
of the United Pentecostal Church. Any exceptions to these qualifications shall be with
the approval of the Executive Board.
2. All committee members must possess a passion for preserving our rich
Pentecostal heritage.
Section 5. Funds.
1. All fundraising efforts and ideas to secure funds for the Center for the Study of
Oneness Pentecostalism shall be under the direct supervision of the Executive Board.
2. All funds for the operation of this committee shall be under the direct supervi-
sion of the General Superintendent.
Adopted 2015
POLICIES OF THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND

ENDORSEMENT
Adopted 2016
Section 1. Purpose of the OEE.
1. To preserve apostolic doctrine, experience, and practice in the endorsed edu-
cational, training, and ministerial projects of the United Pentecostal Church
International.
2. To maintain a system of policies that provide for supervision and continued
endorsement for the educational and training institutions and other endorsed
projects within the United Pentecostal Church International and to provide
support and partnership between the General leadership of the UPCI and the
projects that have been endorsed by it. This includes a pathway of commu-
nication, a method to provide an assurance of quality and fidelity to the fel-
lowship for endorsed projects, and raising the profile of the brand “endorsed
project” for all who see it.
3. To encourage the consistent upgrading of our educational and training institu-
tions and other endorsed projects.
4. To serve as a resource agency, developing and making available materials and
information regarding governmental and social trends.
5. To assist in any problem area that may arise in the endorsed institutions or
projects.
6. To encourage active financial support for all endorsed educational, training,
and ministerial entities.
7. To develop and manage opportunities and advantages that enhance the status
and benefit of endorsement in the United Pentecostal Church International.

158 Policies of the Office of Education and Endorsement 2017 POLICIES
Section 2. Function of the OEE.

1. The Office of Education and Endorsement shall function as an integral part
of the United Pentecostal Church International and shall be responsible to the
General and Executive Boards and to the General Conference.
Section 3. Enabling Policies
1. Pursuant to the UPCI manual, these policies may only be changed by the action
of the General Board. All policies remain in effect until so changed.
2. In no way is it the purpose of the OEE to interfere in the operations and
structure of any endorsed project beyond the collection and presentation to the
General Board of annual financial and progress reports, and periodic site visits.
3. The OEE shall oversee future applications for endorsement, providing prelimi-
nary fact gathering, consulting with the applicant to ensure the application and
information are complete, and presenting their findings to the Executive Board
to begin the endorsement process.
4. In the event an endorsed project repeatedly fails to provide the required finan-
cial information, is deviating from the area of ministry for which they have
been endorsed, deviates from the Articles of Faith of the UPCI, or otherwise
egregiously violates the trust of the UPCI, the OEE will investigate the prob-
lems, and if necessary, present their findings to the Executive Board for a deci-
sion in the matter, including endorsement probation or revocation.
5. Site visits will be conducted for all endorsed projects as OEE resources allow.
No visits may be done without prior notice of at least one month.
6. Each endorsed project will be assessed a $500.00 fee per year.
7. The OEE will do all within its power and resources to aid endorsed projects
to promote their schools and ministries, including free booth space at an
Endorsed Project area at General Conference, and deep discounts on the pro-
duction and presentation of video advertisement at the conference, as well as
free mailing lists available from the UPCI church administration.
8. Endorsed entities are divided into 6 groupings each of which have their own
policies:
a. General Ministry
i. Tupelo Children’s Mansion
ii. Spirit of Freedom Ministries
iii. Lighthouse Ranch for Boys
iv. Compassion Services International
v. Life In Focus Education
vi. New Beginnings
vii. The Jesus Message
b. Higher Education.
i. Apostolic Bible Institute
ii. Centro Teologico Ministerial
iii. Christian Life College
iv. Indiana Bible College
v. Northeast Christian College
vi. Texas Bible College
vii.Urshan College
viii.Urshan Graduate School of Theology
c. Elementary and Secondary Education.
d. Military Chaplaincy.
e. Clinical Chaplaincy.
f. Ministry Training
i. Christian Service Training Institute
ii. Purpose Institute

9. It is the policy of the OEE that in the event of a change in ownership of any
endorsed entity, its endorsement becomes provisional for one year, to allow
new ownership to reapply for endorsement.
1. The duties of the Chairperson of the Education and Endorsement Board shall
be as follows:
a. To preside over all meetings of the Education and Endorsement Board.
b. To initiate ideas for the advancement of the endorsed projects of the United
c. To supervise and execute the policies of the OEE.
2. The duties of the Secretary of the Education and Endorsement Board shall be
as follows:
a. To serve as the recording secretary for the Board, and to keep a record of
all official acts.
b. To conduct correspondence relative to the OEE.
c. To perform such other duties as pertains to the OEE under the supervision
of the Chairperson.
3. The duties of the Education and Endorsement Board shall be as follows:
a. To execute the functions and purposes of the OEE as described in the Manual
of the United Pentecostal Church International and the policies as adopted.
b. To receive and evaluate all applications for endorsement and recommend
their consideration by the Executive Board.
c. To oversee compliance to the requirements for continued endorsement.
d. Upon the receipt of a written complaint, the Board shall be empowered to
inquire as to the nature of a course or instructional material and request a
discontinuation of any that they deem contrary to our Articles of Faith and
Fundamental Doctrine. Any endorsed entity having been asked to discon-
tinue such a course or instructional material has the right to appeal to the
General Board.
e. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Endorsing Agent for Military
Chaplaincy in the endorsement and placement of chaplains within the mili-
tary.
Section 5. General Ministries Policies
1. The OEE Relationship with Endorsed General Ministry Institutions:
a. The OEE will have the jurisdiction of all endorsed institutions according to
the Manual of the United Pentecostal Church International.
b. The OEE will direct the policies of the overall endorsed projects program of
the UPCI, and will accept suggestions from the endorsed projects and make
recommendations to the General Board as they deem advisable.
c. The OEE will bring a written report to the General Board concerning the
status of the endorsed projects program of the UPCI.
d. The OEE will have the authority to recommend to the Executive and General
Boards the endorsement of a project, or to recommend that current endorse-
ment be withdrawn from an endorsed project, after proper procedure. The
project will be informed of the recommended action of the OEE and permit-
ted to present its reasons for continued endorsement.
e. The OEE may inspect the operations and premises of endorsed projects, or
those seeking endorsement, with 30 days’ notice.
2. Privileges and Obligations of Endorsed General Ministry Institutions.
a. All endorsed institutions must adhere to the Articles of Faith and
Fundamental Doctrine of UPCI.
i. All members of the administration and staff must sign an affirmation state-
ment every two years.

ii. UPCI licensed ministers who sign the UPCI affirmation need not sign a
separate statement.
2. All endorsed institutions shall furnish the OEE with a copy of the current
bylaws should any changes be made after endorsement is granted.
3. No endorsed project shall be permitted to use ministers either to teach
or preach who are under question by any District Board of the United
4. Endorsed institutions will be permitted to solicit and receive funds and
promote their ministries among the churches and districts of the United
5. Each institution will receive free booth space at an Endorsed Project area at
General Conference, deep discounts on the production and presentation of
video advertisement at the conference, and free mailing lists available from
the UPCI church administration.
Section 6. Higher Education Policies
1. Recognized Institutions of Higher Education
The OEE shall recognize three categories of institutions of higher education:
a. Bible College: An educational institution whose primary purpose is the
training of students in Bible related fields and whose curriculum is Bible
and ministry centered.
b. Christian College: An educational institution whose curriculum is Bible
centered but offers degrees in fields of a secular nature such as business or
accounting.
c. Seminary: An educational institution that offers graduate level degrees in
theology and ministry-related fields.
2. Privileges and Obligations of Endorsed Institutions of Higher Education
a. All colleges shall procure the written endorsement of the pastor before
enrolling a student from a United Pentecostal Church.
b. No students in a recognized Bible school shall be permitted to transfer from
their home church or their home district into the church or district where they
are students as long as they are enrolled as students in the same. All students
who are attending a United Pentecostal Church are to attend a local church in
fellowship with the UPCI while attending Bible school. Students remaining
on campus during summer vacation are subject to jurisdiction of the Bible
school and must continue attending the local church during that time.
c. Endorsed Bible colleges shall confine their efforts to religious education,
college leadership, and prescribed curriculum in accordance with the Manual
of the United Pentecostal Church International. The president and faculty
members shall refrain from including in their teaching, leadership, and col-
lege publications anything of a personal inference that would tend to engen-
der political inter-church activity within the student body and the college
directed against any official of the general, district, and local organization,
or that would reflect upon the integrity and teaching of another Bible college.
Section 7. Elementary and Secondary Education Policies
1. See General Policies as outlined above.
Section 8. Military Chaplaincy Policies
1. The OEE Relationship with Endorsed Military Chaplains:
a. The OEE will have the jurisdiction of all endorsed chaplains according to the
Manual of the United Pentecostal Church International.
b. The OEE will bring a written report to the General Board concerning the
status of the endorsed chaplains program of the UPCI.
c. All chaplains are to be endorsed by the OEE, through the Endorsing Agent

for Military Chaplaincy who is recognized by the United States govern-

ment as the official endorsing agent of the United Pentecostal Church
International. To receive endorsement, a letter of approval is required from
the District Superintendent and the pastor of the applicant.
2. Privileges and Obligations of Endorsed Chaplains:
a. All military chaplains shall meet the professional qualification requirements
for appointment as military chaplains as outlined in Department of Defense
Instruction, and in the regulations of the respective service to which the
chaplain is seeking appointment. All chaplain candidates shall also obtain a
Certificate in Apostolic Studies.
b. Chaplain Candidates should be integrated and paired with active duty (Or
Reserves Component) Chaplain or retired Chaplain as a Sponsor (Mentor)
as soon as they are in the program. Sponsor Chaplains should communicate
with Candidate periodically (at least quarterly) to encourage, provide guid-
ance and offer support. Chaplain Candidates will submit quarterly reports to
the OEE on their education status and endorsing status/progress
c. The Active Duty Military Chaplain’s first responsibility is to the military.
Chaplains are not to be responsible to any local church or district where
they are stationed. They are, however, to attend a local church whenever
possible. They are to work in harmony with the District Superintendent.
They are to attend district functions only as these do not interfere with their
military duty.
d. Significant career events (i.e. Promotions/School Selections/Awards) should
be acknowledged with a letter from the Endorser. It is required that all
Chaplains notify OEE Department of Chaplaincy of such career events
ASAP.
i. Chaplains and their Spouse (where applicable) should receive a letter
from the UPCI General Superintendent upon retirement from military
Service (and Major Awards and Sr. Level promotions).
ii. Upon retirement from military service, each chaplain and their spouse
(if applicable) should receive a symbolic gift recognizing the achieve-
ment and ministry of the Chaplain and family.
iii. Retirement and Major events (Promotions/Awards) should be recog-
nized during the Chaplain Banquet at UPCI General Conference. All
Chaplains are required to notify OEE Department of Chaplaincy of
such Retirement and Major events before the UPCI G.C.
e. Chaplain (Active and Reserves) and Chaplain Candidates actively attending
military drills/assembly, are required to pay tithes from their military income
to the Office of Education and Endorsements (OEE).
f. Chaplains will submit a report of activities and status updates (ministry,
schools) to include location (PCS) and contact updates, family updates,
military profile updates (pending promotions, awards, separation, and retire-
ment), and civilian activities (ministry) update. Chaplains (and Candidates
assigned to Reserve Component Units) will also submit their Annual evalu-
ations (i.e. OER, FITREP, OPR, DA1059, etc.) to the OEE.
g. Chaplains will notify the OEE when a change in UPCI District affiliation
has taken place.
h. Chaplains are required to attend the General Conference of the United
i. The OEE will send out a formal letterhead Memorandum to all
Chaplains notifying them of the scheduled Annual UPCI General
Conference with language indicating attendance expectations as a
basis for continued endorsement. Language should include General
Conference’s “general religious holiday” recognition for Reserve
Component and Chaplain Candidates to advise their Civilian employers.

ii. During the Conference, there should be one formal Chaplain banquet
with guests determined by the OEE and the Endorsing Agent.
iii. During Conference, there will be a Chaplain meeting with the OEE
Staff to provide, share, update and brief Chaplains on relevant and
important (policy) information. Chaplain specific/relevant training
will also be provided.
iv. F ifty per cent (50%) of their individual tithes will be available to the
Chaplain and/or family if they are able to attend UPCI general conference.
i. As funds allow, the Endorsing Agent will make every effort to attend gradua-
tions of Chaplains (and Candidates) attending Chaplain related Schools. The
Endorsing Agent should attempt to visit (where operation security allows)
endorsed military Chaplains periodically (NCMAF recommends every three
years) to maintain endorser/endorsee integrity and accountability.
j. W
hen assignments or deployment result in family separations, the affected chap-
lain or family will contact the OEE. The OEE will provide support for the fam-
ily, which may consist of an email, telephone call, letter, and or fellowship visits
if possible. The deployed Chaplain will provide monthly updates to the OEE.
k. The OEE will create and maintain a family care and critical incident plan to
care for our Chaplain families going through death or serious injury.
l. Chaplains and Candidates who fail to meet reporting, financial, and attendance
requirements will be considered for removal of endorsement by the UPCI.
m. United Pentecostal Church International services which are conducted on
military installations are often required to have denominational endorsement.
The requirement for endorsement is a letter of approval from the District
Superintendent and the sponsoring church pastor. Civilian ministry conduct-
ing services on military installations are to recognize the chaplains on said
installations that grants them the privilege to conduct services. The chaplains
should be honored, and nothing negative should be said about the chaplains
or other denominations during the service.
n. The Military Chaplains as a group will receive free booth space at an Endorsed
Project area at General Conference, deep discounts on the production and
presentation of video advertisement at the conference, and free mailing lists
available from the UPCI church administration. These will be administered
by the Endorsing Agent, who may call upon the chaplains and their families to
help man the booth during the conference.
Section 9. Clinical Chaplaincy Policies
1. The Credential Requirements for Clinical Chaplains
In accordance with the Common Standards for Professional Chaplaincy, any
board certified chaplain seeking endorsement with the UPCI will have the following
basic qualifications and accountabilities:
a. Obtained a bachelor’s degree from a college or university that is appropri-
ately accredited.
b. Obtained an appropriately accredited master’s degree in theological studies
or its equivalent.
c. Ordained by the UPCI.
d. Completed four units (1600 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education as
accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission on Certification
and Accreditation, or the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and
Education (CAPPE/ACPEP); one of these units may be an equivalency.
e. Met competencies for chaplaincy as established by the Spiritual Care
Collaborative.
f. Remain accountable to the UPCI, their employer, and their certifying body.
g. Affirm and practice chaplaincy according to the Common Code of Ethics.

