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{{Short description|Pentecostal denomination}}
{{About|The Pentecostal Mission (20th century)|the century Pentecostal Mission holiness denomination|Pentecostal Mission (disambiguation){{!}}Pentecostal Mission}}
{{About|The Pentecostal Mission/New Testament Church (NTC)(20th century)|the century Pentecostal Mission holiness denomination|Church of the Nazarene}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
'''The Pentecostal Mission (TPM) ''' or''' New Testament Church (NTC)''' or '''Universal Pentecostal Church (UPC)''' or '''Ceylon Pentecostal Mission (CPM)''', is a ] ] which originated in Ceylon, now ]. In some countries, the church is known under different names. The international headquarters is now situated in ], ], India. This mission was founded in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1923 by Pastor Paul. It now has churches in over 65 countries.{{Citation needed|date=June 2016}}.


{{Infobox religion
==History==
| icon =
{{essay-like|date=July 2014}}
| icon_width =
The church was founded by Pastor Paul (Ramankutty). Ramankutty was born to Hindu parents in the district of Trichur in Kerala, India. While in Sri Lanka, at the age of 18, he became a Christian. He later began to preach and share the Christian gospel in various parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It was through his service that the church was founded in 1923.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doctrineoftruth.com/about/main.html |title=DoT &#124; About |publisher=Doctrineoftruth.com |date= |accessdate=2013-10-19}}</ref> Even after the death of Ramankutty, <ref>{{cite web|url=http://voiceofpentecost.blogspot.com/2010/04/late-pastor-pauls-funeral-photo-last.html |title=Pentecost Voice: Late Pastor Paul'S Funeral Photo & Last Sermon |publisher=Voiceofpentecost.blogspot.com |date=2010-04-21 |accessdate=2013-10-19}}</ref> Over 95% of the members of this church is constituting people from the Indian Sub-Continent.
| icon_alt =
| name = The Pentecostal Mission
| native_name = ദി പെന്തിക്കോസ്ത് മിഷൻ <br> பெந்தேகோஸ்தே மிஷன் <br> පෙන්තකොස්ත සභාව
| native_name_lang = ml
| image =
| imagewidth = 200px
| alt =
| caption =
| abbreviation = CPM / TPM
| type =
| main_classification = Christianity
| orientation = Protestant
| scripture = Bible
| theology = Arminianism
| polity = Episcopal
| governance = Centralized leadership
| structure = Hierarchical
| leader_title = Chief Pastor
| leader_name = Pastor Abraham Mathew (current)
| leader_title1 = Deputy Chief Pastor
| leader_name1 = Pastor M.T. Thomas
| leader_title2 = Associate/ Deputy Chief Pastor
| leader_name2 = Pastor G.J. Jeyam
| leader_title3 = Founder
| leader_name3 = Pastor Paul Ramankutty
| fellowships_type = Full Gospel Church Fellowships
| fellowships =
| fellowships_type1 =
| fellowships1 =
| division_type = International Headquarters
| division = irumbuliyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| division_type2 =
| division2 =
| division_type3 =
| division3 =
| associations =
| full_communion =
| area = Worldwide
| liturgy = Pentecostal
| headquarters = Irumbuliyur, Chennai, India
| territory =
| possessions =
| founded_date = 1923
| founded_place = Sri Lanka
| independence =
| reunion =
| recognition =
| separated_from =
| branched_from =
| merger =
| absorbed =
| separations =
| merged_into =
| defunct =
| congregations_type = Congregations
| congregations = 3,000+
| members = 10,000,000+
| ministers_type = Pastors
| ministers =
| missionaries =
| churches =
| missionary organization =
| aid =
| hospitals =
| nursing_homes =
| primary_schools =
| secondary_schools =
| tax_status =
| tertiary =
| seminaries =
| other_names = Ceylon Pentecostal Mission (CPM), Universal Pentecostal church , New Testament Church
| publications = Voice of Pentecost (in english)
| Motto = Colossians 1:28
| logo =
| module =
| footnotes =
}}


