vision & values
A community of imperfect jesus-followers living for the good of Tacoma and the south sound
Our Core values
Evangelism
It is the presentation of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit with the view that people will come and trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord and serve him in the fellowship of the Church. Evangelism is the responsibility of every Church member. It is the prime duty of every believer to share his/her faith after conversion. The scope of evangelism was initially Ghana, extending to Africa and to the whole world. Evangelism is missions-oriented; farmers, women, artisans, fishermen, intellectuals, etc. go out into other countries, preach Christ, open churches and call in ministers to pastor same. Besides, as was the practice of the founder, Pastor James McKeown, we respond to calls to missions as led by the Spirit of the Lord.
Discipleship
Discipleship is training believers to be like Christ. The emphasis is on holiness, righteousness, faithfulness, honesty, sincerity, humility, prayerfulness and the leading of disciplined and responsible lives. This is done at the level of individuals, where every member takes responsibility to discipline their new coverts, as well as through church/corporate based systematic teaching, and on-the-job training. Teaching emphasizes the four-square gospel, which is Christ-centered: i.e. Jesus the Saviour, Healer, Baptizer and Soon Coming King; the Tenets of the Church; Bible reading/study and scripture memorization and application of the word to life situations.
Ministry Excellence
We seek to honour God who gave His best (the Saviour) by maintaining a high standard of excellence in all our ministries and activities
Colossians 3:23-24
Core Practices
Some of the normal practices are regular prayer for the Holy Spirit baptism with initial evidence of speaking in tongues. Emphasis is placed on the fruit and gifts of the Spirit in the life of the believer. Prayers are said for healing and deliverance for the afflicted as part of the initial exercises for salvation. Services are marked as truly Pentecostal with praise and worship, teaching, exercise of gifts, prayer, testimony, etc.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the presence of the person of the Holy Spirit and that the Christian life can be led only with His grace. The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit, and then the baptism of the Holy Spirit for power to serve and the gifts of the Spirit for building the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps the individual to develop a Christ-like character, manifest through bearing the fruit of the Spirit. The leading of the Holy Spirit in all spheres of activity in the Church is paramount. Administrative structures and all other church distinctiveness have been by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Church, through her leadership at all levels, co-operates in obedience.
Leadership
Leadership development is based on the apostolic foundation. Appointments and callings into leadership positions are based on character and charisma, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Leadership development is from the shop floor, grass root level with members maturing to lead sub-groups, movements, assemblies, districts and areas. Team spirit with talent development shapes team work. Ministry is by both clergy and laity.
Church Culture
The following distinctive attributes help identify The Church of Pentecost:
- Self-supporting attitude
- Faithfulness and integrity
- Distinctiveness in prayer
- Church discipline without fear or favour irrespective of position, race or colour of members
- Place of worship based on Spirit and Truth and not necessarily on the Temple
- Fellowship and liberality – Respect for authority
- Mutual respect and sense of belonging for all members without discrimination based on tribalism, racism or nationality
- Sacrificial service to the Church without expecting pecuniary reward
- Total abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other hard drugs.
- Encourage church planting
- Monogamous marriage is enforced as well as chastity before marriage.
Tithes & Offering
Faithfulness in giving offerings and paying tithes to enhance ministry of the Church is emphasized. Periodic teaching on this subject is regarded as very important. The Church and members depend solely on God as the source of financial supply. Borrowing is not encouraged. Usury amongst members is also not encouraged
Social Activities
The Church believes in communal living with members supporting one another, and participating in communal work. The Church may also help the entire community by providing social needs such as health services, schools, agriculture as well as donating to the needy in society.
Holiness Of Members
The church upholds holiness of members Unto the Lord in all their endeavours
Romans 12:1 | Hebrews 12:14
Consistent Bible Teaching
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
Church Discipline
Respect for and obedience to authority. Submission to corrective measures/policies of the Church Regular fellowship of saints.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 | Hebrews 12:7-11 | Acts 2:42-47 | Hebrews 10:25
Prayer Of All Types
Worship (Adoration); Supplication; Intercession
Ephesians 6:18-19 | 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Our Tenets
The One True God
We believe in the existence of the One True God, Elohim, Maker of the whole universe; indefinable, but revealed as Triune Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – one in nature, essence and attributes; Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent.
Genesis 1:1; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19; Genesis 1:26
The Bible
We believe in the divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures. That the Bible is infallible in its declaration, final in its authority, all-sufficient in its provisions and comprehensive in its sufficiency.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21
Man's Depraved Nature
We believe that: “all men have sinned and come short of the glory of God”; are subject to eternal punishment; and need repentance and regeneration.
Genesis 3:1-19; Isaiah 53:6
The Saviour
We believe that man’s need of a Saviour has been met in the person of Jesus Christ, because of His deity, virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, resurrection and ascension; His abiding intercession and second coming.
John 8:46; 14:30; Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 3:25; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Repentance, Justification and Sanctification
We believe that all men have to repent of and confess their sins before God, and believe in the vicarious death of Jesus Christ to be justified before God. We believe in the sanctification of the believer through the working of the Holy Spirit and in God’s gift of eternal life to the believer.
Luke 15:7; Acts 2: 38; Romans 4:25; 5:16; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4: 3
The Sacraments Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe in the Sacrament of Baptism by immersion as a testimony of a convert who has attained a responsible age of about 15 years. [Infants and children are not baptised but are dedicated to the Lord]. We believe in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper which should be partaken of by all members who are in full fellowship.