2017 POLICIES PLATFORM POLICY AND GUIDELINES 163
h. Maintain membership in a certifying body by participating in a peer review every

five years, documenting at least 50 hours of continuing education each year, and
providing documentation of endorsement with the UPCI every five years.
Section 10. Ministry Training Policies
1. See General Policies as outlined above.
Adopted 2016
PLATFORM POLICY AND GUIDELINES

The people who minister on our platform and in leadership or public roles are
the most visible representatives of our fellowship and should mirror the spirit and
standards we teach. Ministry is not the performance of an hour; it is the example of
a godly lifestyle. Our character and devotion to God must be the foundation of what
we project publicly.
Should you choose not to meet these minimum requirements, integrity and ethics
would require that you not participate in public ministry at national meetings.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. All participants must be actively involved in a local UPC church and must
have the endorsement of their district superintendent and pastor to participate.
2. Must have experienced the new birth according to Acts 2:38 and must be
endeavoring to live a holy life.
3. Any guest may be used with the approval of the general superintendent or his
designee, (i.e., a politician, official, or other person who has a need to be on
the platform.)
DRESS CODE FOR MEN
1. Long sleeve shirts and a tie are to be worn. A coat is recommended.

(Exception: when casual attire is allowed, ties and suit coats are optional, and
sleeves should be to the elbow.)
2. No tight fitting trousers or pants that leave the leg exposed.
3. Can remove coat if necessary.
4. Modest necklines
5. No long hair below the collar or reaching over the ears or down in the eyes or
outlandish styles are acceptable.
6. No jewelry of any kind allowed except engagement and or wedding ring and watch.
DRESS CODE FOR LADIES
1. Sleeves to the elbows. You are to be modest even when raising your hands.
2. Modest necklines, front and back, not low cut.
3. Hem length is to be below the knees, both while standing and sitting down.
4. Splits in the skirts must end below the knee. Wrap-around skirts, should follow
this same principle.
5. Slacks and pants are not acceptable. Gauchos, culottes, tights or any other gar-
ment that divides the legs may not be worn as an outer garment.
6. No attire that immodestly draws attention to the body by being too tight fitting.
No sheer material that immodestly exposes the body. Sheer material should not
come above elbows or knees.
7. Hair must be worn in a neat fashion. If you have cut your hair in the past and
have been restored, your hair must be fixed to look uncut, if possible.

164 PREACHING POINTS 2017 POLICIES
8. No jewelry of any kind except engagement and or wedding ring and watch.
9. No make-up, no colored fingernails or toenails.
Modest apparel draws attention to the countenance. Let your countenance testify
to the joy of the Lord in your heart!
Adopted 2007
PREACHING POINTS
Preaching Point Definition: A preaching point is a regular service or meeting:
• Distinct from the mother church as to location or language.
• Designed to reach people who are currently unchurched.
• The regular service or meeting is seen as a first step toward possibly starting a
daughter work or church. The definition of a preaching point does not include
a church having a service in a prison, nursing home, jail, on a college campus
or in any other institutional setting.
Establishing a Preaching Point
With approval of a District North American Missions Executive Committee, an

existing church can establish a preaching point in any city or town that does not have
a United Pentecostal Church.
In the event there is a United Pentecostal Church in the town or city where the
preaching point is being considered, the approval of the District Board is required.
The existence of a preaching point in a town/city does not preclude another
church from applying to start another preaching point or daughter church. It also
does not preclude someone applying to start an autonomous church in that town/city.
Presenting Preaching Points in the Directory
Preaching points will be listed in the Directory in following way:
Quebec
*Montreal (Saint Laurent) – Saint Laurent UPC, 1375 Poirier, Saint Laurent,
(H4L 5K7), Ph. 514-xxx-xxxx, Paul M. Graham
French Preaching Point – Eglise Pentecotiste Unie (514-xxx-xxxx for time and
location)
The name of a person licensed with the United Pentecostal Church who pastors
or oversees the preaching point may or may not be listed. This is at the discretion of
the mother church pastor.
Terrebonne Preaching Point – 5436 East Main Street; Terrebone, QC,
(514-xxx-xxxx)
St. Charles Preaching Point (514-xxx-xxxx for location of meeting)
Adopted 2010
PROCEDURE FOR MINISTER RESIGNATIONS

Ministers who resign their credentials shall be set to inactive on the computer roll

2017 POLICIES SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRY 165
during the period of time between the action of the District Board and the approval
of the Executive Board.
Adopted 2007
QUALIFYING OFFICES FOR VOTING

An office must be listed in the Constitution, not just in the listing of offices
in the front of the Manual, in order to satisfy Article I, Section 4, Paragraph 2,
Subparagraph (d) of the District Constitution.
If a district where a minister has resided allowed that minister to vote when he
or she does not qualify under Article I, Section 4, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph (d) of
the District Constitution, a district where that minister may move in the future is not
bound to honor this decision and allow that minister to vote.
Adopted 2007
RACIAL AND ETHNIC AFFIRMATION

All World Evangelism Center executives and divisional leaders should reflect the
intent of our worldwide, all-nation vision in executive appointments, hiring of WEC
employees, curriculum writers, appointments on committees and all other areas of our
church that would reflect our all nations concepts.
Adopted 1999
SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRY

Section 1. Name
The name shall be Spanish Evangelism Ministry (SEM); Ministerios de
Evangelismo Hispano (MEH).
1. The Spanish Evangelism Ministry of the United Pentecostal Church
International will facilitate ministry in the Spanish language within the United
States and Canada. SEM is organized on the basis of language and culture, not
race or national origin.
2. The Spanish Evangelism Ministry will provide leadership, tools, and support to
evangelize the Spanish-speaking population in the US and Canada. It will also
serve to promote the programs and activities of the UPCI among the Spanish-
speaking congregations. SEM will:
a. Encourage and support evangelism and discipleship of Spanish-speaking
people in the United States and Canada.
b. Encourage the starting of new congregations that minister in the Spanish
language.
c.Assist in training and equipping Spanish-speaking ministers.
d. Assist non-Spanish-speaking ministers and churches to reach out to Spanish-
speaking people with the gospel.
e. Assist Spanish-speaking believers, ministers, and churches in functioning as
integral members of the UPCI.
Section 3. Officers
1. The Spanish Evangelism Ministry shall be composed of:
a. Director
b. Secretary

166 SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRY 2017 POLICIES
c. Administrative Committee
d. District Representatives Committee
e. Division and Ministry Liaisons
2. The director and secretary of the Spanish Evangelism Ministry shall be elected
by a majority vote of ministers present at the annual SEM Business Meeting
and ratified by a majority vote of the General Board. The director’s election
will be concurrent with that of the general superintendent; the secretary’s elec-
tion will be concurrent with that of the general secretary. Their term of office
will begin with the ratification of the General Board.
3. The Administrative Committee shall be composed of the director, the secre-
tary, and regional directors. Regional directors shall be elected by the district
representatives present at the regional caucus during the annual SEM district
representatives meeting. The regional director shall be elected by the caucus
from three (3) names chosen by the SEM director and preapproved by their
respective district superintendent. If there are less than three district represen-
tatives present, the SEM director will present one name for ratification to the
District Representatives Committee. A regional director shall serve for a term
of two (2) years. The regional directors’ term of office begins immediately
after the District Representatives Meeting.
4. The district representatives shall be selected according to the method and term
designated by each individual district.
5. Division and ministry liaisons shall serve on committees and boards of the
UPCI by mutual agreement of the respective body and SEM. Liaisons shall be
appointed by the director jointly with the division or ministry leadership (pre-
approved by their district superintendent), approved by majority vote of the
SEM Administrative Committee, and submitted to the annual SEM Business
Meeting for ratification. The term of office shall be for two (2) years beginning
immediately following the annual SEM Business Meeting.
1. The Director and secretary shall be ministers of at least thirty (30) years of age
who have been licensed with the UPCI at least five (5) years, have held ordina-
tion credentials for at least one (1) year, support their district and the organiza-
tion, and have been involved in Spanish ministry. Due to the requirements of
their offices, the director and secretary shall be bilingual in Spanish and English.
2. The SEM Administrative Committee members shall be ministers who have
held a general license or ordination credentials for at least one (1) year.
They must have supported their district and the organization and have been
involved in Spanish ministry. Due to the requirements of their offices, the SEM
Administrative Committee members shall be bilingual in Spanish and English.
3. District representatives shall have license with the UPCI and fulfill the require-
ments as stipulated by the policy of the district that they represent.
4. All officers, committee members, and liaisons of the Spanish Evangelism
Ministry shall conform to the Fundamental Doctrine and Articles of Faith of
the United Pentecostal Church International.
1. To establish the vision and goals of the ministry with the support of the secre-
tary and SEM Administrative Committee.
2. To chair meetings of the Spanish Evangelism Ministry Administrative
Committee, District Representatives Committee, and annual Business Meeting.
3. To submit all official actions of said Committees and Business Meetings to the
Executive Board of the UPCI and represent its interests during meetings of the
Executive Board.
4. To keep a record of all official acts of all said committees and business meetings.

2016 POLICIES SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRY 167
5. To promote and support the vision and goals of the ministry.
6. To represent the ministry to the Spanish constituency and the UPCI in general.
The SEM director serves on the General Board by invitation of the General Board.
7. To nominate liaisons and submit their names for ratification.
8. To develop and supervise fundraising programs and oversee the disbursement
of funds according to the approved budget.
9. To work with the secretary to develop and submit an annual budget.
10. To supervise planning and implementation of national events.
Section 6. Duties of the Secretary
1. To work under the supervision of the director and support him in developing
and accomplishing the vision and goals of the ministry.
2. To maintain records of policies, minutes of meetings, and other documents.
3. To conduct the correspondence of SEM under the supervision of the director.
4. To prepare agendas and reports with the SEM director.
5. To keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements and make reports
of such funds at the request of the director and the SEM Administrative
Committee.
6. To approve disbursement of funds according to the budget or as authorized by
the director.
7. To represent the ministry to its constituency and the UPCI when requested by
the director.
Section 7. Duties of the SEM Administrative Committee
1. To work with the director and secretary to support them in developing and
accomplishing the vision and goals of the ministry.
2. To aid the director and secretary in carrying out their functions.
3. To develop, support and help implement the programs and policies of SEM.
4. To promote the financial goals of SEM nationally with the district representatives.
5. To prepare an annual budget for their region that must be approved by the SEM
6. To promote the annual The Harvest (La Cosecha) offering as defined in
Section 11.2.d.
7. To represent SEM at events and meetings at the request of the director.
8. To attend and participate in all SEM Administrative Committee meetings.
9. To organize one regional event per year. An exception may be granted to the
region hosting the annual Business Meeting.
Section 8. Duties of the District Representatives Committee
1. To strengthen the relationship between SEM and each district.
2. To elect regional directors according to the procedure described in Section 3.3.
3. To support the general SEM leadership in all functions of the ministry.
4. To promote evangelism within the Spanish-speaking communities of their district.
sary in accordance with the SEM policy.
6. To promote the annual The Harvest (La Cosecha) offering as defined in
Section 11.2.d.
Section 9. Duties of SEM Liaisons to Other Divisions and Ministries
1. To provide a connection between SEM and other divisions and ministries of
the UPCI by mutual agreement.
2. To promote the goals of each division and ministry within SEM with the over-
sight of the SEM Administrative Committee.
3. To be a resource to the division or ministry in regard to Spanish ministry.
4. To plan and organize special events for SEM as authorized by the SEM

168 THE STEWARDSHIP GROUP 2017 POLICIES
Section 10. Organization of District Spanish Ministry

1. Officers
Any district with a Spanish-speaking population may have a Spanish Ministry
director and other officers as deemed necessary by the district.
2. Elections and Appointments
The district Spanish Ministry director shall be elected or appointed according to
the district’s policy. The director shall hold office for a term of two (2) years.
3. Qualifications
The director must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age; must have been
a licensed minister in good standing with the organization for two (2) years;
must support their district and the organization, and be involved in Spanish
ministry. Due to the requirements of the office, it is recommended that the
director be bilingual in Spanish and English.
4. Duties
a. The director will lead the Spanish ministry in the district according to the dis-
trict’s guidelines and within the structure as defined by the district’s policy.
b. The director must serve as a liaison between the Spanish constituency and
the district leadership, working harmoniously with both, and promoting the
programs and events of the UPCI to the Spanish constituency.
c. The director will support the work of the Spanish Evangelism Ministry,
working harmoniously with the leadership, and promoting all its programs
and events.
d. The director will assist the district leadership at all levels upon request in
working with its Spanish-speaking constituency.
e. The director will be a member of the District Representatives Committee and
will be required to attend its meetings and support its functions.
1. The ministry will operate based on a yearly budget that will be developed by
the SEM director and secretary, and approved by the SEM Administrative
Committee. The director and secretary will be responsible for implementing
the budget.
2. Revenue for the functioning of the Spanish Evangelism Ministry shall come from:
a. Special offerings taken during events.
b. Offerings from district Spanish ministries with the approval of the district.
c. Monthly or annual pledges to SEM.
d. A Spanish Evangelism Ministry offering, The Harvest (La Cosecha) to be
gathered at the SEM Conference.
Section 12. Safeguarding of Funds
1. The SEM Administrative Committee, together with the General Board, shall be
responsible for collection, disbursement, and safeguarding of ministry funds.
2. The district Spanish Evangelism director, together with the District Board,
shall be responsible for collection, disbursement, and safeguarding of district
ministry funds.
Adopted 2011
THE STEWARDSHIP GROUP
Section 1. Department Structure
The Stewardship Group is a department under the Church Administration.
Section 2. Name
The name of this department is “The Stewardship Group.”

2017 POLICIES WOMEN IN MINISTRY NETWORK 169
Section 3. Purpose
The Stewardship Group shall provide management of stewardship-related ser-
vices for divisions, departments, districts, churches, endorsed projects, and members
of the United Pentecostal Church International.
Section 4. Director of Stewardship
1. Director shall be appointed by the Board of General Presbyters for a two (2)
year term, the appointment to be ratified by the General Conference, concur-
rent with the term of the general superintendent. His or her term of office shall
expire on or before January 1, following the appointment of a successor.
2. The director of stewardship shall have the same qualifications as in Article IV,
Section 3, Paragraph 1 of the General Constitution, and further shall have an
adequate educational background.
Section 5. Duties of Director
1. The director shall work under the direction of the general superintendent.
2. The director shall prepare biannual reports to the General Board of all activities
of The Stewardship Group.
3. The director shall be responsible for marketing of all stewardship-related
services.
4. The director shall serve as president of the United Pentecostal Foundation.
5. The director shall serve as president of the United Pentecostal Church Loan Fund.
6. The director shall serve as officer and director of United Insurance Solutions, Inc.
7. The director shall serve at the direction of the general superintendent on any
additional boards or corporations that fulfill the purpose of The Stewardship
Group.
Adopted 2011
UPCI MANUAL AND DIRECTORY

In the matter of the digital Manual and Directory, the “preferred method” means
the digital version is the free version and the paper version must be purchased.
Adopted 2010
WOMEN IN MINISTRY NETWORK

Section 1. Name.
The name of this ministry shall be Women in Ministry Network (WMN).
Section 2. Mission and Objectives.
1. The mission is to facilitate communication, coordination, visibility, mentoring,
and training tools for women involved in ministry in the United Pentecostal
2. The objectives of WMN shall be as follows:
a. To provide a network for credentialed women ministers to connect with one
another.
b. To develop tools to benefit training and mentoring of women involved in
ministry.
c. To provide a secure means to offer encouragement, support, and communi-
cation regarding pertinent information pertaining to the credentialed lady
minister by means of social media.
Section 3. Women in Ministry Committee.
1. The general superintendent serves as the head of this network and appoints the
committee chair.