'''The Pentecostal Mission''' (TPM), also known as '''New Testament Church''' (NTC) in the United States and '''Universal Pentecostal Church''' (UPC) in the United Kingdom, is a ] denomination established in 1923 in ], ] (now ]). Its global headquarters is located in Irumbuliyur, ], ], ]. The organization operates churches in over 75 countries under various names and has more than 2,000 places of worship worldwide. Formerly called the Ceylon Pentecostal Mission (CPM), the denomination has grown to include millions of members.<ref name="OCallaghan 2018 l640">{{cite web | last=O'Callaghan | first=Laura | title=Christianity Crackdown: Huge crowd of 100 attacks prayer meeting | website=] | date=10 November 2018 | url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1043484/Christian-persecution-christianity-India-Hindu-radical-attack | access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref><ref name="Tan-Chow 2016 p. 18">{{cite book | last=Tan-Chow | first=M.L. | title=Pentecostal Theology for the Twenty-First Century: Engaging with Multi-Faith Singapore | publisher=Taylor & Francis | series=Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies | year=2016 | isbn=978-1-317-08263-7 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d7soDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA18 | access-date=15 April 2024 | page=18}}</ref><ref name="Anderson 2004 p. 127">{{cite book | last=Anderson | first=A. | title=An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity | publisher=Cambridge University Press | year=2004 | isbn=978-0-521-53280-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IPbPTOi0Rk4C&pg=PA127 | access-date=15 April 2024 | page=127}}</ref><ref name="Anon. s766">{{cite web |last=Hedlund |first=Roger E. |title=Critique of Pentecostal Mission by a Friendly Evangelical |url=https://www.aptspress.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/05-1-RHedlund.pdf |access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref>
==Church leadership==
{{main article|List of Chief Pastors of the Pentecostal Mission}}


== History ==
The church is led by a Chief Pastor, who is usually appointed for life. In addition, there is a Deputy Chief Pastor and an Associate Deputy Chief Pastor. Leadership is passed down after death based on spiritual urge.
]
The church was founded by Pastor Paul Ramankutty, who was born to ] parents in ], a village in present-day ], ], India.


While in Ceylon, at the age of 18, he became a Christian. Later, he felt a strong call and began to preach and share the gospel. In 1923 he founded the church with the name Ceylon Pentecostal Mission.
These are the current office holders:
* Stephen Natarajan (Chief Pastor): July 31, 2015 – present
* Abraham Mathew (Deputy Chief Pastor): July 31, 2015 – present
* G. Jayam (Associate Chief Pastor) : March 8, 2014 – present


Later, due to the ], all Indian assignments which were called ''CPM'' (''Ceylon Pentecostal Mission<u>)</u>'' were changed to ''TPM'' (''The Pentecostal Mission''). CPM headquarters is at '']'' in Colombo and TPM headquarters is at Chennai. But for all purposes, TPM church is known as both CPM and TPM interchangeably in many parts of the World.
In the United States most of the church work was pioneered by late Pastor Don M Spiers, who had previously worked closely with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.futurliner.com/or_road.htm |title=Oral Roberts |publisher=Futurliner.com |date= |accessdate=2013-10-19}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doctrineoftruth.com/about/main.html |title=DoT &#124; About |publisher=Doctrineoftruth.com |access-date=2013-10-19}}</ref>
After the home call of Pastor Don and Pastor Michael Thomas, Pastor Gregory Wilson is heading the ministries in USA and in other Western and African countries. Sis Lisa Billow is the senior sister for the ministry in USA.


==Doctrines and teachings==
The doctrines of the church include Trinity, New Birth (being born again), Water Baptism, Baptism of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in unknown tongues, Separated life from mortal entertainments and sinful circumstances, Divine Healing, Entire Sanctification (of the Body, Soul and Spirit), Overcoming Life, Consecrated Ministry, Rapture, Great Tribulation, Resurrection, The Millennial Reign, The Great White Throne Judgement, and Eternity.<ref>{{cite web|title=Basic Doctrines of Christ|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024133756/http://voiceofpentecost.blogspot.com/2008/10/basic-doctrines-of-christ.html|website=PENTECOST VOICE|accessdate=30 April 2017|date=28 October 2008}}</ref>
TPM encourages divine healing rather than mainstream medicine. The full-time workers in the church will generally believe this to the point of not going to hospitals or doctors. Believing that their rules and regulations prevent the believer from being trapped in the world, they avoid wearing jewellery, so as to lead a simple life, and discourage watching television or movies. They preach and teach separation from the world in order to prepare for the second coming of Christ.