Luke 3:21; Mark 16:16; Luke 2:22-24, 34; Mark 10:16; Luke 22:19-20; Matthew 26:21-29; Acts 20:7
Baptism, Gifts and Fruit of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for believers with signs following; and in the operation of the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4; Galatians 5:22
Divine Healing
We believe that the healing of sickness and disease is provided for God’s people in the atonement. The Church is, however, not opposed to soliciting the help of qualified medical practitioners.
2 Kings 20:7; Mathew 9:12; Luke 10:34; Colossians 4:14
Tithes & Offering
We believe in tithing and in the giving of freewill offerings towards the cause of carrying forward the Kingdom of God. We believe that God blesses a cheerful giver.
Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:6-10; Mathew 23:23; Acts 20:35; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:1-9
The Second Coming & The Next Life
We believe in the Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection of the dead, both the saved and the unsaved – they that are saved, to the resurrection of life; and the unsaved, to the resurrection of damnation.
Mark 13: 26; Daniel 12:2; John 5: 28-29; Acts 1:11; 10:42; Romans 2:7-11; 6:23
Marriage and Family Life
We believe in the institution of marriage as a union established and ordained by God for the lifelong, intimate relationship between a man as husband and a woman as wife as biologically defined at birth. We believe that God instituted marriage primarily for mutual help, fellowship and comfort that one ought to have for the other and for honourable procreation of children, and their training in love, obedience to the Lord and responsible citizenship.
Genesis 2:18, 21-25; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
Our Core values
Evangelism
It is the presentation of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit with the view that people will come and trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord and serve him in the fellowship of the Church. Evangelism is the responsibility of every Church member. It is the prime duty of every believer to share his/her faith after conversion. The scope of evangelism was initially Ghana, extending to Africa and to the whole world. Evangelism is missions-oriented; farmers, women, artisans, fishermen, intellectuals, etc. go out into other countries, preach Christ, open churches and call in ministers to pastor same. Besides, as was the practice of the founder, Pastor James McKeown, we respond to calls to missions as led by the Spirit of the Lord.
Discipleship
Discipleship is training believers to be like Christ. The emphasis is on holiness, righteousness, faithfulness, honesty, sincerity, humility, prayerfulness and the leading of disciplined and responsible lives. This is done at the level of individuals, where every member takes responsibility to discipline their new coverts, as well as through church/corporate based systematic teaching, and on-the-job training. Teaching emphasizes the four-square gospel, which is Christ-centered: i.e. Jesus the Saviour, Healer, Baptizer and Soon Coming King; the Tenets of the Church; Bible reading/study and scripture memorization and application of the word to life situations.
Ministry Excellence
We seek to honour God who gave His best (the Saviour) by maintaining a high standard of excellence in all our ministries and activities
Colossians 3:23-24
Core Practices
Some of the normal practices are regular prayer for the Holy Spirit baptism with initial evidence of speaking in tongues. Emphasis is placed on the fruit and gifts of the Spirit in the life of the believer. Prayers are said for healing and deliverance for the afflicted as part of the initial exercises for salvation. Services are marked as truly Pentecostal with praise and worship, teaching, exercise of gifts, prayer, testimony, etc.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the presence of the person of the Holy Spirit and that the Christian life can be led only with His grace. The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit, and then the baptism of the Holy Spirit for power to serve and the gifts of the Spirit for building the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps the individual to develop a Christ-like character, manifest through bearing the fruit of the Spirit. The leading of the Holy Spirit in all spheres of activity in the Church is paramount. Administrative structures and all other church distinctiveness have been by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Church, through her leadership at all levels, co-operates in obedience.
Leadership
Leadership development is based on the apostolic foundation. Appointments and callings into leadership positions are based on character and charisma, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Leadership development is from the shop floor, grass root level with members maturing to lead sub-groups, movements, assemblies, districts and areas. Team spirit with talent development shapes team work. Ministry is by both clergy and laity.
Church Culture
The following distinctive attributes help identify The Church of Pentecost:
- Self-supporting attitude
- Faithfulness and integrity
- Distinctiveness in prayer
- Church discipline without fear or favour irrespective of position, race or colour of members
- Place of worship based on Spirit and Truth and not necessarily on the Temple
- Fellowship and liberality – Respect for authority
- Mutual respect and sense of belonging for all members without discrimination based on tribalism, racism or nationality
- Sacrificial service to the Church without expecting pecuniary reward
- Total abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other hard drugs.
- Encourage church planting
- Monogamous marriage is enforced as well as chastity before marriage.
Tithes & Offering
Faithfulness in giving offerings and paying tithes to enhance ministry of the Church is emphasized. Periodic teaching on this subject is regarded as very important. The Church and members depend solely on God as the source of financial supply. Borrowing is not encouraged. Usury amongst members is also not encouraged
Social Activities
The Church believes in communal living with members supporting one another, and participating in communal work. The Church may also help the entire community by providing social needs such as health services, schools, agriculture as well as donating to the needy in society.
Holiness Of Members
The church upholds holiness of members Unto the Lord in all their endeavours
Romans 12:1 | Hebrews 12:14
Consistent Bible Teaching
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
Church Discipline
Respect for and obedience to authority. Submission to corrective measures/policies of the Church Regular fellowship of saints.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 | Hebrews 12:7-11 | Acts 2:42-47 | Hebrews 10:25
Prayer Of All Types
Worship (Adoration); Supplication; Intercession
Ephesians 6:18-19 | 1 Timothy 2:1-2
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