6 - 8 Nathan Drive Campbellfield VIC 3061
The Church of Pentecost: A Brief History
The Church of Pentecost, like many great institutions, began with humble origins. Its foundation is closely tied to the ministry of Pastor James McKeown (1900–1989), an Irish missionary sent by the Apostolic Church in Bradford, United Kingdom, to the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1937. He was tasked with assisting a group of believers of the Apostolic Faith, led by Rev. Peter Newman, who later founded Christ Apostolic Church in the town of Asamankese. In 1939, doctrinal differences surrounding divine healing led to a split within the group, resulting in the formation of two entities: Christ Apostolic Church and the Apostolic Church, Gold Coast. Under the leadership of Pastor James McKeown, the Apostolic Church, Gold Coast experienced significant growth. However, a constitutional crisis in 1953 led to the establishment of the Gold Coast Apostolic Church, with Pastor McKeown at the helm. Following Ghana’s independence in 1957, the Gold Coast Apostolic Church was renamed the Ghana Apostolic Church. Despite this change, internal conflicts continued. In response to these challenges, and following advice from the then President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the leadership of the Ghana Apostolic Church was encouraged to adopt a new name to foster peace and unity within the Pentecostal movement. On August 1, 1962, the Church officially adopted its new name, The Church of Pentecost, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its growth and mission. Since then, The Church of Pentecost has experienced remarkable growth under the leadership of various leaders, continuing to serve and impact communities both locally and internationally.SOME OF OUR CORE VALUES
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Evangelism
Evangelism is the responsibility of every Church member and Minister, emphasizing the need for believers to share their faith after conversion.
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Evangelism focuses on presenting Jesus Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit, encouraging trust in Him as Savior and Lord.
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Believers are called to serve Jesus within the fellowship of the Church, reinforcing the communal aspect of faith.
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Church members engage in cross-cultural evangelism, traveling abroad to preach Christ, plant churches, and encourage ministers to do the same.
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Following the command of Jesus, believers respond to mission calls as guided by the Holy Spirit.
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Discipleship
Teaching and training believers to become more like Christ in their character. The goal is to guide them in making responsible, Christ-centered choices that reflect His nature.
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Emphasis is placed on cultivating virtues such as holiness, righteousness, faithfulness, honesty, sincerity, humility, prayerfulness, and living disciplined, responsible lives that align with biblical teachings.
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Mature believers are entrusted with the responsibility of discipling new converts, guiding them through spiritual growth and helping them to develop their faith and character in alignment with Christ's example.
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The Church plays a crucial role in discipleship by offering systematic teaching and practical training. This ensures that believers understand and apply biblical principles in their everyday lives, growing in faith and character.
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Prayer
Holy Spirit Baptism: Regular prayer for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is a key practice for believers.
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Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit: Emphasis is placed on the development of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit in believers' lives, helping them grow spiritually and serve others.
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Healing and Deliverance: Prayers for healing and deliverance are central, focusing on the restoration of individuals and part of the salvation experience.
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Pentecostal Services: Services reflect Pentecostal traditions, featuring praise, worship, teaching, the exercise of spiritual gifts, prayer, and testimonies. The practices and exercises, including prayer and worship, are designed to foster a deeper spiritual connection with God.
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Tithing & Offering
Faithful Giving: Emphasis is placed on the importance of faithfully giving offerings and paying tithes to support the Church's ministry.
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Teaching on Finances: Periodic teaching on tithes and offerings is considered essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
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God as Provider: The Church and its members depend solely on God for financial provision, avoiding reliance on external sources.
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Lending with interest among members are discouraged to maintain financial integrity.
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Social Activities
Communal Living: The Church encourages communal living, where members support one another and engage in shared responsibilities.
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Supportive Participation: Members are encouraged to actively participate in communal work to strengthen bonds and promote mutual care.
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Mature believers are entrusted with the responsibility of discipling new converts, guiding them through spiritual growth and helping them to develop their faith and character in alignment with Christ's example.
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Wider Community Outreach: The Church extends help to the broader community, addressing social needs like health services and education. The Church also donates to those in need, supporting individuals and groups facing hardship in society.
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Holiness Bible Teaching & Church Discipline
The Church upholds holiness of members unto the Lord in all their endeavours (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 12:14).
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CONSISTENT BIBLE TEACHING (Acts 2:42a). The Church upholds the teaching of sound biblical doctrine and does not tolerate the propagation of wrong/false doctrine. All types of prayer such as thanksgiving; worship (adoration); supplication; intercession (Eph. 6:18-19; 1 Tim. 2:1-2).
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CHURCH DISCIPLINE (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:7-11) Respect for and obedience to authority. Submission to corrective measures and policies of the Church. Regular fellowship of the saints – (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:25)
CHURCH CULTURE
- Self-supporting attitude through the paying of tithes and freewill offering
- Faithfulness and integrity
- Distinctiveness in prayer
- Church discipline without fear or favour irrespective of position, race or colour of members.
- Congregational worship is based on spirit and truth and not necessarily on location or structure.
- Fellowship and generosity
- Respect for authority.
- Church discipline without fear or favour irrespective of position, race or colour of members.
- Congregational worship is based on spirit and truth and not necessarily on location or structure.
- Fellowship and generosity
- Mutual respect and sense of belonging for all members without discrimination based on colour, gender, tribe, race or nationality.
- Sacrificial service to the Church without expecting pecuniary reward.
- Neighbourhood Churches: small/medium-sized community-based Church policy promotes Church planting
- Home cell system of fellowship fosters the creation of avenues for effective discipleship and promotes both numerical and spiritual growth.
- Total abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other hard drugs.
- Monogamous marriage is upheld as well as chastity before marriage.
- Decency, modesty and the manner of life that glorifies God imply born-again believers must endeavour, in obedience to the command of Christ to reflect holiness and purity in all aspects of daily conduct.
- Respect for authority and Christian impact on society.