== Criticisms and controversies ==
* Only TPM ministers belong to the 144,000 that will stand on Mount Zion near Christ in eternity.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=XGiv3riaunQC&lpg=PA64&dq=%22ceylon%20pentecostal%20mission%22%20%22zion%22&pg=PA64#v=onepage&q=%22ceylon%20pentecostal%20mission%22%20%22zion%22&f=false|title=The South Indian Pentecostal Movement in the Twentieth Century|last=Bergunder|first=Michael|date=2008-06-06|publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing|isbn=9780802827340|language=en}}</ref>
* Church ministers often called "workers" who are unmarried men and women, stay together under the same roof.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=9yiLAwAAQBAJ&lpg=PA172&dq=%22ceylon%20pentecostal%20mission%22%20%22communal%22&pg=PA172#v=onepage&q=%22ceylon%20pentecostal%20mission%22%20%22communal%22&f=false|title=Grassroots Asian Theology: Thinking the Faith from the Ground Up|last=Chan|first=Simon|date=2014-06-02|publisher=InterVarsity Press|isbn=9780830895441|language=en}}</ref>
* TPM bans members from attending other denominations and the church refuses contact with all other pentecostal churches and has a whole range of extremely radical and church dividing exclusive doctrines.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=LDZgKELq7AoC&lpg=PA195&dq=%22ceylon%20pentecostal%20mission%22%20%22exclusive%22&pg=PA195#v=onepage&q=%22ceylon%20pentecostal%20mission%22%20%22exclusive%22&f=false|title=Asian and Pentecostal: The Charismatic Face of Christianity in Asia|last=Anderson|first=Allan|last2=Tang|first2=Edmond|date=2005-01-01|publisher=OCMS|isbn=9781870345439|language=en}}</ref>


== School ==
=== Murder of Pastor Kanagaraj ===
The congregation in Sri Lanka operates a school for secular studies known as '''C.P.M Faith School in ] in ]'''. There is also Faith school known as Christian school in Yonkers, New York and in Newark, New Jersey. There is also one Christian school in Africa.
In 2016, a pastor in Tuticorin was suspected to have murdered another pastor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2016/10/07012123/Foul-play-suspected-in-death-of-Thoothukudi-priest.vpf|title=Foul play suspected in death of Thoothukudi priest|date=2016-10-07|work=dtNext.in|access-date=2017-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/%E2%80%9CMystery-shrouds-death-of-Pastor%E2%80%9D/article16439922.ece|title="Mystery shrouds death of Pastor"|work=The Hindu|access-date=2017-03-10|language=en}}</ref>

== Church leadership ==
The church is led by a Chief Pastor (currently Pastor Abraham Mathew). In addition, there is a Deputy Chief Pastor (currently Pastor M.T. Thomas) and an Associate Deputy Chief Pastor (currently Pastor G. Jeyam).

In the United States, most of the church work was pioneered by the late Pastor Don M Spiers, who had previously worked closely with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.futurliner.com/or_road.htm |title=Oral Roberts |publisher=Futurliner.com |access-date=2013-10-19}}</ref> Pastor Gregg Wilson now heads the work in USA and countries around the USA. He is assisted by the sister-in-charge, Sister Lisa Billow.

Full-time ministers are expected to practice an ascetic lifestyle including celibacy, obedience to the elder pastors, and communal living (including disposal of private possessions) in faith homes.TPM churches are run by full-time ministers who are celibate and predominantly single. Married couples who enter full-time ministry must become celibate and may be sent to different locations by the TPM leadership if they so choose.


