Thank you for your interest in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC). I'll give you a brief history of IPHC and some interesting connections to the Roman Catholic tradition and then reply to your nine questions.

IPHC was organized in 1911 as two holiness denominations in the USA merged and accepted what the Bible teaches in Acts 2 regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues. The leaders of these two churches mostly came from the Methodist Church. They were greatly influenced by the founder of the Methodist Church, the Anglican priest John Wesley (Church of England).

As you might know, the Church of England is close in doctrine and practice to the Church of Rome. Some of that theological closeness remains in the heritage of IPHC. The IPHC has been supportive of the Charismatic Renewal in the Roman Catholic Church. However, it must be noted that IPHC is clearly Protestant.

How is your Church organised? What kind of authorities/rules are there?
The Church is organized with local congregations who are governed by a pastor, elders, and deacons. In geographic areas these churches are organized into "conferences" that are led by a "conference superintendent." In his/her spiritual role, the conference superintendent functions as a bishop or apostolic leader. In his/her administrative role, the conference superintendent functions as a Chief Executive Officer. All the conference leaders are elected by the local conference but are in relationship to the General Superintendent, the Bishop of IPHC. He, along with four other leaders, work out of denominational offices in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The rules are found on the web page under the Covenant of Commitment. We do not believe that Christians should do things that are harmful to the body, soul, mind, and spirit, such as tobacco, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and sexual immorality. We believe that Christians should live holy lives with the purpose of showing God's love in the world.

When do you get baptised (at what age) and what is the process?
We do not practice infant baptism. We do practice infant dedication. But the formal act of baptism, usually by total immersion in water, occurs when a person is old enough to know that Jesus Christ is his/her personal Savior. The age will vary depending on the maturity of the person. Usually a local pastor will have a class for those about to be baptized, similar to what you call confirmation. A person is baptized "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

When do you receive Eucharist? Do you have to be a certain age?
The Eucharist is considered an important part of the Christian life (although we use grape juice rather than wine). Most local churches receive monthly or quarterly, unlike your tradition which receives weekly. Anyone of any age who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior may receive Holy Communion. We do not serve a "closed" communion only for local church members. If you attended an IPHC church, you could receive the Eucharist as a Christian.

Do you have a creed stating your beliefs? If so, what is it?
Our basic Creed is the Apostles' Creed. We also hold to the Nicene Creed.

Describe your ministry; (who can be a minister? what do they wear? both sexes? etc)
Any Christian who believes that the Holy Spirit is calling them into ministry can be a minister. But they must be affirmed by the local church and the conference. There is a three-year process of study and preparation for ministry. IPHC ordains men and women into the ministry. Women may be deacons, elders, and pastor local churches. We do not have a liturgical dress. Most ministers wear a traditional suit of clothes.

Who do you worship and how?
We worship God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We do not worship any man or woman. Our worship services include songs of praise and thanksgiving, prayers, offerings, Scripture readings, the Eucharis, and sermons. Often services will close with people praying at the altar.

Do women have any particular role? Are they equal to men?
Regarding women, I basically answered that under #5. Women are equal to men spiritually and in our church government. In all candor, most of our pastors are men and women tend to serve in support ministries.

Do you believe in Mary and other saints? Do you worship them in any way? Is there any saints in particular that you may worship?
We do believe in the saints (including Mary) as persons of inspiration for their service to God. We do not have holy days where we remember particular saints. The only exception would be during Christmas when pastors might preach about Mary and her obedience as recorded in Luke 1, 2. We do not believe that the saints intercede for us since we believe that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit do that for us (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26). Related to this we recognize the Pope as the Bishop or Pastor of the Church of Rome, but not as the Vicar of Christ over all the Church.

Last update on 10/4/06
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