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{{Short description|Pentecostal denomination}}
{{otheruses4|The Pentecostal Mission (20th century)|the Pentecostal Mission (19th century)|Church of the Nazarene}}
{{About|The Pentecostal Mission/New Testament Church (NTC)(20th century)|the century Pentecostal Mission holiness denomination|Church of the Nazarene}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}


{{Infobox religion
| icon =
| icon_width =
| 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>
'''The Pentecostal Mission (TPM)'''<ref></ref>, formerly known as '''Ceylon Pentecostal Mission (CPM)''', is a ]<ref></ref> ] which originated in Ceylon, now ]. The international headquarters is now situated in ], ], ]. It is one of the biggest Pentecostal denominations.


== History ==
The mission was founded in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1923.<ref name=autogenerated2></ref>, by a Hindu convert, Ramankutty - later known as Pastor Paul<ref name=autogenerated1>http://www.missionstudies.org/conference/1papers/fp/Roger_Hedlund_Full_Paper.pdf</ref>. It now has churches (or Faith Homes) in every continent with close to 2 - 3 million believers worldwide. The church has spread to many parts of Sri Lanka, as well as India, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, England, France, Europe, Africa, Caribbean Islands, and the Middle East, and is continuing to expand.
]
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.


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.
==Church Names==
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doctrineoftruth.com/about/main.html |title=DoT &#124; About |publisher=Doctrineoftruth.com |access-date=2013-10-19}}</ref>


In the ], The Pentecostal Mission is known as '''"]"''' (NTC) and is headquartered in ], ]. In the ] it is known as '''"Universal Pentecostal Church"''' (UPC) and is headquartered in ]<ref></ref>, ]. In other parts of the world, the church is known by the following names:<ref></ref>


* Universal Pentecostal Church - ]
* Eglise de Pentecote Primitive – ]
* Grace New Covenant Pentecostal Church – ]
* New Testament Church – ]
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – ]
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – ]
* New Testament Church – ]
* New Covenant Pentecostal Church – ]
* New Testament Church - ]
* New Testament Church– ]
* New Testament Church – ]
* New Testament Church – ]
* Iglesia del Nueva Testamento – ]
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – ]
* Iglesia Communion Cristiana – ]
* New Testament Church - ]
* Christliche Gnaden Gemeinde – ]
* Neue Testament Kirche – ]
* The Universal Pentecostal Church - ]
* The Pentecostal Mission (TPM) - ]
* Pentecostal Church of ]
* Pentecostal Church of ]
* New Testament Church - ] (headquartered in ], ])


==Other branches== == School ==
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.


== 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).
*]
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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.
==History==


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.
According to historian, ]<ref name=autogenerated2 /><ref> http://www.alpha.org.in/book.php?StartsWith=O&BookSK3459</ref>, "The Ceylon Pentecostal Mission owes its origin to the ministry of Walter Clifford." The church was founded by Pastor Paul along with Pastor Alwin R. de Alwis<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=N9TLGG8-HtAC&pg=PA127&lpg=PA127&dq=pastor+paul+raman+kutty&source=web&ots=KxZy-j90W8&sig=4qyXM9l-64Kfwi_n1wGVBBlRx4k#PPA128,M1</ref>. Pastor Paul 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 and a follower of Jesus Christ. Later, he felt a strong call from the Lord for his life and began to preach and share the gospel in various parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. In the initial stages, he had worked with other evangelists.<ref></ref> Pastor Paul served as the founder chief pastor of this church. The CPM espoused an ascetic approach to spirituality. The church also instituted indigenous (or ]) forms of worship.


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


* '''The Pentecostal Mission (TPM)''' – ] (International HQ in Irumbuliyur ], ])
This Church stands out among the Pentecostal churches because of its exclusivist teachings and organization structure. Some of the distinctives are that fulltime ] were expected to practice an ascetic life-style including celibacy, obedience to the elder pastors, communal living (including disposal of private possessions) in faith homes<ref name=autogenerated1 />.
* '''Ceylon Pentecostal Mission''' '''(CPM)''' – ] (2nd International HQ in ], ])
* '''New Testament Church (NTC)''' – ] (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'''
The TPM churches are run by full-time ] who are celibate<ref></ref> and predominantly single. Married couples who enter full-time ministry are also expected to become celibate, and may be sent to different locations by the TPM leadership. These full-time ] are required to forsake the world, its attractions, and even their own families to become a ] or worker or servant of God for full-time, consecrated ministry<ref></ref>. They are expected to be dedicated to the ministry of the church, their calling, to prepare themselves for ] return and to lead others to Christ.