== Church names == == Church names ==
In other parts of the world, the church is known by the following names: In other parts of the world, the church is known by the following names:


* Ceylon Pentecostal Mission (CPM) – ] (HQ in Kokkawila, Sri Lanka) * '''The Pentecostal Mission (TPM)''' – ] (International HQ in Irumbuliyur ], ])
* '''Ceylon Pentecostal Mission''' '''(CPM)''' – ] (2nd International HQ in ], ])
* Chiesa del Nuovo Testamento – ]
* '''New Testament Church (NTC)''' – ] (HQ in Newark, New Jersey)
* Christliche Gnaden Gemeinde – ]
* Deeper Truth Pentecostal Mission – ] * Universal Pentecostal Church (UPC) – Great Britain (HQ in Brixton, London)
* Église de Pentecote Primitive – ] * Eglise de Pentecote Primitive – France
* Grace New Covenant Pentecostal Church – Canada
* Église Pentecostiste Lagrace – ]
* New Testament Church – Trinidad & Tobago
* Église Universelle De Pentecote Primitive – ]
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – Puerto Rico
* Grace New Covenant Pentecostal Church – ]
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – ], ], ], ], ] * Iglesia Communion Cristiana – Dominican Republic
* New Testament Church – Sierra Leone
* Iglesia del Nueva Testamento – ], ]
* New Covenant Pentecostal Church – Australia
* Neue Testament Kirche – ]
* New Covenant Pentecostal Church – ], ], ] * New Testament Church – New Zealand
* New Testament Church– Papua New Guinea
* New Testament Church – , ], ], ], ], ], United States (HQ in ]), ], GCC Countries
* New Testament Ministries – ], ] * New Testament Church – Nepal
* New Testament Mission – ] * New Covenant Pentecostal Church – Fiji
* Iglesia del Nueva Testamento – Mexico
* New Testament Pentecostal Mission – ]
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – El Salvador
* Ny Testamente Menighed – ]
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – Costa Rica
* The Pentecostal Church of Malaysia – ], ]
* New Testament Church – Kenya
* The Pentecostal Mission (TPM) – ] (International HQ in Irumbuliyur Chennai, India)
* Christliche Gnaden Gemeinde – Switzerland
* Universal Pentecostal Church – ], ], ], ] (HQ in Brixton, London)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findachurch.co.uk/search/church_view.php?church_id=27714/ |title=Universal Pentecostal Church, Brixton (Greater London) |publisher=Find a Church |date= |accessdate=2013-10-19}}</ref>
* Neue Testament Kirche – Germany
* The Universal Pentecostal Church – Nigeria
* Pentecostal Church of Malaysia
* Pentecostal Church of Singapore
* New Testament Church – Middle East (Dubai, UAE)
* New Testament Pentecostal Mission – Uganda
* New Covenant Pentecostal Church – Philippines
* Universal Pentecostal Church – Hong Kong
* New Testament Mission – Cyprus
* Deeper Truth Pentecostal Mission – Ghana
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – Colombia
* Iglesia Del Nuevo Testamento – Democratic Republic of the Congo
* Eglise Universelle De Pentecote Primitive – Republic of the Congo
* New Testament Ministries – Malawi
* New Covenant Mission – Tanzania
* Eglise Pentecostiste Lagrace – Togo
* New Testament Church – Abu Dhabi( UAE Capital City)
* New Testament Church – Oman
* New Testament Church – Bahrain
* New Testament Church – Qatar
* New Testament Church – Kuwait
* Ny Testamente Menighed – Denmark
* Universal Pentecostal Church – Republic Of Ireland
* Chiesa del Nuovo Testamento – Italy


'''Other Branches'''
==International conventions==
Annual International Conventions are held at Kottarakara in ], India (February) ; Irumbuliyur in ], India (March); Kokkavila in ], ] (December); and in ], United States (July) and ], Canada (July).