170 YOUTH MINISTRY PROJECTS AS SFC ALLOCATION CATEGORY 2017 POLICIES
2. The general superintendent and the committee chair recommend and approve
the committee members.
3. Committee members are to be credentialed UPCI women ministers in good
standing in the district in which they are licensed and have the approval of
their district superintendent. One or two committee members maybe male or
not credentialed.
YOUTH MINISTRY PROJECTS AS

SFC ALLOCATION CATEGORY
An eighth “category” of Sheaves for Christ allocations is allowed for “Youth
Ministry Projects.” The allocation of money within this category is governed and
conducted as follows:
1. All recipients from this category shall be involved in a ministry that directly
blesses and /or involves young people.
2. All requests for support from this category shall come through the district
youth president for the district where the youth ministry is based. The request
must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the district superin-
tendent and/or District Board.
3. Specific recipients will be designated without commitment toward future sup-
port.
4. A complete list of the proposed recipients will be presented to the General
Board for their review and approval when the overall allocation request is
brought before them at General Conference.
Adopted 2000

POSITION PAPERS
by United Pentecostal Church International
Weldon Spring, Missouri
CONTENTS
Abortion
Biblical Ideal of Marriage and Family, The
Biblical View of Human Sexuality, The
Church and State Relations
Church Schools
Coming of the Lord, The
Computers and the Internet
Ethics (ministerial)
Gambling
Gender Distinction
Holiness
Homosexuality
Human Life
Judicial Procedure
Media Technology
Racial and Ethnic Affirmation
Restoration of Ministers
Revised Standard Version, The
Sports (organized)
Transcendental Meditation
True Humanity of Jesus Christ, The
Unity of Oneness Believers

172 ABORTION 2017 POSITION PAPERS
ABORTION
(1)
Adopted by the General Conference in 1974
Be it resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International go on record as

being opposed to legalized abortion.
(2)
Whereas our world has been wracked for a number of years by the corporate sin
of abortion, and
Whereas the United Pentecostal Church International must confront this moral
and ethical challenge in our [North] American society, and
Whereas the Holy Bible does provide insight into this climate of sexual permis-
siveness prevalent in our generation, and
Whereas the Bible acknowledges God as totally involved in the creation of new
life (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 44:24), and
Whereas the Bible further acknowledges that a woman is with child at conception
(Luke 1:31-36), and
Whereas the church of the living God has a responsibility in protecting the rights
of the unborn,
Be it therefore resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International go on
record as opposing abortion on demand.
Be it further resolved that we voice our opposition to any legislation at provincial,
state, or national levels which would bring about a climate designed to undermine the
sanctity of human life, further destroying the moral fiber of our society.
Be it further resolved that we give ourselves to earnest prayer during the time
of [the revival endeavor called Global] Conquest for an awakening in our North
American society of moral consciousness concerning this issue.
Be it further resolved that we encourage and help provide for proper biblical
solutions to this problem and that we continue to reach out through pastoral counsel-
ing, through biblically-based maternity care and adoption ministries, and through
biblically-based crisis pregnancy services, to those who have been caught or blighted
in any way by the effect or contemplation of abortion.
Be it further resolved that we encourage our ministers, churches and other coun-
selors, who assist and counsel those who are faced with unplanned pregnancy situa-
tions, to offer a full range of biblically-based alternatives, including maternity care,
foster care and adoption, so that more birthmothers will choose life for their babies.
Be it further resolved that we again reaffirm that we want to minister with com-
passion to those who may presently suffer the trauma of having had an abortion.
(3)
Adopted by the General Board 2009
“General Board declares the third Sunday in January of each year to be Sanctity of
Life Sunday and urges all of our churches to join in commencing this year.”
THE BIBLICAL IDEAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

Adopted by General Conference in 1990, 2012
Inasmuch as modern society has eroded the biblical ideal of the family and its
practical existence, and
Inasmuch as homosexual couples, unmarried heterosexual couples, and even
groups of persons simply maintaining a common household are seeking to gain legal
and social status as families, with all due rights and privileges given to families,

2017 POSITION PAPERS THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 173
including but not limited to social benefits or rights such as child rearing and custody,
spousal or dependent insurance, inheritance rights, and tax exemptions, and
Inasmuch as a growing number of states, with the support of certain national
leaders, have attempted to change the legal definition of marriage to include same-
sex couples.
Be it resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) uphold
the biblical ideal of the basic family as one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24;
Matthew 19:4-9; Ephesians 5:22-25, 28), married by law in accordance with all
biblical injunctions; and all offspring of such a couple, biological or adopted (Psalm
127:3; Leviticus 14:29; James 1:27); with the extended family being comprised of
the various relatives of blood and marriage resulting from the lawful union of a man
and woman (Leviticus 25:25, 47-49; Numbers 27:6-11; Judges 18:19; Acts 10:2,
11-14; 16:31-32).
Be it further resolved that the UPCI and its constituent ministers uphold the
biblical ideal of the family in doctrine and example, publicly defending the family
as the most critical social institution ordained by God, while making all reasonable,
practical efforts to resist legal recognition of persons or groups as families when such
persons or groups contradict biblical teaching on morality and the family.
And be it further resolved that the UPCI go on record as actively opposing any
attempt to change the definition of marriage that broadens this sacred institution from
the union of one man and one woman.
THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF HUMAN SEXUALITY

Adopted by the General Board, September 2015
Human sexuality was given by God both as a means of human reproduction and
as a means to help bond a male and a female in a one-flesh union (Genesis 2:24).
Because of its inherent power, God placed restrictions on human sexuality. As such
the Bible presents fornication, adultery, polygamy, homosexuality, bestiality, incest,
and transgenderism as improper expressions of human sexuality.
The United Pentecostal Church International will continue to uphold by teaching,
preaching, and practice the biblical ideal of human sexuality and to stand against all
improper expressions of human sexuality, including, but not limited to the following:
Fornication is defined as “sexual intercourse between unmarried people” and
often is interpreted as sexual immorality, including all sexual sins. It is a sexual sin
classified by the Bible as a work of the flesh. The Bible records, “Now the works
of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness . . .
that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians
5:19-21). This principle is echoed when the Bible warns, “Do you not know that
the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites . . . will
inherit the kingdom of God” (I Corinthians 6:9-10). Further, the Bible notes, “Now
the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body” (I
Corinthians 6:13). The Bible states plainly that believers should, “because of sexual
immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own hus-
band” (I Corinthians 7:2). During times of temptation the Bible teaches believers,
“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body; but he who
commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” (I Corinthians 6:18). Finally,
the Bible instructs, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should
abstain from sexual immorality” (I Thessalonians 4:3).
Adultery is defined as “a married man having sexual relations with anyone other
than his wife or a married woman having sexual relations with anyone other than her
husband.” God forbade His people to commit adultery (Exodus 20:14). Jesus taught,
“You shall not commit adultery” (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus gave his approval of the

174 THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2017 POSITION PAPERS
Old Testament commandments against adultery when He quoted the commandment

in Luke 18:18-20. Adultery defiles a person (Matthew 15:19-20). God will judge
adulterers (Hebrews 13:4). When an individual commits adultery he or she destroys
himself or herself (Proverbs 6:32). Unless the adulterer repents and is forgiven by
God, he or she shall not inherit the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9).
Polygamy is defined as “marriage that includes more than two people.” Even
with numerous examples of polygamy in the Old Testament, monogamy was God’s
intent (Genesis 2:22-24). Jesus reinforced and emphasized the original plan in citing
Genesis 2:24 in Matthew 19:3-6.
The practice of polygamy developed first in fallen humanity in the line of the
murderer Cain, not the line of Seth, through the murderer Lamech (Genesis 4:23).
Wherever instances of polygamy are recorded, we also see sociological disaster that
created heartbreak and sowed familial discord, such as in the families of Abraham,
Jacob, and David.
Homosexuality is defined as “sexual attraction and behavior between members of
the same sex or gender.” God’s Word is very clear regarding homosexual behavior.
In the Old Testament, God commanded His people, “You shall not lie with a male, as
with a woman. It is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). In the New Testament, Paul
wrote, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women
exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving
the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men com-
mitting what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which
was due” (Romans 1:26-27). Paul asked: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will
not inherit the kingdom of God? . . . Neither fornicators, . . . nor homosexuals . . .”
(I Corinthians 6:9).
Bestiality is defined as “cross-species sexual activity between human beings and
animals.” The Bible condemns this act for both men and women in four different
Old Testament passages: Exodus 22:19; Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 20:15-16; and
Deuteronomy 27:21. This act of perversion was punishable by death to both the
human being and the animal. God designed human beings to mate with other human
beings, as shown in the creation account when none of the animals were found suit-
able for Adam (Genesis 2:20). God created humans in His image (Genesis 1:27), and
bestiality diminishes this uniqueness to that of a beast unable to distinguish the differ-
ence between right and wrong, natural from unnatural, and love from lust.
Incest is sexual activity between family members or close relatives; it is pro-
hibited by Scripture. The first occurrence of incest is recorded in Genesis 19. Lot’s
daughters, fearing they would not find husbands, conspired to make their father drink
wine and then lie with him to preserve seed of their father. The result was that both
of Lot’s daughters were with child by their father. The Bible classifies incest as a
wicked thing, noting, “If a man takes his sister, his father’s daughter or his mother’s
daughter, and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness, it is a wicked thing.
And they shall be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered his sister’s
nakedness. He shall bear his guilt” (Leviticus 20:17). These sentiments can also be
found in Leviticus 18:6-18. Ultimately, the Bible warns, “Cursed is the one who lies
with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother,” and “Cursed
is the one who lies with his mother in law” (Deuteronomy 27:22-23).
Transgenderism is defined as “appearing as, wishing to be considered as, or hav-
ing undergone surgery to become a member of the opposite sex.” God’s plan for gen-
der identification (Genesis 1:26-27) clearly defines differences between maleness and
femaleness. God has a specific design for everyone at conception (Psalm 139:13-16).
Gender identification is a biological issue rather than merely self-perception.
The fact that some individuals are born with evidence of mutations in their sex-
determining genes does not change their value in God’s eyes or His plan any more
than someone born with a mutation that causes any other developmental, physical,
or emotional problem.

2017 POSITION PAPERS CHURCH SCHOOLS 175
The Genesis account shows God’s intent as heterosexuality, with definite bound-
aries between sexes in both appearance and behavior. Men are to act and appear as
men; women are to act and appear as women (Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians 6:9).
Attempts to alter gender as in hormonal intervention or sex-reassignment surgery
must be seen as a form of bodily mutilation (Leviticus 22:24-25) and an attempt to
alter God’s design.
The UPCI and its constituent ministers will continue to uphold the biblical ideal
of human sexuality in doctrine and example and publicly defend the beauty of human
sexuality as ordained by God and presented in His Word. At the same time the UPCI
will continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, who did not come into the world
to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him (John
3:7). “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself” (II Corinthians 5:19).
Likewise our mission is not condemnation but reconciliation; we implore everyone
to be reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:18-20).
*All quoted Bible passages are from the New King James Version.
CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS

Inasmuch as there are referendums that are presented in local communities for
public vote, and
Inasmuch as these referendums on occasion represent items of a moral and ethi-
cal nature, and
Inasmuch as pastors and/or churches have a scriptural obligation and Constitutional
protection to speak out publicly about such matters in the printed news media and/
or to offer appropriate support to certain organized efforts designed to influence the
outcome of the referendums containing moral issues, and
Inasmuch as some churches who have already done this have been declared in
some instances as “political action committees” and thereby have been instructed to
file certain financial disclosure forms or face criminal prosecution, and they are now
engaged in legal proceedings to determine the validity of such laws and directives,
Be it therefore resolved that we as an organization reaffirm our position of main-
taining that churches and ministers have scriptural precept and Constitutional protec-
tion for freedom of speaking on matters of moral and ethical nature.
Be it further resolved that we deny the designation of churches as “political action
committees” when voicing opinions on public referendums of moral and ethical con-
sequence and that we disapprove of filing financial disclosure forms.
Be it further resolved that we authorize whatever action be taken in support of
our opposition to the progressive intrusions into the ministries of churches by govern-
mental agencies with these actions being directed by general and executive boards to
be sure that they are in harmony with our purpose as a church.
CHURCH SCHOOLS
Inasmuch as the United Pentecostal Church International is a worldwide orga-

nization of more than 9,000 local assemblies existing to propagate the gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ, and
Inasmuch as this proclamation includes the discipling of constituents and the
training of children, and
[Inasmuch as it is] furthermore our firm conviction that this training of children
can be extended to their proper education within a Christian environment, and
Whereas it is within our rights as citizens of these United States [of America] to
consider our parochial Christian schools an extension of our local church ministry, and

176 THE COMING OF THE LORD 2017 POSITION PAPERS
Whereas there are areas of these United States [of America] where this freedom
of choice concerning the education of our children is being assailed and denied by
certain states within this union,
Be it resolved that this 59th General Conference of the United Pentecostal Church
International go on record as upholding this basic liberty of a local church to provide
for its constituents a private parochial school without interference from any external
authority with reference to its curriculum or teachers.
Furthermore, we go on record as opposing an effort by any governmental agency
to impede this right; we dedicate ourselves this day as a unified body to protect, stand
with, pray for, and lend assistance in all practical ways to any assembly whose right
as described herein has been violated.
We further reiterate that inasmuch as our educational concepts are rooted in scrip-
tural Judeo-Christian principles that it is not incumbent upon our schools to accept
any curriculum imposed upon them by the education proponents of secular humanism
that would violate these principles.
THE COMING OF THE LORD

Adopted by the General Board in 2005
In this increasingly post-denominational world, there is decreasing emphasis

on doctrinal teaching. In such a climate, mention of the coming of the Lord is often
absent from songs, teaching, and preaching. Even in the Oneness Pentecostal church,
there has sometimes been a de-emphasis on this important doctrine, leading to apathy
and in some cases acceptance of erroneous teaching. One false teaching, generally
termed preterism, alleges that the coming of the Lord was fulfilled in the first cen-
tury. Preterists teach that most if not all of the scriptural prophecies of the coming of
the Lord addressed judgment upon the Jews, which culminated in the destruction of
Jerusalem in a.d. 70.
While the UPCI allows diversity in views regarding the timing of the coming of
the Lord, particularly with reference to the Tribulation, the expectation of the soon
return of the Lord is integral to our identity as a movement. In fact, the modern
Pentecostal movement was reborn at the beginning of the twentieth century, out of
the anticipation that the Lord wanted to prepare His bride for His soon return. We
believe that when the New Testament speaks of the “soon” return of the Lord, it gives
the promise to assure the church of its future hope. Paul expressed this anticipation,
for although he expected martyrdom, he promised that a crown was not merely wait-
ing for him alone but for all those who love His appearing. (See II Timothy 4:8.)
We reject preterist notions that the prophecies of Revelation 4-19 were fulfilled
prior to a.d. 70, that Satan is bound, and that we are now living during the thousand
years described in Revelation 20. As Oneness Pentecostals, we believe New Testament
prophecies of the return of Christ are literal, still to be fulfilled. Further, while Israel has
been blinded in part, there will come a time when they will be grafted in again (Romans
11:17-26). We look forward to a time when the church will reign with Christ in the
Millennium, a time when Christ will reign supreme and will restore peace on the earth.
The early church universally believed the prophecies of Revelation and the
promise of the return of Christ to be future and not past. It was the medieval church
that formally did away with a futurist reading of the Book of Revelation and taught
that the church was living in the Millennium. As Oneness Pentecostals, we reject
any new “revelation” which suggests that the consistent teaching of the ancient
and modern Oneness Pentecostal church is in error and that the medieval teaching
is in fact correct. We are looking for the catching away of the saints, the return of
the Lord Jesus Christ to earth, the establishing of Christ’s millennial kingdom, and
ultimately the institution of the new heaven, the new earth, and the New Jerusalem.