* Brazil
At dawn, every servant of God across the globe must awake early to praise God and to pray for every member in the church. They are to ] and pray often. They assert that all of the sermons preached are through prayer and waiting on the Lord. These sermons are deemed to be extremely deep in the truths of the Holy ]. According to the church members, the ] do not seek offering and live by faith. The church’s one mission is to prepare each and every believer to be ready for Jesus' second coming (]).
* Ecuador

* Zambia
==Church Leadership==
* Rwanda

* Guinea
The worldwide TPM is led by a Chief Pastor. ] are generally appointed for life, and leadership is passed down after death to the next in seniority. The current Chief Pastor, Wilson Joseph, succeeded the late Pastor T.U. Thomas (died on ] ]) as the Chief Pastor and Pastors Wesley and Joy Fitch as Deputy/Associate Pastors. Chief Pastor previously served as Pastor to the Singapore Pentecostal Mission. In America most of church work was pioneered by one named Pastor Don M Spiers. Pastor Don was eventually working with Oral Roberts ministries<ref></ref> <ref>http://www.futurliner.com/or_cruiser.htm.</ref>.
* Zimbabwe
Later he joined NTC (New Testament Church) know as TPM and pioneered in establishing church in most parts of USA and in the west.
* Cameroon

* Mauritius
]
* Jamaica
* Seychelles
* Haiti
* Guadeloupe
* Nicaragua
* South Africa
* Gambia
* Ivory Coast
* Honduras
* Abu Dhabi


== Doctrines and teachings == == 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: ], ], ] ], ] as evidenced by speaking in unknown tongues, ], ] ], ] (of the Body, Soul and Spirit), Overcoming Life, ] ], ], ] and ], ], The Millennial Reign, The Great White Throne Judgement, and ]. 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.


===Basic doctrines=== ==Magazine ministry==
{{no sources section|date=April 2024}}
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
As per the church the doctrines are


== Current Leading Chief Pastors ==
# There is one God, eternally existent as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.
# The Bible is God's only inspired, written, Word to mankind - trustworthy, authoritative, and infallible.
# The work of redemption by Jesus Christ - His virgin birth, atoning death, burial, and resurrection - is complete and prefect. Salvation (new birth) must be preceded by sincere repentance toward God and faith in Christ as risen Savior and Lord.
# Water Baptism by immersion is mandatory for all who have been cleansed by the blood of Christ, and provides a further work of grace in the believer's life. It must be administered by a spirit filled minister in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
# The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, is the promise of the Father for all of His children. Only through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit can the believer live a life of true holiness and victory over the flesh, the world, and the devil.
# Jesus Christ is coming back soon for a "glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle". Only those who are thus prepared, those who ardently love His appearing, will be caught up to reign with Him as His Bride.
# There will be a resurrection of the just and the unjust - the one to eternal life, other to eternal damnation.


* ''Pastor Abraham Mathew (Chief Pastor) 2018–present''
Further, they do not believe in wearing jewellery<ref>http://books.google.ca/books?id=N9TLGG8-HtAC&pg=PA127&lpg=PA127&dq=History+of+Pentecostal,+Sri+Lanka,+CPM&source=web&ots=KyRvYc4737&sig=ULPb4txTpNjg1VzbmHgXXkz8hUU&hl=en</ref>, and encourage divine healing rather than depending on ]. The full time workers in the church would generally believe this to the point of not going to hospitals or doctors. They discourage watching television or visiting the cinemas. They believe that their rules and regulations prevent the believer from being trapped in the world. They preach and teach separation from the world, to prepare themselves for the ].


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


* ''Pastor G. Jeyam (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor) 2014–present''
The international convention is held at Irumbuliyur in ], ], every year in the month of March/April as well as at Kottarakara in Kerala, India, every year in the month of February. It is one of the largest Pentecostal ] in India where a crowd of over 100,000 worshipers from all over the country and the world participate. All the people who come can make use of the basic amenities like food and accommodation which are provided by the church, free of cost, for 5 days. It is also said that there is well arranged order while food is being given out for almost 1,00,000 people.
{| 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 ==
Every year in the month of November an '''International Youth Camp''' is held at the same place. Young people converge in this place from different parts of the world.


* ''Late Pastor Paul Ramankutty (Founder and Chief Pastor) 1923–1945''
The main convention in North America is held at Virginia in the USA every year on the first week of July, and the largest convention in Europe is the London convention, which is held on the last week of August every year.