* Brazil
The International Convention in Chennai India takes place in the month of March, the Conventions in the United States and Canada in the month of July, and the International Convention of Sri Lanka in December. The European convention is held in London in the last week of August.
* Ecuador
* Zambia
* Rwanda
* Guinea
* Zimbabwe
* Cameroon
* Mauritius
* Jamaica
* Seychelles
* Haiti
* Guadeloupe
* Nicaragua
* South Africa
* Gambia
* Ivory Coast
* Honduras
* Abu Dhabi

== Doctrines and teachings ==
The doctrines of the church broadly align with ] ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Basic Doctrines of Christ|url=http://voiceofpentecost.blogspot.com/2008/10/basic-doctrines-of-christ.html|website=Pentecost Voice |access-date=30 April 2017|date=28 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024133756/http://voiceofpentecost.blogspot.com/2008/10/basic-doctrines-of-christ.html|archive-date=24 October 2013}}</ref>

The doctrines of the church include: Trinity, New Birth, Water Baptism , Baptism of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in unknown tongues, Separation , Divine Healing, Entire Sanctification (of the Body, Soul and Spirit), Overcoming Life, Consecrated Ministry, Rapture, Tribulation and Great Tribulation, Resurrection, The Millennial Reign, The Great White Throne Judgement, and Eternity.


==Magazine ministry== ==Magazine ministry==
{{no sources section|date=April 2024}}
Magazines in several languages are printed and distributed to subscribers. The English magazine published from India is called ''The Voice of Pentecost''. ''Pilgrim's Journal'' is published and printed in USA. Other English magazines are: "Pentecostal Messenger" from Malaysia, "The Youth Herald" from Singapore, "Power Divine" from Sri Lanka and "Trumpet of the Lord" from the UK.
Magazines are produced in several languages. The English language magazine published in India is called ''The Voice of Pentecost''. ''Pilgrim's Journal'' is published and printed in the USA. Other English language magazines are ''Pentecostal Messenger'' from Malaysia, ''The Youth Herald'' from Singapore, ''Power Divine'' from Sri Lanka, and ''Trumpet of the Lord'' from the UK.


Malayalam magazine ''PENTECOST'' is one of the oldest Pentecostal magazines from Kerala. Hindi edition ''PENTECOST KI WANI'' published from New Delhi, ''PENTECOSTI-CHI VAANI'' from Mumbai and ''PENTECOST DA SNEHA'' from Dhariwal (Punjab) are also other landmark in the history of Church to spread the Gospel to northern part of India. Church Magazines are Being published in more than 40 Indian languages and many other foreign languages. Church Magazines are being published in more than forty Indian languages and other foreign languages. Malayalam magazine ''Pentecost'' is one of the oldest Pentecostal magazines from Kerala. A Hindi edition of ''Pentecost Ki Wani'' published from New Delhi, a Tamil edition named Pentecost in ''Peroli'' from Irumbuliyur (Chennai), ''Pentecost-Chi Vaani'' from Mumbai, "Kadavari varshapu dwani" from Hyderabad, and ''Pentecost Da Sneha'' from Dhariwal (Punjab) are also produced


== Current Leading Chief Pastors ==


* ''Pastor Abraham Mathew (Chief Pastor) 2018–present''

* ''Pastor M.T Thomas (Deputy Chief Pastor) 2018–present''

* ''Pastor G. Jeyam (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor) 2014–present''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="3" |Current Leading Chief Pastors
|-
!No.
!Photo
!Name
|-
|1
|
|Pastor. Sunil Abraham Mathew
Chief Pastor
|-
|2
|
|Pastor. M. T. Thomas
Deputy Chief Pastor
|-
|3
|
|Pastor. G. J. Jeyam
Associate Deputy Chief
Pastor
|}

== List of late Chief Pastors ==

* ''Late Pastor Paul Ramankutty (Founder and Chief Pastor) 1923–1945''

* ''Late Pastor Alwin R. de Alwis 1945–1962''

* ''Late Pastor Freddy Paul 1962–1973''

* ''Late Pastor A. C. Thomas 1973–1976''

* ''Late Pastor Jacob Ratnasingham 1976–1990''

* ''Late Pastor V. G. Samuel 1990–1991''

* ''Late Pastor H. Ernest Paul 1991–1994''

* ''Late Pastor C. K. Lazarus 1994–1999''

* ''Late Pastor P. M. Thomas 1999–2001''

