The India Pentecostal Church of God (IPC) is the largest, indigenous, Pentecostal Movement in India. The movement was established in 1924 and registered in 1935 at Eluru under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. The large association is pastored from Hebron, Kumbanad, Kerala-689547. The largest American based IPC church is located in Houston, Texas with over 500 members.

History

Out of the different places where IPC is growing, the IPC Eastern Region is the most prosperous, comprising IPC denominational churches in states in the East Coast of the United States.

Origin and growth

Revivals in India and United States

It is noteworthy that the Pentecostal movement has been spreading rapidly throughout the length and breath of the world as the literal fulfillment of the prophesy of Joel, “In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” (NKJV) (Joel 2:28). Historically, the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues was manifested at Topeka, Kansas, in 1901 as in the day of Pentecost. It is evident from the news report about it, which was published in Topeka on January 14, 1901, “Apostolic believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues. They had tremendous faith and they met their needs through prayer. They had all the characteristics of the apostles of Jesus Christ.” It is amazing to know

Since then, foreign and native missionaries spread the power of the Holy Spirit in India. During that time, a humble, but strong, believer in Pentecostalism, Pastor K.E. Abraham, a former Brethren Minister was filled with the Holy Spirit and was mightily spreading the Pentecostal movement through the inspiring messages and thought provoking writings. He was instrumental in founding the IPC of God. He had the unique nature of encouraging and training other mission workers and bringing them up to the forefront. Consequently, IPC had the privilege of molding eminent men who were mightily used in India and abroad. Soon, this golden age of IPC evangelism soon started to decelerate from the deaths of the leaders as a result of old age.

IPC is the largest indigenous Pentecostal church in India and the believers and pastors who had gone abroad took the initiative prayerfully and established churches wherever they went. At present IPC has over 4,500 local churches worldwide.

Pioneers in the United States

Open doors and means to start the IPC Eastern Region began in 1991. When late Pastor George Varghese, the then general secretary of IPC visited New York City, he convened a meeting of the pastors in the region on October 28, 1988, and formed a pastor’s fellowship with late Pastor A.C. George as the convener. Since then, the pastors used to meet on a regular basis for prayer and fellowship. In accordance with the decision taken at the combined meeting of the pastors and the representatives of the churches under the

Conventions and councils

The first annual convention of the region was held at Susan B. Anthony School, New York from September 13 to 15, 1991. Pastor P.K. Chacko and George Oommen were the guest speaker. The second annual convention was held at Francis Lewis High School from August 20 to 23, 1992. Pastors P.M. Phillip, T.S. Abraham, and K.M. Joseph, and the profound Idicheria Ninan were the guest speakers. The third annual convention was held at Francis Lewis High School from October 22 to 24, 1993. Pastor Abraham Samuel, from Andra Pradresh, the scheduled speaker for the convention, suddenly became ill at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Pastor M.A. Varghese spoke at the convention instead. It is with deep condolence that IPC remembers the sudden demise of Pastor Samuel on his return trip to India. Eastern Region officials had the privilege to see him off before he left America.

Regular minister’s conference and fellowship meetings of member churches were the featured programs in addition to our annual conventions during the early years of the region. A send-off meeting with a agape feast was arranged on May 14, 1994 in honor of Pastors John Daniel and John C. John who were moving to Houston and Kerala respectively to continue their ministries.

Women’s Fellowship

Under the supervision of the Eastern Region council, IPC Women’s was formed on November 13, 1991 at a combined fellowship meeting of the minister’s council, the Eastern Region council, and the representatives of the sisters from participating churches. The meeting adopted the guidelines for the conduct of the fellowship.

Growth

Though the region was started with only ten participating churches in 1991, by the end of the tenor of the first council in 1994, the total number of churches rose to twenty. At the annual general body meeting held on May 29, 1994, the office hearers for the second region council were elected. The secretary presented the report and the treasurer presented the income and the expenditure statement. The total income for the first term was $30,772.36 and the expenditure was $28,463.06.

I wonder if this is a business or some other money making organization to declare the Balance sheet figures. I suppose this church stresses on money than God.Good luck to the believers.

Bibliography

• “IPC Eastern Region – Origin and Growth”. T.C. Matthew. India Pentecostal Church of God Eastern Region North America Bulletin. LICP Graphics and Printing. October 2005.
• Autobiography of Pr. K.E. Abraham. Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal India