Content copyright . Pacific Western Network Ministries. All rights reserved.
One of
the most significant developments in recent Christianity is the appearance of
many pentecostal denominations throughout the world during the past century.
Beginning in the United States and spreading rapidly to most nations of the
world, they now comprise a major “third force” in Christendom whose phenomenal
growth has commanded the attention of the world.
One of the first groups to designate itself officially as a member of the
pentecostal movement was the Pentecostal Holiness Church. With roots in the
midwestern and southeastern United States, the Pentecostal Holiness Church has
played a significant role within the movement from the beginning.
The character of the
church is to be seen in its name, which places it astride two major revival
movements: the holiness revival of the late nineteenth century, and the
pentecostal revival of the twentieth century. As its distinctive contribution
to contemporary Christianity, this church has attempted to preserve the
Wesleyan tradition, while perpetuating the pentecostal tradition.
The fundamental faith of
the church is that God’s power to redeem man and society is resident in Jesus
Christ, Son of the Father, who sent the Holy Spirit into the world as the Agent
of salvation. It is this faith-that God’s power is directly available to
everyone to save, cleanse, empower, and heal-that gave the Pentecostal Holiness
Church its birth.