* ''Late Pastor T. U. Thomas 2001–2006''
* ''Late Pastor Wilson Joseph 2006–2014''
* ''Late Pastor Wesley Peter 2014–2015''
* ''Late Pastor Stephan Natarajan 2015–2018''
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="7" |'''List of late Chief Pastors'''
|-
|'''No.'''
|'''Portrait'''
|'''Name'''
|'''Term'''
|
|'''Deputy Chief Pastor'''
|'''Associate/ Deputy Chief Pastor'''
|-
|1.
|
|Pastor Paul Ramankutty
1880–1945

'''Founder & First Chief Pastor'''
|1923 – 1945 July 4
|
|Pastor Alwin R. De Alwis
|Pastor Freddy Paul
|-
|2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

== Late Associate/ Deputy Chief Pastors ==

* ''Late Pastor C. John (Deputy Chief Pastor 1973-1977)''

* ''Late Pastor S.B. Earnest (Deputy Chief Pastor 1976-1987)''

* ''Late Pastor Philip Chandapillai (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1977-1984)''

* ''Late Pastor T. Geevarghese (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1984-1986)''

* ''Late Pastor Don M. Spiers (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1987-2004)''

* ''Late Pastor Joy Fitch (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 2006-2011)''


==References== ==References==
*
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}



<!--==External links== <!--==External links==
*
*
*
*
* *
* *
*http://wikimapia.org/17258879/TPM-CHURCH --> *http://wikimapia.org/17258879/TPM-CHURCH
* -->{{Christian denominations in India}}{{British Ceylon period topics}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Pentecostal Mission}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Pentecostal Mission}}
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Latest revision as of 00:27, 4 January 2025

Pentecostal denomination This article is about The Pentecostal Mission/New Testament Church (NTC)(20th century). For the century Pentecostal Mission holiness denomination, see Church of the Nazarene.

The Pentecostal Mission
ദി പെന്തിക്കോസ്ത് മിഷൻ
பெந்தேகோஸ்தே மிஷன்
පෙන්තකොස්ත සභාව
AbbreviationCPM / TPM
ClassificationChristianity
OrientationProtestant
ScriptureBible
TheologyArminianism
PolityEpiscopal
GovernanceCentralized leadership
StructureHierarchical
Chief PastorPastor Abraham Mathew (current)
Deputy Chief PastorPastor M.T. Thomas
Associate/ Deputy Chief PastorPastor G.J. Jeyam
FounderPastor Paul Ramankutty
International Headquartersirumbuliyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
RegionWorldwide
LiturgyPentecostal
HeadquartersIrumbuliyur, Chennai, India
Origin1923
Sri Lanka
Congregations3,000+
Members10,000,000+
Other name(s)Ceylon Pentecostal Mission (CPM), Universal Pentecostal church , New Testament Church
PublicationsVoice of Pentecost (in english)

The Pentecostal Mission (TPM), also known as New Testament Church (NTC) in the United States and Universal Pentecostal Church (UPC) in the United Kingdom, is a Pentecostal denomination established in 1923 in Colombo, British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Its global headquarters is located in Irumbuliyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The organization operates churches in over 75 countries under various names and has more than 2,000 places of worship worldwide. Formerly called the Ceylon Pentecostal Mission (CPM), the denomination has grown to include millions of members.

History

Pastor Paul Ramankutty

The church was founded by Pastor Paul Ramankutty, who was born to Hindu parents in Engandiyur, a village in present-day Thrissur district, Kerala, India.

While in Ceylon, at the age of 18, he became a Christian. Later, he felt a strong call and began to preach and share the gospel. In 1923 he founded the church with the name Ceylon Pentecostal Mission.

Later, due to the Sri Lankan Civil War, all Indian assignments which were called CPM (Ceylon Pentecostal Mission) were changed to TPM (The Pentecostal Mission). CPM headquarters is at Mattakkuliya in Colombo and TPM headquarters is at Chennai. But for all purposes, TPM church is known as both CPM and TPM interchangeably in many parts of the World.