2017 POSITION PAPERS ETHICS (MINISTERIAL) 177
COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET

One of the new technologies that have been introduced to society in recent years is
known as the Internet. This innovation literally brings the entire spectrum of informa-
tion available in the world into any computer screen. While much of this information
is wholesome and useful, a great amount is lewd, pornographic, or dangerous. In
addition, the Internet provides a forum for direct interpersonal relationships via “chat
rooms” and “e-mail.” Many people have been unwittingly snared into corruption by
participating in these forums.
The UPCI recognizes that the widespread use of the Internet among our people in
the workplace and in the home may not be reversed. At the same time, the very real
dangers presented must not be ignored. We, therefore, submit the following guide-
lines to monitor the access and use of the Internet:
1. Placement of the computer. Any computer used for Internet access should be
located in an area of the home that is used by the entire family. This discour-
ages the wrong use by the operator because he or she knows that others will
have knowledge of all sites visited on the Internet and what files or pictures are
downloaded.
2. Blocking software. A number of programs may now be purchased which
prevent vulgar or sexually explicit material from appearing on the computer
screen. We urge our people to protect themselves and their families by placing
one or more of these programs on each computer used for Internet access.
3. Shared passwords. Unauthorized or unsupervised use of a computer by a minor
or a person who is not a family member may be easily stopped by passwords.
It is also possible for two people to compose the password with each knowing
only a part, thus insuring that two are required to access or unlock a program
or Internet site.
4. Log of visited sites. Nearly all Internet browsers include a function that records
all sites a user accesses. This log may be reviewed at any time. We recommend
that all users be apprised of this feature and a regular evaluation of sites visited
be made.
5. Time-consuming. The interactive nature of the Internet lures many users into
spending inordinate amounts of time exploring it. Not only does it waste time,
it is addictive as well. We urge our people to exercise great caution and restraint
in their use of this medium.
The word that best enables us to regulate the use of the Internet is accountability.
Anyone who makes use of this technology ought to recognize the insidious nature of
the Internet, and that it especially affects users who access the sites secretly or without
the knowledge of others. There are few other areas where the biblical principle of
accountability means more than Internet usage. We believe that every effort to estab-
lish and maintain accountability is vital to our people who are involved in the Internet.
ETHICS (MINISTERIAL)
My Code of Ethics
(Not laws to govern but principles to guide)
Striving to be a good minister of the Lord Jesus Christ,
I will constantly prepare myself in body, mind, and spirit.
I will safeguard the good name of the ministry; [I will] speak the truth in love,
live honestly, and avoid embarrassing debts.
I will hold as sacred all confidences shared with me.
I will exercise the authority of a spiritual leader rather than that of a dictator.

178 GAMBLING 2017 POSITION PAPERS
I will seek to minister rather than to be ministered unto, placing service above
salary and personal recognition, and the unity and welfare of the church above my
own personal welfare.
I will seek to lead my church to accept its full responsibility for community and
world service.
I will seek to build my church without discrediting other churches, soliciting
members therefrom, or casting reflection on other ministers.
I will not compete with another minister for a call to a pastorate in an unethical
manner.
I will, with my resignation, sever my pastoral relations with any former parish-
ioner and will not make pastoral contacts in the field of another pastor without his or
her knowledge and consent.
I will not accept the pastorate of a United Pentecostal Church unless I am in
accord with the Articles of Faith and Constitution of the general church body.
Having accepted a pastorate, I will not use my influence to alienate the church or
any portion thereof from the fellowship or support of the United Pentecostal Church
International. If my convictions change, I will be honorable enough to withdraw.
GAMBLING
Inasmuch as gambling is one of the greatest blights of our society and is an
encroachment upon every segment of life, it becomes necessary for the General Board
of the United Pentecostal Church International to address the issue of gambling.
The following is a position paper from the highest board of our church addressing
this moral fungus that eats at the very core and fabric of our society.
Gambling has been defined as “to bet on an uncertain outcome, to stake some-
thing on a contingency, playing the game of chance for stakes.”
There are those who do not feel the Bible clearly speaks out against this malady.
Our consensus is that the Bible speaks to the gambling issue as it does to all the issues
of life. The moral ideals of the Bible and the Bible’s insistence on obedience to the
will of God are crucial for our examination and assessment of any issue involving
human behavior, including the issues of gambling. Biblical faith with its emphasis on
loyalty to God and its call to a life of trust tolerates no bowing of the knee to luck and
no dependence on chance. Gambling appears to offer something for nothing when in
reality it is nothing for something.
The first clear and direct reference to gambling occurs in Isaiah 65:11: “But ye
are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table
for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.” The prophet’s
protest was against those Israelites who trusted in the false gods of chance rather than
in the living God.
Matthew 27:35 states they cast lots, or threw dice, for our Lord’s garments.
Could it be that one of the last things our Lord beheld during His cross experience
was gamblers at Golgotha.
James 5:1-6 speaks of rich men who defraud the less fortunate for their personal gain.
Proverbs 23:4-5 is also a strong indictment. It reads, “Labour not to be rich; cease
from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches
certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
I Corinthians 6:8-10 teaches us contentment. Gambling, lottery, casinos create
a spirit of covetousness which opposes the plain teaching of the Scriptures. Jesus
further underscored this in Luke 12:15 when He warned, “Beware of covetousness.”
I Corinthians 10:21 declares you cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and eat at
the devil’s table. Is a gambling table anything less than that of Satan?
Gambling violates the biblical principles of stewardship with regard to property,
money, and its appropriate use. The Bible blesses the use of money or property

2017 POSITION PAPERS GENDER DISTINCTION 179
which are in accord with the intention of God. Thus, money may be used to provide
for our basic needs (II Thessalonians 3:10), support of one’s family (I Timothy
5:8), to contribute to the Lord’s work (I Corinthians 16:1-3), to meet human need
(Ephesians 4:28, II Corinthians 9:6-15), to give to the poor (John 13:29), and to pay
taxes (Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:7). Such conscientious handling of one’s resources
precludes gambling. Giving to a game of chance with the blessings of God is not
mentioned anywhere in the Holy Writ.
Gambling is greed and exploitation of others. It ignores the command to love our
neighbor. We are enjoined to abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians
5:22), to hate what is evil (Romans 12:9). The actions of the individual Christian are
to be disciplined toward the moral and spiritual welfare of others (Romans 14:13-
21). Our influence as Christians is to be exerted in a positive, aggressive, and godly
fashion for the building of a Christian influence in the community.
Gambling contributes nothing to the common good. It undermines values, mocks
work, finances crime, robs children, enslaves its addicts, subverts government, and
poisons whatever it touches. Biblical insights lead us to reject the false promise of
gambling and to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.
There are those who state that the activity of gambling is no more than any other
activity of life that involves risk. They will mention the purchasing of stock. They
will mention the purchasing of property that may decline in value, insurance, or other
investments. They say that since the outcome is unpredictable, loss can occur. This,
they proclaim, is the same as gambling.
L. M. Starkey, Jr. made the following helpful observation: “Life does have its
normal risk which one must accept with faith and courage. These normal risks are in
no sense equivalent to the risk in a game of chance. Gambling devises artificial risks
in the hope of excessive gain far beyond what the investment of time, money, or skill
would justify. In gambling, the chance is unrelated to any creative effort called for
by the farmer or stock broker in the responsible investment of mental, monetary, and
physical funds.”
It has been well-stated that gambling is recognized as any activity in which
wealth changes hands, mainly on the basis of chance and with risk to the gambler.
Creative effort, useful skills, and responsible investments are not integral factors.
The General Board of the United Pentecostal Church International, on behalf of
our constituency, does firmly affirm its conviction that gambling is both un-biblical
and morally wrong. Politicians may tell us that it is the way to raise revenue for the
needs of education, roads, etc. If something is morally wrong it cannot possibly be
politically right.
Gambling is wrong because it is addictive. Gambling is wrong because it is not
consistent with the scriptural work ethic. Gambling is wrong because it ignores valid
stewardship. Gambling is wrong because it involves monetary gain to the hurt and
suffering of the less fortunate.
In the light of biblical revelation, we cannot sit idly by while this plague rips
our nation apart. Neutrality is impossible. There are certain responsibilities to speak
out. We cannot ignore them. We urge those who want to live in harmony with the
Almighty and whose lives are dedicated to His pleasure to refrain from any form of
gambling. We call upon our people everywhere to do all within their power to dis-
courage the legalization of gambling.
GENDER DISTINCTION
Adopted by the General Board 2014
Swiftly changing cultural expectations have created pressures to compromise
many biblical principles, but it is vital for the church to continue to firmly and faith-
fully embrace and teach scriptural truths. Regardless of cultural changes or pressures,
Bible principles should always be the final authority in governing how we reflect the

180 GENDER DISTINCTION 2017 POSITION PAPERS
gender distinction with which God has blessed us as individuals.

Gender distinction is of utmost importance to God because it relates to His most
precious creation and the object of His love: the people He created. We should cel-
ebrate the distinction and differences God made within the genders, which comple-
ment and complete us as His unique created beings, made in His image and after His
likeness.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male
and female created he them “ (Genesis 1:27).
“And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and
brought her unto the man “ (Genesis 2:22).
God first made a man and from that man He made a woman. This foundational
truth is important at least three primary reasons:
1.. A basic aspect of His beloved creation is their unique gender roles, rights,
and responsibilities. The Scriptures outline the important roles that men and women
have and how they relate in a harmonious family unit.
2.. The procreative power of the human race depends on the union of those of
the opposite sex: male and female. Gender identification then becomes central to the
definition of the family, which in turn is the core of any healthy society. Jesus reaf-
firms this truth in Matthew 19:4-6 and furthermore regards it as the motivation to
begin a marriage and family. To blend, confuse, or distort proper gender roles is to
bring confusion to the heart of human society.
3.. A social group or society that begins to blur clear gender representations also
tends toward unhealthy sexual practices and follows a downward digression away
from God and His fundamental plan for humankind. This degradation leads to the
disintegration of the most basic roles of men and women (Romans 1:24-28).
In the beginning the enemy of humanity, in the form of a serpent, advanced his
agenda of the destruction of God’s people and their paradise. Eve’s deception and
Adam’s disobedience led to the complete loss of their innocence and paradise. In
response to their shame and nakedness, the first man and woman clothed themselves,
albeit improperly. The Lord graciously intervened. He mercifully covered and
clothed them, forever answering the question of God’s involvement and interest in
the apparel that men and women wear. In their fallen condition, they needed clothes
to cover them, and they needed God’s guidance for proper clothing choices. In short,
clothing mattered to God then, and it still matters to Him today. The Lord provides
parameters and principles concerning our clothing: modesty, costliness , and distinc-
tiveness (I Timothy 2:9; Deuteronomy 22:5) .
Gender Distinctions: The Mandate

Men and women are to maintain a visibility in their gender distinction. God cre-
ated men and women to fulfill unique roles and to illustrate those roles in specific
ways. The Lord utilizes two primary symbols that provide a clear visible distinction
between male and female: hair and clothing.
1. Hair. Paul wrote of definite distinctions between men and women in I
Corinthians 11 as is reflected by their hair: long, uncut hair for women and short hair
for men. Paul affirmed the order of creation in Genesis (vs. 3, 8-9) and wrote that
“even nature” innately teaches us this truth: “Judge in yourselves: is it comely that
a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if
a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a
glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering” (I Corinthians 11:13-15).
2. Clothing. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, nei-
ther shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto
the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 22:5).
Attire should be distinctive to one’s own sex. Scripture is clear that God requires a
definite distinction between the sexes. In virtually every ethnic group there is clothing

2017 POSITION PAPERS HOLINESS 181
that is perceived to be feminine and clothing that is perceived to be masculine. While

the modern age has exerted tremendous pressures of influence upon basic gender dis-
tinctions in dress, God has clearly stated that to fail to maintain distinction between
the genders is an abomination to Him. An abomination is an extreme term that relates
to a variety of evil practices and is something that is detestable and abhorrent to God.
God emphasized the distinction between men and women in the New Testament
when Paul wrote that effeminate men would not inherit the kingdom of God. The
obvious deduction is that God expects women to be feminine and men to be mascu-
line, not effeminate.
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not
deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor
abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (I Corinthians 6:9-10).
Gender Distinctions: The Application

Since God desires and expects humankind to maintain a distinction between the
sexes, how are we to reflect that distinction?
First, our hair should reflect our gender. I Corinthians 11:5-6 teaches that it is a
dishonor and a shame for a woman to cut her hair, but it is glory for her to keep her
long hair, which is a gift from God to cover her (I Corinthians 11:15). Men should
cut their hair and keep it short (I Corinthians 11:14).
Second, our attire should be distinctive to our gender and not reflective of the dress
of the opposite sex.
Deuteronomy 22:5 defines in the strictest of terms God’s distaste and abhorrence
of cross-dressing and the blurring of clear male and female distinctions. Men are to
strive to be masculine in all they do, including their choices of clothing. Women are
to strive to be feminine in their behavior and attire as well. God abhors the confusing
of femininity and masculinity between the sexes. It is an abomination to God, wheth-
er it is a man wearing feminine clothing or a woman wearing masculine clothing.
Reason would dictate there must be a clear application of biblical truth or truth
ultimately becomes lost. How does a conscientious child of God apply this strong
passage of God’s Word concerning clothing? For centuries the male-only garment
has been pants in the majority of culture groups, particularly in Western society.
The woman has distinguished herself from the man regardless of activity by wearing
a skirt or dress, which she has accomplished with feminine grace and beauty. For
example, when North American society began to change this norm, it was not out
of a desire to further fulfill God’s commands for distinction, but rather for women’s
perceived convenience and equivalence to men. When women began wearing pants
it was seen as a violation of social norms and values that distinguished men and
women. Whatever culture does, our aim is God’s pleasure. We want to please God
and represent our gender clearly and practically. Therefore, in the modern Western
culture, our men wear pants and do not wear skirts or dresses. Our women wear skirts
or dresses and do not wear pants.
God’s people are given the redemptive responsibility to reflect the values of God
and exemplify to an unsaved society God’s perfect will. May we, as God’s people,
ever be vigilant to fulfill this privileged and high calling (I Peter 2:9).
HOLINESS
“Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them,
Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). Webster’s
Dictionary defines holiness as “the quality or state of being holy; purity or integrity
of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity.”

