CORE VALUES – The Church of Pentecost Cyprus

EVANGELISM

It is the presentation of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit with the view that people will trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord and serve Him in the fellowship of the Church. Evangelism is the responsibility of every Church member and Minister. It is the prime duty of every believer to share his/her faith after conversion. Through cross-cultural, mission-oriented evangelism, Church members who travel to other countries preach Christ, plant Churches and call for Ministers to do same. Besides, as was the practice of the founder, Pastor James McKeown, we respond to calls to missions as led by the Holy Spirit.

DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship is teaching and training believers to be like Christ in character and to make responsible choices. The emphasis is on holiness, righteousness, faithfulness, honesty, sincerity, humility, prayerfulness and the leading of disciplined and responsible lives

This is done at the level of individuals, where mature members take up the responsibility to disciple new converts. The Church plays a leading role by providing systematic teaching and practical training. Such teaching emphasises the four-square gospel, which is Christ-centred: i.e. Jesus the Saviour, Healer, Baptiser and Soon-Coming King; the Tenets of the Church; Bible reading/study and scripture memorisation and application of the word to life situations.

MINISTRY EXCELLENCE

We seek to honour God who gave His best (Christ Jesus as the Saviour) by maintaining a high standard of excellence in all our ministries and activities (Colossians 3:23-24).

PRAYER

Some of the normal practices are regular prayer for the Holy Spirit baptism with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. Emphasis is placed on the fruit and gifts of the Spirit in the life of the believer. Prayers are said for healing and deliverance of the afflicted as part of the initial exercises for salvation. Services are marked as truly Pentecostal with praise and worship, teaching, exercise of gifts, prayer, testimonies, etc.

MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the presence of the person of the Holy Spirit and that the Christian life can be led only by His enablement. The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit, and then the baptism of the Holy Spirit for power to serve and the gifts of the Spirit for building the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps the individual to develop a Christ-like character, manifested through bearing the fruit of the Spirit. The leading of the Holy Spirit in all spheres of activity in the Church is paramount. Administrative structures and all other Church distinctiveness have been largely influenced by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Leadership development is based on the apostolic foundation. Appointments and callings into leadership positions are based on character, charisma, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Leadership development is from the grassroot level with members maturing to lead sub-groups, Ministries, Assemblies, Districts and Areas. Team spirit with talent development shapes team work. Ministry is by both clergy and laity.

CHURCH CULTURE

The following distinctive attributes help identify The Church of Pentecost:

Self-supporting attitude
Faithfulness and integrity
Distinctiveness in prayer
Church discipline without fear or favour irrespective of position, race or colour of members.
Congregational worship is based on spirit and truth and not necessarily on location or structure.
Fellowship and generosity
Respect for authority.
Mutual respect and sense of belonging for all members without discrimination based on colour, gender, tribe, race or nationality.
Sacrificial service to the Church without expecting pecuniary reward.
Neighbourhood Churches: small/medium-sized community-based Church policy promotes Church planting
Home cell system of fellowship fosters the creation of avenues for effective discipleship and promotes both numerical and spiritual growth.
Total abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other hard drugs.
Monogamous marriage is upheld as well as chastity before marriage.
Homosexuality, lesbianism and other perverse sexual practices are not permitted in the Church.
The Church upholds paternal inheritance.
Female visitors who attend Church services without a head-covering should be accepted as they are, without being either turned back or offered a “head covering”.
Women should fashion their hairstyles in a decent, modest and appropriate manner to the glory of God.
The wearing of seductive or sexually-provocative dresses should be discouraged in the Church.
Women must avoid the practice of cleavage (the partial exposure of breasts and other sensitive parts of the body) as that does not glorify the Lord.
Church Anniversaries can be celebrated only at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th etc, milestones

TITHES AND OFFERING

Faithfulness in giving offerings and paying tithes to enhance the ministry of the Church is emphasised. Periodic teaching on this subject is regarded as very important. The Church and members depend solely on God as the source of financial supply. Borrowing by the Church is not encouraged. Lending with interest among members is also discouraged.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

The Church believes in communal living with members supporting one another, and participating in communal work. The Church may also help the entire community by providing social needs such as health services, schools, agriculture as well as donating to the needy in society.

HOLINESS OF MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

The Church upholds holiness of members unto the Lord in all their endeavours (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 12:14).

CONSISTENT BIBLE TEACHING

The Church upholds the teaching of sound biblical doctrine and does not tolerate the propagation of wrong/false doctrine. All types of prayer such as thanksgiving; worship (adoration); supplication; intercession (Eph. 6:18-19; 1 Tim. 2:1-2).

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Respect for and obedience to authority.
Submission to corrective measures and policies of the Church.
Regular fellowship of the saints – (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:25)