School

The congregation in Sri Lanka operates a school for secular studies known as C.P.M Faith School in Wattala in Colombo. There is also Faith school known as Christian school in Yonkers, New York and in Newark, New Jersey. There is also one Christian school in Africa.

Church leadership

The church is led by a Chief Pastor (currently Pastor Abraham Mathew). In addition, there is a Deputy Chief Pastor (currently Pastor M.T. Thomas) and an Associate Deputy Chief Pastor (currently Pastor G. Jeyam).

In the United States, most of the church work was pioneered by the late Pastor Don M Spiers, who had previously worked closely with Oral Roberts. Pastor Gregg Wilson now heads the work in USA and countries around the USA. He is assisted by the sister-in-charge, Sister Lisa Billow.

Full-time ministers are expected to practice an ascetic lifestyle including celibacy, obedience to the elder pastors, and communal living (including disposal of private possessions) in faith homes.TPM churches are run by full-time ministers who are celibate and predominantly single. Married couples who enter full-time ministry must become celibate and may be sent to different locations by the TPM leadership if they so choose.

Church names

In other parts of the world, the church is known by the following names:

  • The Pentecostal Mission (TPM) – India (International HQ in Irumbuliyur Chennai, India)
  • Ceylon Pentecostal Mission (CPM) – Sri Lanka (2nd International HQ in Mattakkuliya, Sri Lanka)
  • New Testament Church (NTC) – United States (HQ in Newark, New Jersey)
  • Universal Pentecostal Church (UPC) – Great Britain (HQ in Brixton, London)
  • Eglise de Pentecote Primitive – France
  • Grace New Covenant Pentecostal Church – Canada
  • New Testament Church – Trinidad & Tobago
  • Iglesia Communion Cristiana – Puerto Rico
  • Iglesia Communion Cristiana – Dominican Republic
  • New Testament Church – Sierra Leone
  • New Covenant Pentecostal Church – Australia
  • New Testament Church – New Zealand
  • New Testament Church– Papua New Guinea
  • New Testament Church – Nepal
  • New Covenant Pentecostal Church – Fiji
  • Iglesia del Nueva Testamento – Mexico
  • Iglesia Communion Cristiana – El Salvador
  • Iglesia Communion Cristiana – Costa Rica
  • New Testament Church – Kenya
  • Christliche Gnaden Gemeinde – Switzerland
  • Neue Testament Kirche – Germany
  • The Universal Pentecostal Church – Nigeria
  • Pentecostal Church of Malaysia
  • Pentecostal Church of Singapore
  • New Testament Church – Middle East (Dubai, UAE)
  • New Testament Pentecostal Mission – Uganda
  • New Covenant Pentecostal Church – Philippines
  • Universal Pentecostal Church – Hong Kong
  • New Testament Mission – Cyprus
  • Deeper Truth Pentecostal Mission – Ghana
  • Iglesia Communion Cristiana – Colombia
  • Iglesia Del Nuevo Testamento – Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Eglise Universelle De Pentecote Primitive – Republic of the Congo
  • New Testament Ministries – Malawi
  • New Covenant Mission – Tanzania
  • Eglise Pentecostiste Lagrace – Togo
  • New Testament Church – Abu Dhabi( UAE Capital City)
  • New Testament Church – Oman
  • New Testament Church – Bahrain
  • New Testament Church – Qatar
  • New Testament Church – Kuwait
  • Ny Testamente Menighed – Denmark
  • Universal Pentecostal Church – Republic Of Ireland
  • Chiesa del Nuovo Testamento – Italy

Other Branches

  • Brazil
  • Ecuador
  • Zambia
  • Rwanda
  • Guinea
  • Zimbabwe
  • Cameroon
  • Mauritius
  • Jamaica
  • Seychelles
  • Haiti
  • Guadeloupe
  • Nicaragua
  • South Africa
  • Gambia
  • Ivory Coast
  • Honduras
  • Abu Dhabi

Doctrines and teachings

The doctrines of the church broadly align with trinitarian Pentecostalism.