182 HOLINESS 2017 POSITION PAPERS
Since the Lord actually commands His people to become holy because He is holy,
the question arises: How does a sinful person receive the holiness of God in order to
become as holy as God?
In the Old Testament, God imputed His holiness to the priesthood, commanding
them to engrave the words “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” upon a plate of pure gold
and to place it upon the “forefront of the mitre” (Exodus 28:36-37). This sign of
imputed holiness allowed the priest to come into the presence of God without dying.
Holiness in the New Testament Dispensation

II Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new crea-
ture: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The word new
is translated from a Greek word that means “sanctified,” carrying the meaning that
the person become a spiritual creation of God.
This new creation is accomplished by the new birth of water and the Spirit as
described in John 3:5-6: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That
which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Thus
in the New Testament, man’s holiness is God’s character inborn into his or her nature
by the infilling presence of the Spirit of God.
The birth of the Spirit makes a person a new creature. His old life is extermi-
nated, obliterated, and buried; the power of sin in the flesh is destroyed. In the Old
Testament, “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” was written across the priest’s mitre; in
the New Testament, “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” is written on the heart of the
“new creature.”
The baptism of the Spirit makes God’s love a blessed reality to the soul, out of
which come hope and peace and joy and all other foretastes of heaven. His coming
into the heart brings such disclosures of the divine nature, such revelations of mercy
and grace, and such exhibitions of infinite affections that the heart feels itself sur-
rounded and bathed in the love of God.
Holiness Demonstrated and Typified in the Personal Life

Old Testament Separation
Holiness is not only an inward presence of God, but it is also reflected in the outward
life of the Christian in his or her conduct in this world. Holiness was a demand placed
upon the Israelites that had to do with almost every act of their daily performance. For
example, an Israelite could not sow different seeds in his vineyard, for to do so was an
act of defilement against Almighty God. (See Deuteronomy 22:9-11.) This command
reminded the Israelites that they were different from other people in the world.
The principle of separation unto God was almost a continuous experience for the
Israelites: in their working, dressing, eating, and fellowship, they were not to mix
with the heathen or to indulge in the customs of heathenistic nations. This command
from God was for the purpose of holiness: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord
thy God” (Deuteronomy 7:6).
New Testament Teaching

The New Testament is clear and certain about the necessity of holiness. The
apostle Paul wrote, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye
should abstain from fornication” (I Thessalonians 4:3). A Christian who commits an
act of fornication or adultery loses his or her sanctification. Thus Paul explained that
every Christian “should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
not in the lust of concupiscence,” which means unbridled sexual desires. It is the
Holy Spirit within a human heart that gives a person the assistance he or she needs in
restraining the forces of lust.
Another thing taught in this passage is that Christians are to be honest in matters of busi-
ness and daily duties. Christians are so to practice the highest ideals of principle in monetary

matters and social relationships that they will not be a reproach to God or the church.
Holiness in the Character of Man

Scripture references:
(I Samuel 16, 17; Philippians 4:1-9; Romans 12:1-2)
Inward and Outward Holiness

Jesus spoke of the need of both inward and outward holiness when he scourged
the scribes and Pharisees: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye
make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extor-
tion and excess” (Matthew 23:25).
The apostle Paul wrote, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us
cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the
fear of God” (II Corinthians 7:1). This verse reveals the importance of both inner and
outward holiness before God.
The apostle Peter also wrote of the need for inner sanctification: “But let it be the
hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek
and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (I Peter 3:4). This is the
“inner parts” of holiness about which David wrote in Psalm 51:6; it refers to the real
person (motives and secretive thoughts) that nobody else sees.
Jesus taught that evil and goodness both emerge from the heart, which is the center
of a person’s life. Concerning evil, He said, “For from within, out of the heart of men,
proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wicked-
ness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil
things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-23). Thus true holiness is
not possible without an inner sanctification of the heart by the Holy Spirit.
Holiness and Modesty

One area of outward holiness is the matter of modesty. Modesty is not confined
to dress alone. It also includes conversation and manners. The Bible teaches us, “Let
your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5).
The apostle Peter admonished wives about both their behavior and appearance:
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the
word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while
they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be
that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of
apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price”
(I Peter 3:1-4).
The Word of God teaches a distinction between the dress of a woman and a man:
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put
on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God”
(Deuteronomy 22:5). The word abomination used by God in this verse indicates
that this rule will not change through all generations. Christian men are not to wear
women’s clothing, and Christian women are not to wear men’s clothing.
Holiness and Make-Up

Today’s Western society reveals a desire for a synthetic appearance; dye for the
hair, paint for the face, mascara and liner for the eyes, and other forms of make-up
create artificiality rather than reality. These practices of using make-up are not new,
for Queen Jezebel, whose very image speaks of rebellion and opposition to all that is
godly and Christ-like, used facial paint and other make-up in her vanity to attract the
attention of men: “And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she
painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out a window” (II Kings 9:30).
The prophet Jeremiah condemned the actions of Israel by describing the nation as

184 HOLINESS 2017 POSITION PAPERS
a lewd woman: “And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest
thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou
rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will
despise thee, they will seek thy life” (Jeremiah 4:30).
The prophet Ezekiel wrote along the same lines: “And furthermore, that ye have
sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came:
for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with orna-
ments” (Ezekiel 23:40).
The New Testament also addresses this matter: “I will therefore that men pray
every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also,
that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety;
not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (I Timothy 2:8-9).
Holiness and Jewelry

The Scriptures teach us that the wearing of ornamental jewelry and expensive,
showy clothing is not in harmony with the Christian lifestyle. Paul wrote, “In like
manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness
and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (I Timothy
2:9). Peter’s writings agree: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of
plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel” (I Peter 3:3).
The apostle John described the harlot in Revelation by her attire: “And the
woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious
stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness
of her fornication” (Revelation 17:4).
Holiness and Separation

We are entrusted with living in a world made by God but into which mankind’s
sinfulness has brought corruption to economic, political, religious, and social institu-
tions. As pilgrims and strangers looking for a city whose builder and maker is God, the
people of God are not to follow the fads and fashions of this world. On the contrary,
they are to maintain holiness in their personal lifestyle even in a wicked and perverted
generation. The Bible tells us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is
in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not
of the Father, but is of the world” (I John 2:15-16).
There is some good achieved in bodily exercise while participating in some physical
games and activities, but it must be done in a godly atmosphere. For example, the evils
associated with competitive sports prohibits Christians from participating in this area.
Separation from worldliness also involves the length of hair for men and women.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I
praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as
I delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is
Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every
man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every
woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for
that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also
be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory
of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but
the woman is of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman
for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the
angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without
the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the
woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto

God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it
is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is
given her for a covering” (I Corinthians 11:1-15).
Holiness and Television Programs

It is very evident that spirituality and holiness are deeply entwined together. The
Scriptures teach that carnality is enmity toward God. The use of media must therefore
be carefully considered so that we do not take the beautiful truths of God unto areas
that will contribute to the downfall of a child of God.
The use of television in the home has become a serious concern to parents,
teachers, sociologists, politicians, and religious leaders. Statistically, evidence indi-
cates that the increase in violence, sexual immorality, and destruction of the family
is in part caused by the display of these evils on television. We must strive always
for a spiritual position in our living, and wisely, the United Pentecostal Church
International has warned its members of the evils displayed on television programs
and admonished them not to have television sets in their homes for the sake of their
spiritual welfare.
Holiness and Morality

The Bible teaches us that people are saved out of all kinds of sinful backgrounds,
but they are not to continue to practice these sins after they become Christians:
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not
deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abus-
ers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revil-
ers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you:
but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord
Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:9-11).
In this verse, the permissive, promiscuous, degenerative sins are clearly outlined
as transgressions of the past life of Christians. The born-again person has been
washed, sanctified, and justified, and no longer commits fornication, adultery, homo-
sexuality, drunkenness, and all other sins.
We oppose the drinking of alcoholic beverages, either moderately or otherwise.
Moreover, since the homosexual lifestyle is condemned in the Bible, we teach and
preach against this sin just as we do other sins. Furthermore, the practice of abort-
ing life is a serious violation of the sanctity of life, and the church therefore cannot
condone the abortion of children.
Holiness and Physical Education

We are not opposed to physical education; we do not disqualify the possible
good of physical exercise. However, since scriptural modesty is commanded in
I Timothy 2:9, we stand against unduly exposing the body in public as an impor-
tant matter to our Christian conscience. And since modesty in dress is taught and
practiced in our churches, we cannot approve the integrating of male and female in
physical education classes in which scanty clothing, on the gymnasium floor or in the
swimming pool or in an outdoor stadium, is required.
When religious freedom is part of the Constitution of the United States and
our people do their best to fulfill a scriptural role in behavior, we cannot accept the
authoritarian declaration from the federal government program called Title IX that
places our moral and scriptural conscience in jeopardy. We therefore strongly advise
our pastors, ministers, educators, leaders, members of local churches, and all related
believers either to request their children be excused from the physical education pro-
gram in the school or to insist that their children be allowed to wear modest clothing
when participating in the activities in the physical education program. This important
position of Christian behavior will help to staunch the flow of nudity, perversion,

186 HOMOSEXUALITY 2017 POSITION PAPERS
degeneracy, and immodesty that threatens not only the nation but also the spiritual
life of the church.
Note: In accordance with the action of the General Board on October 10, 1995, this
position paper on holiness has been condensed.
HOMOSEXUALITY
Inasmuch as some segments of liberal Christianity have expressed a willingness
to accept the so-called “gay rights” movement as a legitimate lifestyle, and
Whereas the inerrant, inspired Word of God emphatically declares, in Romans
chapter 1, homosexuality to be vile, unclean, unnatural, unseemly, and an abomina-
tion in the sight of God, and
Whereas the United Pentecostal Church International is a fundamental Bible-
believing organism entrusted with a divine destiny to provide spiritual direction to a
wayward world,
Let us therefore resolve that the United Pentecostal Church International go on
public record as absolutely opposed to homosexuality and condemn it as a moral
decadence and sin, and do hereby encourage prayer for the deliverance of those
enslaved by that satanic snare.
HUMAN LIFE
Humanity was created in and exists as the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).
Humans were created to live eternally, though death entered the race as a result of
the sin condition, which resulted from the Fall. (See Genesis 2:17; 3:3; Romans 5:12.)
Accordingly, death is the ultimate and common foe of humanity. The redemptive
work of Christ conquered death and brings hope of eternal life. The ultimate victory
over sin will be the final abolishment of death. (See II Timothy 1:10; I Corinthians
15:26, 54-55; Revelation 21:4.) Since God is the giver of life, and since Jesus Christ
came to redeem life, Christians are to be champions of life. (See Matthew 16:18; John
1:4; 10:10; I John 1:1-2; Genesis 2:7.) As Christians our highest allegiance is to God
and to His kingdom. We are called to live a life that adheres to Kingdom principles,
and these sometimes transcend the morality of our society and restrain us from fully
engaging in things allowed by the laws of our secular governments.
We condemn the elective taking of human life whether by murder, abortion, infanti-
cide, or euthanasia. Although there are circumstances that may require difficult choices
in order to save the life of a pregnant woman, we wholeheartedly condemn elective
abortions. (See Position Paper on Abortion.) And while there is no obligation to use
artificial means to prolong the life of one who is terminally ill, we do not object to
such measures so long as they are aiding in natural processes and are compassionate
measures that minimize suffering. However, we wholeheartedly disapprove of assisted
suicide, euthanasia, or any elective procedures intended to terminate a life prematurely.
In situations of self-defense and defense of the innocent and helpless, we urge
restraint. The goal should be to use the minimal force necessary to stop the aggressor
without the intention of causing death.
While many view capital punishment as divinely ordained justice, we recognize
that a diversity of opinions exists in our movement. We urge that opinions be rooted
in justice, not revenge.
We recognize a state’s right and obligation to maintain law and order, to mete out
justice, and to protect its citizen from aggression. Human government is ultimately
derived from God (Romans 13:1-4), and God requires justice. We urge those who
serve as officers of the peace to carry out their duties on behalf of society with respect

2017 POSITION PAPERS JUDICIAL PROCEDURE 187
for life and to exercise restraint when the use of force is required.
We further recognize that due to sin and the hardness of people’s hearts, war may
be necessary, and circumstances may lead Christians to conclude that a particular war
is just. The world community must band together to defend against unprovoked acts
of aggression, genocide, and slaughter of innocents. However, due to the complexity
of the political process and countless details that are unavailable to the public, the
true motivations and reasons for war are often concealed from soldiers on all sides.
Accordingly, military personnel are often placed in a position to take human life
based on reasons unknowable to them or even reasons that do not promote justice.
This potentially places Christians in the armed services in the precarious predicament
of following an order for which there may not be moral justification to take human
life on the behalf of a human government. With the spread of Christianity around the
world, Christian soldiers on all sides could be in the tragic position of taking the lives
of other Christians. We recognize there are diverse opinions on these matters among
our constituents, and we also recognize a strong tradition of conscientious objection
that has been part of the Oneness Pentecostal movement. While we support this tra-
dition, we urge those who believe it is consistent with their Christian conviction to
serve in the armed services to do so only after thoughtful and prayerful reflection, to
carry out their duties with respect for life, to exercise restraint when the use of force
is required, and to comply with all pertinent laws, at the same time recognizing that
the laws of God transcend the laws of secular governments.
JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
Spirit of Intent
From the inception of the judicial procedure, neither the General Board nor the
General Conference of the United Pentecostal Church International intended for the
judicial procedure to supersede the Word of God. It was always the intent that griev-
ances, complaints, charges, and other matters brought against a minister be handled
with the utmost integrity and discretion within the bounds of the Bible. The judicial
procedure is not intended to be the stream but merely the channel through which posi-
tive spiritual scriptural flow can be given to negative situations.
In both the older version of the judicial procedure as embodied in the 1989
Manual and the current version embodied in the 1992 Manual, provisions are made
for the resolution of grievances before they erupt into complaints and charges. All
parties are enjoined to follow the mandates of Matthew 18:15-16: “Moreover if thy
brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him
alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee,
then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every
word may be established.”
The 1989 Manual, Article II, Section 2 stated: “In the event the differences are
not resolved in the above suggested manner, the two or three witnesses should consult
with the District Superintendent and give him an opportunity to settle the matter.” It
is quite apparent that the District Superintendent has always been enjoined to settle
matters before they are locked into a full judicial procedure.
The 1992 Judicial Procedure further states: “This Judicial Procedure seeks a
simple means of resolving ministerial problems in an orderly and Christian atmo-
sphere without regard to any legal training. No person should attempt to use its
provisions to evade guilt or to bend its authority to create confusion. We are further
enjoined by this Procedure, “since the Bible instructs us to resolve ministerial and
church problems within the church (I Corinthians 6:1-8), the United Pentecostal
Church International does not approve of any minister in this organization resorting
to the civil courts to seek resolutions of conflicts that arise with the structure of the
organization.”