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


* ''Late Pastor Freddy Paul 1962–1973''
===Service of Song===


* ''Late Pastor A. C. Thomas 1973–1976''
The Service of Song (Service or worship rendered to God by singing) is given a very high priority in the mission. Though the church couldn't boast of great learned people, yet ageless, immortal hymns and songs that have stood the test of time have been churned out of this mission. The service of song is considered a ministry in itself, rather than being a part of the ministry.<br />
Ever since the inception of the mission, songs were regularly composed by the brothers and sisters of the mission who fasted and prayed for the divine touch in all their compositions. Releasing new songs every year for various occasions set aside the church from other churches. The songs of the mission have a unique style - with praising being the opening lines and the glrious hope of Zion and the advent being the closing lines. <br />
*In the beginning, the songs were recorded in magentic spools and were distributed to the centre faith homes alone for the sake of practising the tunes. But unfortunately many of these spools are not available today.
*Recording of the songs in cassettes came into vogue in the 70's and fortunately these disks exist for the faithful to hear and relish them.
*Digital recording was introduced in the year 1998 (on cassettes only) and in the year 1999 CD recording was introduced, though on a limited scale.
*Mass production started from the year 2000.
*Live rcording of International Convention messages was introduced from the year 2003 and complete recording began from the year 2005.
*The disks and cassettes are not sold for profit but are always dedicated to the glory of God. The disks are also unique in that they never carry the names of the singers nor any speeches or prayers by them. The works, though copyrighted legally, can be used by anyone for the furtherance of the Word of God.
Songs were originally composed in five languages namely Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and English. Of late songs are also released in various lanuguages such as Kannada,Punjabi,Tulu, Bengali, Marathi etc.<br />
The songs were recorded in the Mission's recording theatre at ] and were a great attraction during their release during the ] and also were a reason for the saving of many a way-ward soul.


* ''Late Pastor Jacob Ratnasingham 1976–1990''
===Sunday School Ministry===


* ''Late Pastor V. G. Samuel 1990–1991''
"Train up a child in the way he should go" resounds the theme of the Sunday School Ministry aimed at bringing up children spiritually. Classes are held from L.K.G till Grade 11.A Senior Sunday Class is also conducted where the students can study for three years after completion of Grade 11. <br />
Each class has its own syllabus containing twenty lessons - ten from the Old Testament and ten from the New Testament (in most of the standards). Each lesson is accompanied by a moral and memory verse (except in some higher grades).
The syllabus covers the entire Bible and the children become proficient in the Scriptures once they are through the Sunday school. <br />
Deeper doctrines are presented in a very simple and concise way, yet surpassing many of the theological degrees in their content, meaning, beauty and depth. Certain portions of the syllabus like "]", "]", "]", "]”, “] ", "]”, “]", ”]”, ”]”,"]" have no parallels anywhere in the world in any theological studies. They are the fruits of the revelation of the mysteries and truths of the scriptures by the Holy Spirit to the saints who forsook their all for the sake of the Kingdom of God.<br />
The Sunday School organization is unique in many ways. Notable among them are
*The Teachers are selected not on the basis of their merit in terms of theological degrees, education or riches but based on their exemplary spiritual life.
*The Teachers are not paid salary for the services rendered by them but rather, they are willing to spend and be spent in the ministry.
*The Teachers are expected to strictly adhere to
**Avoid outward adornment like wearing jewels, cosmetics etc.
**Shun watching movies, television in any form and preach the same.
**Stand for divine healing.
**Practice and preach wearing white garments.
*Though Children are imparted Scriptural Knowledge, utmost importance is given to moulding the character of the children and to make the children live the Word of God they study.
Examinations are held matching the standards of Government examinations right from the distribution of question papers, sending invigilators, timing, valuation etc. The competition is for the children among a ]. In addition to the exams, various competitions like Memory verse reciting, quick Bible reading, Singing etc are conducted for the encouragement of the children and the performers are rewarded well.<br />
Sunday Schools in the branches take one step further in that they reach out to the children in the nearby areas (slums, etc) too often providing them some form of assistance both spiritually and materially. Many families have been saved from the flames of hell by their children who paved the way for their salvation who were in fact rescued by the Sunday School Ministry from the clutches of sin and misery.


* ''Late Pastor H. Ernest Paul 1991–1994''
===Magazine Ministry===


* ''Late Pastor C. K. Lazarus 1994–1999''
The church has a magazine ministry, where magazines in several languages are printed and distributed to subscribers. The English magazine published from India is called ''Voice of Pentecost''. ''Pilgrim's Journal'' is another magazine which is published and printed in USA. Email edition of Pilgrim's Journal can be subscribed by sending an email to pilgrimsjournal-on@pj.worthyofpraise.org.
Other English Magazines are:
"Pentecostal Messenger" from Malaysia, "The Youth Herald" from Singapore, "Power Divine" from Sri Lanka, "Trumpet of the Lord" from U.K.