The doctrines of the church include: Trinity, New Birth, Water Baptism , Baptism of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in unknown tongues, Separation , Divine Healing, Entire Sanctification (of the Body, Soul and Spirit), Overcoming Life, Consecrated Ministry, Rapture, Tribulation and Great Tribulation, Resurrection, The Millennial Reign, The Great White Throne Judgement, and Eternity.

Magazine ministry

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Magazines are produced in several languages. The English language magazine published in India is called The Voice of Pentecost. Pilgrim's Journal is published and printed in the USA. Other English language magazines are Pentecostal Messenger from Malaysia, The Youth Herald from Singapore, Power Divine from Sri Lanka, and Trumpet of the Lord from the UK.

Church Magazines are being published in more than forty Indian languages and other foreign languages. Malayalam magazine Pentecost is one of the oldest Pentecostal magazines from Kerala. A Hindi edition of Pentecost Ki Wani published from New Delhi, a Tamil edition named Pentecost in Peroli from Irumbuliyur (Chennai), Pentecost-Chi Vaani from Mumbai, "Kadavari varshapu dwani" from Hyderabad, and Pentecost Da Sneha from Dhariwal (Punjab) are also produced

Current Leading Chief Pastors

  • Pastor Abraham Mathew (Chief Pastor) 2018–present
  • Pastor M.T Thomas (Deputy Chief Pastor) 2018–present
  • Pastor G. Jeyam (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor) 2014–present
Current Leading Chief Pastors
No. Photo Name
1 Pastor. Sunil Abraham Mathew

Chief Pastor

2 Pastor. M. T. Thomas

Deputy Chief Pastor

3 Pastor. G. J. Jeyam

Associate Deputy Chief Pastor

List of late Chief Pastors

  • Late Pastor Paul Ramankutty (Founder and Chief Pastor) 1923–1945
  • Late Pastor Alwin R. de Alwis 1945–1962
  • Late Pastor Freddy Paul 1962–1973
  • Late Pastor A. C. Thomas 1973–1976
  • Late Pastor Jacob Ratnasingham 1976–1990
  • Late Pastor V. G. Samuel 1990–1991
  • Late Pastor H. Ernest Paul 1991–1994
  • Late Pastor C. K. Lazarus 1994–1999
  • Late Pastor P. M. Thomas 1999–2001
  • Late Pastor T. U. Thomas 2001–2006
  • Late Pastor Wilson Joseph 2006–2014
  • Late Pastor Wesley Peter 2014–2015
  • Late Pastor Stephan Natarajan 2015–2018
List of late Chief Pastors
No. Portrait Name Term Deputy Chief Pastor Associate/ Deputy Chief Pastor
1. Pastor Paul Ramankutty

1880–1945

Founder & First Chief Pastor

1923 – 1945 July 4 Pastor Alwin R. De Alwis Pastor Freddy Paul
2.

Late Associate/ Deputy Chief Pastors

  • Late Pastor C. John (Deputy Chief Pastor 1973-1977)
  • Late Pastor S.B. Earnest (Deputy Chief Pastor 1976-1987)
  • Late Pastor Philip Chandapillai (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1977-1984)
  • Late Pastor T. Geevarghese (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1984-1986)
  • Late Pastor Don M. Spiers (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1987-2004)
  • Late Pastor Joy Fitch (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 2006-2011)

References

  1. O'Callaghan, Laura (10 November 2018). "Christianity Crackdown: Huge crowd of 100 attacks prayer meeting". Daily Express. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  2. Tan-Chow, M.L. (2016). Pentecostal Theology for the Twenty-First Century: Engaging with Multi-Faith Singapore. Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies. Taylor & Francis. p. 18. ISBN 978-1-317-08263-7. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  3. Anderson, A. (2004). An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity. Cambridge University Press. p. 127. ISBN 978-0-521-53280-8. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  4. Hedlund, Roger E. "Critique of Pentecostal Mission by a Friendly Evangelical" (PDF). Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  5. "DoT | About". Doctrineoftruth.com. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  6. "Oral Roberts". Futurliner.com. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  7. "Basic Doctrines of Christ". Pentecost Voice. 28 October 2008. Archived from the original on 24 October 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2017.


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