188 MEDIA TECHNOLOGY 2017 POSITION PAPERS
The 1992 Judicial Procedure, Article V, Section 1, plainly states: “The District
Superintendent is encouraged to communicate and counsel privately with the minister
about whom any question has surfaced in an attempt to resolve the problem.” It fully
empowers the District Superintendent to try to resolve a matter before further action
is taken.
The Judicial Procedure was never intended to supersede the obligations of the min-
istry as found in Article VII, Section 7 of our General Constitution. There are numerous
challenges in this article that are left to arbitration by the District Superintendent or the
District Board, such as the holding of a meeting in a town or community where there is
an affiliated church or pastor, the starting of a new work in a specific area, the moving
of a church from an existing location to a different neighborhood, and the accepting
of an invitation to minister in a church that is held in question. It would appear from
these that there is a spirit of brotherhood that would transcend any judicial procedure
that should be adhered to by all parties involved. The District Superintendent or his
designee does have the right to counsel with, assist, and even make preliminary judg-
ment in obvious cases. Why would a District Superintendent want to subject a brother
to the trauma of a full investigation and trial when it is obvious at the outset that there
is insufficient evidence? One of the main criteria should be, “What would Jesus Christ
do in this case?” Jesus individually told the woman caught in adultery, “Go, and sin no
more.” The strictures of the judicial structure must not take precedent over a District
Superintendent or any official or any brother who is seeking to amicably before God
settle a matter in the fear and love of the Lord.
This concern is redemptive in nature and protective of the rights and privileges of
all persons accused of violations as well as those who file complaints in compliance
with the judicial procedure.
Any effort to justify the guilty or to condemn the innocent is viewed with abhor-
rence. In view of these facts, we urge all officials involved in the judicial procedure to
utilize any means proper and just to both protect the rights of the innocent and bring
about the just judgment of the guilty.
The purpose of this position paper is to allow an amicable and mutually agreed
settlement of any and all disagreements, complaints, and/or charges without initiation
or furtherance of any judicial process. It is not intended to circumvent, obstruct, or
deny any minister due process by judicial action.
MEDIA TECHNOLOGY
Our elders took an important, principled, and correct stand against the evils of
television in 1954 when they adopted the fourth paragraph on holiness in our Articles
of Faith in response to the invention of television and other changes in society. It fol-
lows that we need to enunciate the principles upon which our elders acted and apply
them in light of technological changes and more complex choices today. Specifically
traditional television is now merging with other technologies that we have accepted,
such as computers, online media, satellite and cable deliveries, media players, smart
phones, tablets, and game consoles.
Therefore we must give appropriate guidance to a new generation of believers
with regard to all use of communications technology in language that is understand-
able and meaningful to them so we can continue to uphold our position on holiness of
life and holiness in the use of all communications technology. In view of the nature
of media and our movement, we must be careful not to signal any compromise of
belief or lifestyle.
The United Pentecostal Church International accepts only the Bible and the Holy
Spirit as its guides to determine the correct standards of conduct in this world, and it
recognizes the responsibility to apply biblical principles in a changing world. Neither

2017 POSITION PAPERS RACIAL AND ETHNIC AFFIRMATION 189
the Bible nor the United Pentecostal Church International teaches that salvation can
be earned by good works, but both contend that holiness in behavior results from a
transforming experience of the Holy Ghost, and is therefore incumbent upon each
Christian. The church has an obligation to establish standards of conduct when nec-
essary, but it refuses to make rules for every aspect of daily living. Each Christian is
responsible to God to maintain holiness in his or her life, for God alone is the judge,
but the church is also responsible to teach biblical standards of holiness. Holiness as
a spiritual experience and a way of life is not an option for a Christian, but a bibli-
cal injunction (II Corinthians 7:1; Romans 12:1-2; John 17:14-16; I John 2:15-16;
Ephesians 5:11).
It is very evident that spirituality and holiness are deeply entwined together. The
Scriptures teach that carnality is enmity toward God. The use of media must therefore
be carefully considered so that we do not take the beautiful truths of God unto areas
that will contribute to the downfall of a child of God. The influence of sinful media
programming is so grave and damaging to Christian living that conscience demands
it be battled in a principled way. The biblical safeguard against rapid cultural or tech-
nological change is to build upon timeless principles. Scripture elegantly solves the
proper management of media technology with a single verse: “I will set no wicked
thing before mine eye…” (Psalm 101:3). A consistent and principled position on
media programming does not constitute a threat to our core stand on issues of sepa-
ration from the world, but only strengthens our position by casting in principle the
manner in which we are already solving this issue in practice.
Historic guidelines regarding television and video were written in light of the tech-
nology of the 1950s and 1980s, demonstrating a common desire for the homes of our
families to be sanctuaries governed by Godly principles. In today’s world, we apply
these guidelines as follows. We recognize that similar content is available through
mediums such as computers, online media, media players, tablets, smart phones, and
game consoles. What we have traditionally called television is merging with other
devices that are commonly used. Therefore in these cases and with all other communi-
cations technology, we teach responsible use that is strictly in accord with wholesome
Christian principles. As new media appear in the marketplace, the Christian must not
accept their usage without evaluation of their impact on his or her spiritual walk with
God. We are to “walk circumspectly [looking around us], not as fools, but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
RACIAL AND ETHNIC AFFIRMATION

Inasmuch as we are commanded to make disciples of every nation, and

Inasmuch as the Scriptures declare that “by one Spirit are we all baptized into one
body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all
made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), and
Inasmuch as the stated mission of the United Pentecostal Church International is
to take the “Whole Gospel to The Whole World”
We earnestly contend that the following is true: the United Pentecostal Church
International practices and teaches racial equality and our fundamental conviction is
that the “Whole Gospel” is to be preached to “every creature.”
In support of this earnest contention, we submit the following:
1. The Word of God assures us that racial and cultural differences have no
bearing on an individual’s worth to God. “For there is no difference between
the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon
him” (Romans 10:12).
2. Racial prejudice, bigotry, and/or discrimination are inconsistent with the
truth of the Gospel. These do not represent God’s design for the Apostolic

190 RESTORATION OF MINISTERS 2017 POSITION PAPERS
church and must be boldly and lovingly confronted and universally

denounced as unrighteous living, in the same manner as was declared by
the apostle Paul when he observed Peter’s behavior toward the Gentiles.
“But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the
gospel” (Galatians 2:14).
3. No person should be denied entry or membership, nor discouraged from
attending churches or schools on the grounds of race, color, or ethnic-
ity where there is a pastor licensed with the United Pentecostal Church
International. “God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that
feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35).
4. The use of racial slurs and other negative pejoratives used to describe people
of a different race, color, or ethnicity is not conversation becoming of a
Christian and undermines the holiness message and testimony of the United
Pentecostal Church International. “But now ye also put off all these ... filthy
communication out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8).
5. Because acts of racial prejudice are a sin against both our brother and the
body of Christ, we declare such behavior worthy of correction and rebuke.
These things are to be observed without partiality. “But if ye show partial-
ity, ye commit sin” (James 2:9 NKJV) and “Them that sin rebuke before all,
that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one
before another, doing nothing by partiality” (1 Timothy 5:20-21).
6. Because we are a body of Apostolic believers, the United Pentecostal Church
International must continue to take deliberate, intentional steps toward inclu-
sion in all areas of the fellowship and at all levels of the organization. We
recognize that the need for inclusion is a basic human need that must not be
ignored so that unity and harmony can be maintained as we see the numbers of
disciples of diverse ethnic backgrounds being added to the church.
7. The United Pentecostal Church International is committed to making sure that
it operates in harmony with its true passion and purpose by attempting within
all reasonableness to ensure inclusion of all special events and other non-
elected functions to reflect the unity and diversity of the United Pentecostal
8. As the largest and leading Apostolic holiness movement in the world, the
United Pentecostal Church International is dedicated to overcoming any
appearance of racism within the church by making a deliberate effort toward
inclusion and a firm open stand against racial bigotry and segregation. “Prove
all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil”
(1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
9. Finally we declare that as children of God it is not enough to avoid evil. We
must proactively take advantage of every opportunity to do what is right espe-
cially to those who are of the house hold of faith. (See 1 John 3:10, Galatians
6:9-10, James 4:17.) To do otherwise is sin.
RESTORATION OF MINISTERS
From the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem, the Bible traces God’s plan
to restore fallen man to Himself. The focus of the plan is Jesus Christ, who as God
manifest in flesh was the substitutionary sacrifice that opened the door to forgiveness,
justification, regeneration, sanctification, and reconciliation. “To wit, that God was in
Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (II Corinthians 5:19).
The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son illustrate that God wants
to restore to Himself that which was lost by man’s sin. All three parables emphasize

2017 POSITION PAPERS RESTORATION OF MINISTERS 191
the recovery of something lost, and while they may merely reflect God’s desire to
save lost humanity, they may equally reveal God’s desire to restore backslidden
Christians. This is especially true in the parable of the lost son, who left home, lived
sinfully, repented, and returned to ask forgiveness and to be a servant. Of course, the
father restored him to be his son, illustrating that restored backsliders have the same
status as before they backslid.
John wrote, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And
if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and
he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the
whole world” (I John 2:1-2). In this passage, he stated that the same “propitiation”
takes away the sins committed by both Christians and sinners who are coming to God
for the first time.
John also wrote that Christians are to pray that a brother who sins be forgiven:
“If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he
shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do
not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto
death.” Since Jesus said that there was only one sin that cannot be forgiven, the sin of
blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Matthew 12:31; Mark 3:28-29), almost all fallen
Christians can be restored.
Galatians 6:1 specifically instructs “spiritual” Christians to restore brethren who
have been “overtaken in a fault.” Prayer, perhaps the first and most important step in
restoring a fallen brother, should be followed by other steps to help the fallen person
regain his standing with God and the church.
In I Corinthians 5:1-13, Paul addressed a problem in the church that concerned
a brother who committed fornication with his father’s wife. Apparently the church
did not condemn the sin or remove the sinning brother from the church membership.
Therefore Paul reproved them harshly and instructed them to “deliver such an one unto
Satan for the destruction of the flesh . . . [to] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye
may be a new lump . . . [and] not to company with fornicators: yet not altogether with
the fornicators of this world . . . But now have I written unto you not to keep company,
if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer,
or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” The church was to
sever its relationship with the brother who fell into the sin of fornication.
The question arises: Should a fornicator be restored to the church if he or she
repents? It appears that Paul’s stern rebuke caused the church to shun the fornicator
even after he or she repented. Thus Paul in his second letter to the church in Corinth
instructed the church to restore the repentant fornicator to the church as a fellow
Christian: “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps
such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you
that ye would confirm your love toward him” (II Corinthians 2:6-8).
Jesus told us that the forgiveness of our trespasses depends upon our forgiving
others their trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15). The Bible admonishes us to be kind “one
to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath
forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Only in a climate of kindness, tenderheartedness,
and forgiveness can restoration be accomplished; a harsh, judgmental climate acts
contrary to the love and mercy of God.
The Bible clearly teaches that every Christian who fails God, except those who
blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, can be restored to salvation (Matthew 12:31;
Mark 3:28-29). Restoration therefore includes both laypeople and ministers, even if
they commit fornication, fall prey to greed, become a drunkard, lose self-control, or
turn to the worship of idols. Moreover, all who are restored become free from con-
demnation before God and should be welcomed and trusted by the church.

192 RESTORATION OF MINISTERS 2017 POSITION PAPERS
The Bible is not so clear about restoring a person to a place of leadership in the
church. Although the word restore indicates a return to the original position, favor,
and acceptance, its use in Galatians 6:1 deals with the restoration to salvation and not
with a restoration to a position in the church. To use this verse to teach more than a
restoration to salvation extends it beyond its scriptural context.
Restoration of a fallen minister to his or her ministry finds at best weak support
in the Old Testament. It is true that King David was restored to God after his sin with
Bathsheba, including both adultery and murder, and that he was not removed from his
role as king of the nation. But the position of king is not a type of the New Testament
ministry, which is patterned more after the priests and the prophets. Although David
prophesied and wrote prophetic Scripture after his restoration, even his psalm of
repentance, David was not recognized as a prophet as was Nathan. He did not occupy
the office of a prophet. In other words, during his life, David was known as a king,
not as a prophet. Perhaps his prophetic writings can be compared with the spiritual
gifts in I Corinthians 12 and 14, but it is doubtful that his life can serve as a type for
the New Testament ministry.
One looks in vain for a prophet who backslid and was restored to his office or a
priest who became corrupt and was restored to his priesthood. While some restora-
tion of these religious leaders may have occurred, the Old Testament is silent on the
restoration of prophets and priests.
The same silence prevails in the New Testament, for there is no example of a
minister who backslid away from God and the church being restored to his or her
ministry. This does not mean that ministers did not fail, for all the disciples failed
Jesus in some way during the time of His trial and crucifixion. John Mark left the mis-
sion field apparently because of a character flaw, and Peter showed prejudice against
the Gentiles in order to appease Jewish Christians.
At the time of the Crucifixion, the failure of two disciples stands out, Judas’
betrayal of Christ and Peter’s denial of Him. To both of these men, Jesus appar-
ently offered the opportunity to be restored, but only Peter found restoration. Judas
tried to undo his deed and, having failed, he committed suicide. On the other hand,
Peter wept bitter tears of sorrow and regret over his sin and was restored to God’s
favor and even to his apostleship. The restoration of Peter is the nearest example
of a restored minister in the New Testament, but the example is not perfect since
the sin and restoration predate the Day of Pentecost, the birth date of the church.
What can we infer from the silence of the Bible on the subject of restoring minis-
ters? At least three answers are possible: (1) The silence indicates that ministers are to
be restored to salvation in the same manner as other backsliders, and this restoration
means to their ministry in the church. (2) The silence indicates that restoration of a
fallen minister to the ministry is not possible. (3) The silence indicates that God has
delegated authority to the church to set the limits and develop the process of restor-
ing fallen ministers to the ministry. The United Pentecostal Church International has
followed the third interpretation.
Several questions confront an organization in deciding who can be restored to
the ministry: (1) Can a minister who commits a sexual sin such as fornication and
adultery be restored to the ministry? In other words, are sexual sins so different from
other sins that they forever disqualify a person from being restored to the ministry?
Further, if a sexual sin committed by a minister forever disqualifies him or her from
the ministry, does committing a sexual sin disqualify a sinner from becoming a min-
ister? (2) Are all sexual sins to be treated the same? (3) Can a minister who commits
a serious violent sin such as murder or attempted murder be restored to the ministry?
(4) Can a minister who commits a serious crime against society be restored to the
ministry? (5) Can a minister who turns from the faith to a false religion such as idola-
try be restored to the ministry?
The New Testament lists several qualifications for ministers in I Timothy 3:1-7;
6:11, II Timothy 2:22-25, Titus 1:5-9, and various other places. These biblical quali-