* ''Late Pastor P. M. Thomas 1999–2001''
Malayalam magazine ''PENTECOST'' is one of oldest Pentecostal magazines from Kerala. Hindi edition ''PENTECOSTIN WANI'' published from New Delhi is also other landmark in the history of Church to spread the Gospel to northern part of India.


* ''Late Pastor T. U. Thomas 2001–2006''
===New Testament Christian Academy===
* ''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'''
In the year 2002 the church opened an academy known as '''"New Testament Christian Academy"''' in ] where an experienced teacher and few church believers from the church school in ] were sent to train teachers to set up the school. The children from the ''Congo Cross'' and ] assemblies of this church attend the school.
|1923 – 1945 July 4
|
|Pastor Alwin R. De Alwis
|Pastor Freddy Paul
|-
|2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}


== Late Associate/ Deputy Chief Pastors ==
===Tract Ministry===


* ''Late Pastor C. John (Deputy Chief Pastor 1973-1977)''
Tracts of different kinds and various life issues are also published and printed regularly in different languages (English, French, Spanish, Hindi, Nepali, Sinhala, German, Afrikaans, Swidish, Italian, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Oriya, Bengali, Assamese, Manipuri, Angami, Sema, Lotha, Ao, Khasi etc). These tracts address topics like Peace, Salvation, questions about life and healings.


* ''Late Pastor S.B. Earnest (Deputy Chief Pastor 1976-1987)''
===Publications===
There are a lot of books being published by the church to let them know the truths and beliefs of this church. The following are some of the publications:


* ''Late Pastor Philip Chandapillai (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1977-1984)''
* ''The Biography of Pastor Paul'' ('''also includes biographies of other Pastor's after Pastor Paul''')
* ''Divine healing''
* ''Water Baptism''
* ''An Exposition of the Book of Revelation''
* ''The Second Coming of Christ''
* ''Deeper Truths''
* ''Baptism of the Holy Spirit''
* ''Anointing of the Holy Spirit''
* ''God, Angels and Man''
* ''Redemption, Repentance and New Birth''
* ''Morning Manna (daily devotional)''
* ''New Testament Ministry''
* ''A Study on the Will of God'' -
* ''The life of Joseph''
* ''Twenty Judgments''
* ''God's Eternal Purpose for Man''
* ''The Sweetness of Psalms 23''
* ''Zion, The Perfection of Beauty''
* ''Answers to 50 Difficult Questions in Christian Life''
* ''Forgiveness the Foretaste of Heaven'' -
* ''Human Pride & Divine Humility'' -
* ''Journey of the Israelites'' -
* ''Book of Daniel'' -


* ''Late Pastor T. Geevarghese (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1984-1986)''
==List of Chief Pastors ==


* ''Late Pastor Don M. Spiers (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 1987-2004)''
{{Main|Chief Pastors}}


* ''Late Pastor Joy Fitch (Associate Deputy Chief Pastor 2006-2011)''
'''List of Chief Pastors from Pastor Paul founder of CPM / TPM/ NTC / UPC / NCPC '''

* Pastor Paul (''Founder and Chief Pastor'') 1923 - 1945
* Pastor Alwin R. de Alwis 1945 -1962
* Pastor Freddy Paul 1962 - 1973
* Pastor A .C. Thomas 1973 - 1976
* Pastor Jacob Ratnasingham 1976 - 1990
* Pastor V. G. Samuel 1990 - 1991
* Pastor H. Ernest Paul 1991 - 1994
* Pastor C .K. Lazarus 1994 - 1999
* Pastor P .M. Thomas 1999 - 2001
* Pastor T.U.Thomas 2001 - 2006
* Pastor F. Wilson Joseph 2006 - till date

List of all the chief pastors and other pastors of CPM/TPM or NTC. ]

==Sermons Audio==

* ''Pastor Don Spiers'' - + +
* ''Pastor T.U.Thomas'' - + +

*''Pastor T.M.Podikunju'' - (Malayalam - Real Player only):
* The Prophecy of Daniel
* Jesus is Coming Soon
* The Righteous and Wicked
* Baptism
* Saint Dorothy Eddy - The only martyr for christ, died in Tanjore, buried in Anaikkadu in 1978.


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}

• This article includes material from the biography of Pastor Paul

• The Voice of Pentecost.

• Pilgrims Journal.


==External links==
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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

This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

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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