22017 POSITION PAPERS THE REVISED STANDARD VERSION 193
fications serve as guidelines for issuing licenses and restoring a fallen minister to the
ministry. Moreover, New Testament ministers serve as examples for us to follow.
One minister, Demas, who forsook Paul and returned to worldly pursuits, serves as
a warning against loving this present world. With these qualifications and examples,
and with the guidance of the Holy Ghost, a church governing body can establish
qualifications for the ministry and set limits and procedure for restoring fallen preach-
ers to the ministry.
One of the qualifications for the office of bishop is that he “must have a good
report of them which are without” (I Timothy 3:7), indicating the importance of the
reputation of a minister. The committee noted that according to Proverbs 6:32-33
adultery brings a reproach that can never be erased: “But whoso committeth adultery
with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A
wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.”
If a comparison of I Timothy 3:7 and Proverbs 6:32-33 is interpreted to disqualify
a fallen minister from being restored to the ministry, the same interpretation would
also exclude any person who commits adultery before entering the ministry, even if
the sin is committed before salvation. To interpret the phrase in I Peter 4:17, “For
the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God,” to mean that the
reproach of adultery is removed by the blood of Jesus when a person comes into the
church but the same blood cannot cleanse the reproach of a Christian who commits
adultery fails to correctly interpret the verse. While the new convert begins a new
life with his or her sins washed away, it is equally true that a Christian who sins and
repents also has his or her sins washed away.
In the United Pentecostal Church International, restoration of a fallen minister
is limited to those who do not commit sexual sins: “Any minister affiliated with our
organization proven guilty of adultery or fornication, or committing any other immor-
al offense shall forfeit his or her papers immediately. . . . Such minister shall never
be qualified for reinstatement into the ministry of the United Pentecostal Church
International” (Article VII, Section 9, Paragraphs 2-3, UPCI Manual).
A fallen minister may be used in his or her local church under the direction of the
pastor. Although he or she may never again hold ministerial credentials, he or she can
feel restored not only to God but also to an active role in the church.
All ministers should extend a hand of mercy, compassion, and love in an effort
to restore fallen ministers. We are to restore them not with harsh judgment but in a
spirit of meekness and love, taking heed that we will not fail God ourselves. This is
the admonition of the Bible.
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an
one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye
one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. But if a man think himself to
be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his
own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For
every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate
unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall
of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life
everlasting. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if
we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially
unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:1-10).
THE REVISED STANDARD VERSION

Inasmuch as the United Pentecostal Church International believes in the inspira-
tion of the holy Scriptures, given to us by holy men of God who spoke as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost, and

194 SPORTS (ORGANIZED) 2017 POSITION PAPERS
[Inasmuch as] we believe the Scriptures to be the Word of God given to us by

divine authority,
We hereby declare our position regarding the new translation of the Bible in
modern speech known as the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted by
the National Council of Churches in America:
Whereas upon examining the Revised Standard Version of the Bible we find [that]
many [passages concerning] the fundamentals of our Christian faith and doctrine have
been changed and are very misleading, namely, the virgin birth of Christ, remission of
sins as taught in the New Testament, the deity of Christ, and other truths, and
Whereas a majority of the committee of translators themselves, according to their
associations, connections and records, are [shown] to be modernist and liberal schol-
ars who do not believe or embrace the revealed truths of God’s holy Word, including
the plan of God’s salvation, . . .
Be it therefore resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International declare
its disapproval of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted by the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
Be it further resolved that we continue to accept the King James Version of the
Bible as the most accurate translation of the Scriptures to be used in our churches
and among our people.
SPORTS (ORGANIZED)
Adopted by the General Board and presented to
the General Conference in the form of
a recommendation in 1984
Whereas the General Board has carefully and prayerfully considered the matter of
organized sports and the effects it could have upon our churches, and
Whereas organized sports as the world knows it has an attitude and appearance
that oppose Pentecostal principles, teachings, and standards, and
Whereas we would be entering into an area that could adversely affect our doc-
trine of separation, and
Whereas in the interest of preserving the beautiful things of holiness and dedica-
tion given to us by prayerful, godly men who sacrificed and suffered for the great
cause we represent,
The General Board recommends that United Pentecostals refrain from participat-
ing in organized sports. This recommendation is not to restrict the local church in its
recreational activities which offer good wholesome exercise and Christian fellowship.
TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION
Whereas the United States Constitution guarantees the separation of church and
state, and
Whereas the program of Transcendental Meditation and the Science of Creative
Intelligence is a religious system embracing Hindu principles and rituals, and
Whereas this religious system is detrimental to the Christian fundamentals of our
American heritage, and
Whereas Transcendental Meditation promoted as only a system of mind relax-
ation has been funded by several thousand dollars from various federal agencies to be
taught as a course of study in colleges, public schools, and armed forces, and
Whereas several Congressmen are promoting the further use of this subject in our
nation’s educational system,
Be it therefore resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International go on

2017 POSITION PAPERS THE TRUE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST 195
record as strongly objecting to the further funding, promotion, or teaching of this

subject in the classrooms and institutions of America.
THE TRUE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST

Introduction
Uncompromising monotheism is one of the clearest themes of Scripture. Simply
stated, God is absolutely and indivisibly one. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one
Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:4). There are no essential distinctions in His eternal nature.
All names and titles of the Deity—such as God (Elohim), Jehovah (Yahweh), Lord,
Father, Word, and Holy Spirit—refer to one and the same being. Any plurality associ-
ated with God merely relates to attributes, titles, roles, manifestations, or aspects of
God’s self-revelation to humans.
God is holy—pure, perfect, undefiled by sin or evil (Leviticus 11:45). Therefore,
God cannot be defiled by matter or flesh. He is absolute, incorruptible, immutable,
unchanging. (See Psalm 102:27; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 1:12; 6:17-18; James 1:17.)
Jesus Christ is the one God “manifest in the flesh” (I Timothy 3:16). “God was in
Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (II Corinthians 5:19). “For it pleased the
Father that in him should all fulness dwell” (Colossians 1:19). “In him dwelleth all
the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).
“Manifest in the flesh” means much more than “inhabiting flesh.” The use of the
word bodily in Colossians 2:9 eliminates the idea of God merely dwelling in a fleshly
container. Rather, all the fullness dwelt “in him” and “in him . . . bodily.” “In him” is
a reference to Christ in all the scriptural significance of the title and person. For this
reason, we should avoid terminology that does not fit scriptural usage or reflect the full
meaning. For example, it is erroneous to say that God dwells in flesh like water in a
glass. The glass is merely a container, but when God came in flesh, deity and humanity
were joined together in the one person of Jesus Christ. Christ was the Word become
flesh (John 1:14). He was “conceived” by a virgin (Luke 1:31; 2:21), gestated in her
womb (Luke 2:5-6), and born of her (Luke 1:35; 2:7; Matthew 1:16-25).
Jesus is God in the Old Testament sense; that is what New Testament writers
meant when they called Jesus God. Jesus accepted Thomas’s confession of Him
as “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28-29). Many other scriptural passages reveal
the identity of Jesus as God. (See Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 35:4-6; 45:21-23; John 1:1-14;
8:56-58; 10:30-38; 14:9-11; Acts 20:28; Romans 9:5; II Corinthians 4:4; Colossians
1:15-19; Titus 2:13.) Some people maintain that only one of three divine persons, a
second person who is called “God the Son,” came in flesh, but the Bible does not
make such a claim; it simply says that God was manifest in the flesh. Jesus is not the
incarnation of one person of a trinity but the incarnation of all the identity, character,
and personality of the one God.
When God came in the flesh, God did not become defiled, for He is unchanging
in holiness and incorruptible (Romans 1:23). Instead, He made it possible for sinners
to become pure, and indeed our salvation rests upon this truth. Therefore, when Jesus
was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary, He was not tainted by the nature of
sin. Instead, the Spirit of God caused the child to be holy (Luke 1:35).
Jesus is unchanging as to His deity and holiness (Hebrews 13:8). He cannot be
defiled by sin, flesh, or matter: “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harm-
less, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Hebrews
7:26). When humans touch something unclean, it does not become holy; rather, they
become unclean. (See Haggai 2:11-14.) For example, under Old Testament law, peo-
ple became unclean when they touched a corpse, a leper, or someone with a discharge
of bodily fluid (Numbers 5:1-3). Because Jesus was God manifested in the flesh,
however, when He touched something unclean, He did not become unclean: instead
the unclean thing became clean. When Jesus touched a leper, the leper was healed.

196 THE TRUE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST 2017 POSITION PAPERS
When He touched the bier of a dead man, the man was raised from the dead. When a
woman with an issue of blood touched Jesus, He was not defiled, but the woman was
healed. When Jesus took a dead girl by the hand, the girl came back to life. (See Luke
5:12-14; 7:14-15; 8:43-44, 53-55.) Thus Jesus could come “in the likeness of sinful
flesh, and for sin” in order to become the sacrifice for sin, yet without being tainted
by sin; instead He “condemned sin in the flesh” and “taste[d] death for every man.”
(See Romans 8:3; II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 2:9.) Although Jesus can be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities, He is without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
The Scriptures proclaim the genuine and complete humanity of Jesus. (See
Romans 1:3; Hebrews 2:14-17; 5:7-8.) “The Word was made flesh” (John 1:14).
Here, “flesh” does not merely mean a physical body but true and complete human
identity. In whatever way that we define the essential components of humanity, Christ
had them. He was human in body, soul, spirit, mind, and will. (See Matthew 26:38-
39; Luke 23:46; Acts 2:27-31.) Jesus was both the Son of God and the Son of man
(Son of humanity). God’s Spirit caused a virgin to conceive; therefore, the holy child
to whom she gave birth is the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Because “that holy thing”
which was born of her was God manifest in the flesh, He is also the Son of man.
“Son of” also means “having the nature or character of,” as in “sons of thunder,”
“sons of Belial,” and “son of consolation.” Jesus had the very character of God as
well as that of perfect humanity, for no one can be like God in every way, be equal
with God, or have God’s complete character without being the one God Himself.
(See Isaiah 46:9; 48:11; John 5:18.) The identification of Jesus as the unique Son of
God signifies that He is God in flesh. Jesus was a perfect human. He was more than
a visible appearance of God, and He was more than God animating a human body.
He was actually God incarnate—God dwelling and manifesting Himself as a true
human, with everything humanity includes except for sin. If He had anything less
than full humanity, the Incarnation would not be genuine and the Atonement would
not be complete.
Christ’s true humanity does not mean He had a sinful nature, for sin cannot attach
itself to deity. Moreover, a sinful nature was not originally part of the human race.
(See Genesis 1:27, 31.) Christ was subject to all human temptations and infirmities,
but He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He committed no sin, and sin was not in Him
(I Peter 2:22; I John 3:5).
The Union of Deity and Humanity in Christ

A true Christology must distinguish between God in His transcendence and God
as manifested in the flesh. Otherwise, there is no way to explain the prayers of Christ,
His submission to the Father’s will, the Son’s lack of independent knowledge and
power, and so on. Oneness theology stresses that these examples and others like them
do not prove a plurality of divine persons but simply demonstrate and arise from the
authentic humanity of Jesus Christ. He was a real man in every way, and He under-
went everything in the human experience, except for sin. His humanity, as well as His
deity, was full and complete. In every way that we humans can speak of our humanity
and our relationship to God, so could Jesus, except for sin. Yet He could also speak
and act as God, for He was simultaneously God and man.
Sometimes He acted and spoke from the human perspective, as when He hun-
gered; and sometimes He acted and spoke from the divine perspective, as when He
fed a multitude from five loaves of bread and two fish. On the cross, He cried from the
depths of His humanity, “I thirst,” “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Yet on the cross He also exercised
the prerogative of God alone when He promised the repentant thief, “To day shalt
thou be with me in paradise.” (See Matthew 27:46; Luke 23:43, 46; John 19:28.)
When the Bible says Christ died, it refers to the death of the human manifesta-
tion, for deity cannot die. When it says Christ dwells in the hearts of believers, it

refers to His divine Spirit. Only as a human could Jesus be born, grow, be tempted
by the devil, hunger, thirst, become weary, sleep, pray, be beaten, die, not know all
things, not have all power, be inferior to God, and be a servant. Yet because He was
also God, He could exist from eternity, be unchanging, cast out demons by His own
authority, be the Bread of Life, give living water, give spiritual rest, calm the storm,
answer prayer, heal the sick, raise His body from death, forgive sin, know all things,
have all power, be identified as God, and be King of kings. In an ordinary person,
these two contrasting lists would be mutually exclusive, yet the Scriptures attribute
both to Jesus.
This distinguishing between deity and humanity explains the biblical difference
in the use of the titles “Father” and “Son.” Any attempt to identify two persons from
these two titles falls into either the error of ditheism or the error of subordinationism.
Although we can recognize both deity and humanity, it is impossible to separate
the two in Christ. It is apparent that Jesus was human in every way, but it is equally
apparent that in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Humanity and
deity were inseparably joined in His one Spirit. (See John 1:1, 14; 10:30, 38; 14:10-
11.) While there was a distinction between the divine will and His human will, He
always submitted His human will to the divine will. (See John 5:19, 30; 8:28; 12:49-
50; 14:10.)
There is no way to glorify God except through this union of deity and humanity
we know as Jesus Christ, for He is God’s permanent self-revelation (Romans 16:27).
He will never cease to be God and man united. (See Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 22:3-4.)
While on earth Jesus was fully God, not merely an anointed man. At the same
time, He was fully human, not just in the appearance of a human. He was God by
nature, by right, by identity; He was not merely deified by an anointing or indwelling.
(See John 3:34.) The humanity of Jesus was inextricably joined with all the fullness
of God’s Spirit. (See Colossians 1:19.)
Christ did not have two personalities. He had a unique personality that was the
perfect union of deity and humanity. The divine personality permeated and colored
every aspect of the humanity.
Scriptural Truths about Christ’s Humanity

From Scripture we discover the following truths about Christ’s humanity.
1. Jesus did not inherit sin, for deity cannot be tainted by sin. Instead, sinful flesh
is made pure by the touch of deity. (See Isaiah 6:5-7.) The child Jesus was born holy
because He was the Word become flesh and because His conception was the result
of the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt
among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)
full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). “And the angel answered and said unto her, The
Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow
thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son
of God” (Luke 1:35).
2. Jesus was the biological descendant of Adam and Eve, Abraham, and David.
He was born with the same kind of human identity that Adam and Eve had when
they were first created. (See John 1:14; I John 4:2; I Timothy 3:16.) He was the
seed of the woman, “the seed of Abraham,” “the seed of David,” and “the offspring
of David.” (See Genesis 3:15; John 7:42; Acts 13:23; Romans 1:3; Galatians 3:16;
II Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 2:16; Revelation 22:16.) Jesus was a natural Israelite in
the same way as Paul. (See Romans 9:3-5.) The Messiah was “of the fruit of his
[David’s] loins, according to the flesh” (Acts 2:30).
In the New Testament passages that say Jesus is the “seed” of Abraham and of
David, the Greek word sperma is used, meaning biological offspring. It is erroneous
to say that the word seed refers metaphorically to Jesus Christ without reference to
physical descent. God gave promises to Abraham’s seed, who are identified first and

foremost as his physical descendants (plural). (See Genesis 17:7-13.) Galatians 3:16
points out that Jesus is the supreme descendant (singular) of Abraham through whom
these promises would be fulfilled in the ultimate sense and made available all who
have faith in Christ.
From a study of many passages, we see that both the Hebrew and Greek words
translated “seed” in the Bible refer primarily to biological offspring of men and
women and only secondarily serve as a metaphor for spiritual offspring. Jesus Himself
identified the Jews, even those who sought to kill Him, as being Abraham’s seed
(John 8:37). Mary understood Abraham’s seed to include “the fathers,” to whom
God’s promises were made (Luke 1:55). Stephen, the church’s first martyr, identi-
fied Abraham’s child Isaac and his offspring as Abraham’s seed (Acts 7:5-6). Peter
understood that the “men of Israel” were the covenant seed (Acts 3:12, 25). Paul
wrote of “all the seed,” demonstrating that the word applies to all believers as well
as all of Abraham’s physical offspring (Romans 4:16; 9:29). Paul included the many
nations that came from Abraham’s offspring in the seed of which God spoke (Romans
4:18; 11:1; II Corinthians 11:22). Moreover, Paul extended the scope of the word
seed to include all who would become believers in Christ as the spiritual offspring of
Abraham and the children of God (Romans 9:7-8; Galatians 3:29).
Finally, God’s Word specifically uses the word sperma as a reference to the sex
cell of a woman as well as that of men. In fact, the Bible uses no other word to refer
to the female sex cell. “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive
seed [sperma], and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she
judged him faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). Sara “conceived seed.”
While it is true that women do not have sperm, the meanings of the Hebrew word
(zera) and the Greek word (sperma) are not limited to the male sex cell, or to Christ.
Thus, Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus Christ was biologically and genetically
related to Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David through Eve and the virgin
Mary, His mother.
3. Jesus was the biological descendant of Mary. Mary was not an “incubator” for
“divine flesh.” She did not merely bear Christ, but she “conceive[d]” Christ in her
womb (Luke 1:31). The Scriptures identify Mary as the mother of Jesus (Matthew
1:18; 2:11; Luke 2:34, 43, 48, 51). The angels specifically identified her as the true
mother of Jesus (Matthew 2:13, 19-20). The word mother cannot be applied to a mere
incubator. It demands a biological relationship. Jesus was “made of a woman, made
under the law” (Galatians 4:4).
4. It was necessary for Jesus to come as one of us, to be genetically part of the
human race, with human flesh and blood, and yet without sin, in order to be our High
Priest and to reconcile us to God. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of
flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who
through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took
not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore
in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a
merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation
for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is
able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:14-18). “Seeing then that we have
a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold
fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the
feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”
(Hebrews 4:14-15).
5. As a human, Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. “And
Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with
strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard

in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which
he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:7-9).
6. There was a change in Christ’s body at His resurrection. Before His resurrec-
tion, Jesus had a flesh-and-blood body capable of suffering, death, and decay, but in
His resurrection His body was changed to be incorruptible (incapable of decay) and
immortal (incapable of death). “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth
no more; death hath no more dominion over him” (Romans 6:9). David prophesied of
Christ, “Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell: neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One
to see corruption” (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27). Peter explained that this prophecy was
fulfilled by the resurrection of Christ: “He seeing this before spake of the resurrec-
tion of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption”
(Acts 2:31). Likewise, Paul quoted the same verse from Psalms, stating that Christ
was resurrected from the dead “now no more to return to corruption” (Acts 13:34-35).
According to this prophecy, as applied by both Peter and Paul, the body of Christ
would have decayed except for the miracle of His resurrection.
In His resurrection, Christ is “the firstfruits of them that slept” (I Corinthians
15:20). Through Christ came “the resurrection of the dead” (I Corinthians 15:21).
I Corinthians 15:42-44 explains what happens at “the resurrection of the dead”: “It
is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised
in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is
raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.”
Our resurrection will be the same as His and will give us a body like His. In both
cases, “resurrection” refers to the same process, so that Christ’s resurrection made
Him the “firstfruits” of believers. “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood
cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in
a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corrupt-
ible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (I Corinthians
15:50-53). “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall
see him as he is” (I John 3:2).
In short, the Bible reveals that the humanity of Christ had to qualify for exaltation
and glorification, which occurred by His death, resurrection, and ascension. (See
Psalm 2:7 with Acts 13:32-34; Psalm 110:1-3 with Ephesians 1:19-23; Psalm 110:4
with Hebrews 5:1-11; Isaiah 28:16 with I Peter 2:6-8; John 7:39; 17:1; Acts 2:33;
3:13; 4:10-12; 5:31; Romans 1:3-4; Philippians 2:5-11.) If Jesus Christ were not
truly human with full human potential for suffering, experience, obedience, growth,
and transformation, then these texts would be meaningless when they speak of Him
as becoming perfect through suffering and being exalted by resurrection. If His
body had no biological or genetic relationship to other human beings, if He were
“divine flesh” or otherwise exempt from human frailty, such qualifications would be
meaningless, because deity does not need to qualify for glorification, exaltation, or
any role He chooses to take in the affairs of His creation.
Only when we acknowledge Jesus was a true human being descended through the
human race can we understand these statements. The man Christ Jesus had to dem-
onstrate Himself worthy of the task and titles He was sent to fulfill. “Now I say, That
the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord
of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even
so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but
when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman,
made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive
the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:1-5). In this regard, Hebrews 5:5-9 explains, “So

also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him,
Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou
art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh,
when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto
him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though
he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being
made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
Summary
In denominational Christendom, Christology, or the doctrine of Christ, was
defined by the Council of Chalcedon (a.d. 451) as follows: Christ has two natures in
one person. The technical terms nature and person, however, are not suitable under
all circumstances. Derived from Greek philosophy and colored by trinitarian usage,
they are inadequate to convey the full biblical concept of the Incarnation. For exam-
ple, it is inaccurate to say one nature prayed to another or one nature loved another.
It is more accurate to say simply that Christ prayed as an authentic human and that
the Son loved the Father as all humans are to love God. We cannot speak of persons
in the Godhead, but we can say Christ is a person who lived on earth.
In short, we cannot accept the trinitarian presuppositions and concepts of
Chalcedon, nor do we endorse Chalcedon’s designation of Mary as the mother of
God. Neither can we accept any doctrine that espouses a corruptible deity or that
divorces Jesus Christ from a biological and genetic relationship to humanity. But we
do accept the basic idea that humanity and deity are inseparably united in the one
person of Christ.
In the final analysis, rather than debating Christology in historical and philosophi-
cal terms, from the Oneness perspective it is preferable to pass over the ancient creeds
and councils and go back to Scripture. Based on Scripture we can make five important
affirmations regarding the doctrine of Christ:
1. Christ is full and perfect God, the one true God incarnate.
2. Christ is full and perfect human, without sin.
3. There is a distinction between the transcendent, eternal Deity and His mani-
festation in flesh as the man Christ Jesus. The Gospels reveal that Christ is
both human and divine. Some scenes and sayings primarily demonstrate His
humanity and some His deity. None of the demonstrations of His humanity
deny His deity, and none of the demonstrations of His deity deny His human-
ity. His humanity did not exist separately from His deity, and His deity was
not fully revealed without His humanity.
4. Deity and humanity are inseparably united in Christ. Christ is not a Spirit-
filled person as we are, capable of living as a human apart from the Spirit.
Rather, while we can recognize both deity and humanity in Christ, they are
so united that Christ is one person in every way. Jesus is God manifest in the
flesh—not God by an indwelling, but by incarnation, identity, and essence.
5. The genetic relationship of Christ to humanity was inherited through His
mother, Mary. He is thereby part of the human race; the biological descendant
of Adam and Eve, Abraham, and David; and qualified to reconcile sinful
humans to God. Because the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, Jesus was the
unique, holy union of the Word of God and true genetic humanity. The doc-
trine of the “divine flesh” or “heavenly flesh” of Christ—defined as the denial
that Jesus Christ was biologically or genetically related to humanity through
His mother Mary—is scripturally false. Moreover, the denial of the biological
or genetic relationship of Jesus Christ to other human beings is contrary to
both the Articles of Faith and the International Articles of Faith of the United
Pentecostal Church International, which state, “Jesus on His Father’s side was
divine, on His mother’s side, human; thus, He was known as the Son of God
and also the Son of man, or the God-man.”

2017 POSITION PAPERS UNITY OF ONENESS BELIEVERS 201
Jesus Christ is the fullness of God dwelling as perfect humanity; God manifested
Himself as a perfect human being. Jesus Christ is not a mere man, a demigod, a second
person “in” the Godhead, a divine person temporarily stripped of some divine attributes,
the transmutation of God into flesh, the manifestation of a portion of God, the animation
of a human body by God, God manifesting Himself in an incomplete humanity, God
coming in a “human” identity that is not biologically related to Adam and Eve, or God
temporarily dwelling in a separate human person. Jesus Christ is the incarnation, the
embodiment, the human personification and manifestation of the one God.
UNITY OF ONENESS BELIEVERS

Inasmuch as the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is so near at hand and
the church called by His name who are the elect of Christ, known as His bride, shall
all, both the dead in Christ and those who remain and are alive, be caught up together
to meet the Lord in the air and shall forever be with Him, and
Inasmuch as the Lord Himself prayed that we all be one (John 17:11, 15, 20-23),
and the apostle Paul emphatically told us [that] the body is one and further [that]
“there should be no schism [division] in the body; but that the members should have
the same care one for another” (I Corinthians 12:12-13, 25), and in I Corinthians 1:13
he asked, “Is Christ divided?” thus admonishing us that as Christ prayed we be one
and that we are one in spirit and body, and God is not the author of confusion and
division, and we have knowledge of forty, fifty, or more different factions, organiza-
tions, and/or groups who believe the same gospel; also realizing [that] we the United
Pentecostal Church International are one of these and probably the largest group of
this number, thus making our position the “big brother” in the family and thus lay-
ing upon us the burden and responsibility of concern about this ill which violates the
prayer, plan, and purpose of our Lord and the teachings of the apostle Paul and all of
heaven and the Bible, our eternal road map, and
Inasmuch as we are taught to “do good unto all men, especially unto them who are
of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10), and “if any provide not for his own, and spe-
cially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel”
(I Timothy 5:8); and be it further acknowledged that there does exist among the people
of God such ills as jealousy, pride, lack of brotherly love, disrespect, undue criticism,
possibly hatred, slander, and numerous other such ills which should have no place in
the body of true Christian believers, and which shall have no place in heaven,
Be it resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International in this confer-
ence take steps to endeavor to eliminate the division that is among brethren of like
precious faith: first by humbling our hearts before God asking His forgiveness and
mercy and help that we might have the right attitude toward all clean, holy Oneness
people of God; [and second] by extending an open-door invitation to any who desire
to meet any of our boards, officials, or ministers to discuss and consider grounds of
fellowship; [and third] in the event of mutual agreement for basis of fellowship with
the consent of the District Board each fellowship be approved.
Be it further resolved that we request our General Board to call a General
Conference of Oneness Pentecostal ministers regardless of organization or independent
persuasion for the purpose of striving together for true Christian fellowship with closer
and more peaceful relationship, and if possible a reunion of oneness in body and effort
toward preaching the gospel to the whole world as one united people with the same
spirit [so] that we might wipe away the reproach of division and all its ills which our
Lord is not pleased with and which brings due criticism from the world and religious
denominations and which shall have no place in heaven; thus with one accord, one
mind, and one spirit, [and] with boldness and real love, present one solid front against
the devil and sin, and with the power of God and strength of unity reach arms around
the world to help save the lost before the soon and certain coming of our Lord.

2017 CHURCH MANUAL 203
The goal of printing an up-to-date Directory can only be obtained by working

together. Requests for changes must be sent quickly to the UPCI World Headquarters
and then properly updated in all areas.
In order to reduce mistakes, a form is hereby provided for the purpose of unifying
the procedure.
Please fill out and mail the form immediately upon any change of address, name of
church, change of pastors, or any other need which affects the Directory.
The changes throughout the year are updated on October 1 which is the deadline for
printing the new Directory. Additional forms will be sent upon request.
For your convenience and to expedite the entry of your information, you may choose
to update via the web instead of mailing this form. To update your information, go to
www.upciministers.com. This area is restricted to Ministers and is not available to the
general public.
MINISTERS INFORMATION FORM

For the Ministers Ministerial Directory ID Number _________________
NAME_________________________________________________
(Please print or type)
ADDRESS______________________________________________
CITY________________________STATE_______ ZIP___________
TELEPHONE ( )________________________________________
MINISTERS INFORMATION FORM

NAME_________________________________________________
ADDRESS______________________________________________
CITY________________________STATE_______ ZIP___________
TELEPHONE ( )________________________________________

2017 CHURCH MANUAL 205
The goal of printing an up-to-date Directory can only be obtained by working

together. Requests for changes must be sent quickly to the UPCI World Headquarters
and then properly updated in all areas.
In order to reduce mistakes, a form is hereby provided for the purpose of unifying
the procedure.
Please fill out and mail the form immediately upon any change of address, name of
church, change of pastors, or any other need which affects the Directory.
The changes throughout the year are updated on October 1 which is the deadline for
printing the new Directory. Additional forms will be sent upon request.
For your convenience and to expedite the entry of your information, you may choose
to update via the web instead of mailing this form. To update your information, go to
www.upciministers.com. This area is restricted to Ministers and is not available to the
general public.
CHURCH INFORMATION FORM

NAME_________________________________________________
ADDRESS______________________________________________
(Physical)
CITY________________________STATE_______ ZIP___________
TELEPHONE ( )____________________________________
NAME_________________________________________________
ADDRESS______________________________________________
(Mailing)
CITY________________________STATE_______ ZIP___________
CHURCH INFORMATION FORM

NAME_________________________________________________
ADDRESS______________________________________________
(Physical)
CITY________________________STATE_______ ZIP___________
TELEPHONE ( )____________________________________
NAME_________________________________________________
ADDRESS______________________________________________
(Mailing)
CITY________________________STATE_______ ZIP___________


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INDEX

2017 UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL • MANUAL

QUALIFICATIONS FOR DISTRICT OFFICERS

LOCAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT

The Whole Gospel • To The Whole World • By The Whole Church

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Visit upciministers.com for the latest information

United Pentecostal Church International World Headquarters

Phone: 636.229.7900 • Fax: 636.939.7555

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GENERAL EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS

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HONORARY GENERAL PRESBYTERS

PRESIDING OFFICERS FOR JUDICIAL PROCEDURE

MINISTERS APPEAL COUNCIL

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BUILDING THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES

BUILDING THE BRIDGE ADVISORY COUNCIL

CHURCH GROWTH MINISTRY

(Continued on next page)

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EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

Edwin Forkpa...................African Immigrants Evangelism Ministry (R.A.I.N.) Coordinator

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 teve Breceda................. Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.)

SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

Raul Orozco.................................................................................................... Director

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36 Research Park Court

WOMEN IN MINISTRY NETWORK

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RETIRED MILITARY CHAPLAINS

(Continued on next page)

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APOSTOLIC BIBLE INSTITUTE INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE

CENTRO TEOLOGICO MINISTERIAL NORTHEAST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

(Continued on next page)

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LIFE IN FOCUS EDUCATION REACH OUT AMERICA,

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PENTECOSTAL HERITAGE SOCIETY

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF ONENESS PENTECOSTALISM

36 Research Park Court

WORLD NETWORK OF PRAYER

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UNITED PENTECOSTAL FOUNDATION

UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH LOAN FUND

UNITED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, INCORPORATED

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APOSTOLIC MAN VICE PRESIDENT

APOSTOLIC MAN Website-Apostolicman.com

Send all Father’s Day offerings to

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EXECUTIVE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

teve Breceda................. Native American Ministries and Evangelism (N.A.M.E.)