UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

Affirmation Statement
It is time to sign the biennial affirmation of our teachings on the plan of salvation and the life of holiness as stated in the Articles of Faith. You can sign and return the statement that was mailed to you, or you can make your affirmation at http://www.upciministers.com.
 
These biblical teachings are important to our Apostolic identity, and it is scriptural to conduct a periodic self-examination and reaffirmation. While there can be legitimate differences of opinion as to the need for, and effectiveness of, such a statement, there should be no dispute among us as to the importance of the truths it seeks to uphold, for every minister has already affirmed them at least once in order to receive license. We recognize that each local church is self-governing; that each pastor has authority and responsibility to lead the local church; and that there is room for diversity of opinion and application in many areas. We also understand the need for wisdom, patience, and tolerance in both evangelism and discipleship, proclaiming the life of faith and not legalism. However, we also affirm the importance of training and using local leaders who serve as good examples of our message.
 
Review of Operations
We have hired a consulting firm to review all operations at World Evangelism Center in 2012. This process will give us an opportunity to plan strategically for the future, achieve greater coordination and standardization of efforts, and make changes in order to operate more efficiently and effectively. As part of this process, we will conduct a review of Information Technology in order to upgrade and reimplement software or else choose new software.
 
Church Advancement Department
At the recommendation of the General Home Missions Division (now North American Missions), the General Board voted to place Building the Bridge Ministry, Church Growth Ministry, Multicultural Ministries, and Spanish Evangelism Ministry in a new department under Church Administration. Their ministries, mission, and leadership will remain the same, and they will still need your monthly support as much as before, but there will be a change in administrative operations. The Executive Committee (general superintendent, two assistant general superintendents, and general secretary) and the Executive Board will have active roles in guiding, supporting, and overseeing these ministries. The goals of this transition are:

1. To position the UPCI more effectively for growth in each area of ministry.
2. To focus North American Missions more closely on planting and supporting new works, including new works among all ethnicities.
3. To give the respective constituencies an increased ownership of their ministries.
4. To give the entire UPCI and its leadership an increased sense of responsibility for these ministries. 

  
Urshan College
As approved by the General Board, Urshan Graduate School of Theology is moving forward with the start-up of a new undergraduate Christian college program with the goal of accreditation.
 

1. Name. The name of the new undergraduate program is Urshan College. This name has several advantages: it is unique; it builds on the credibility and accomplishments of UGST; it communicates our doctrinal identity within the Apostolic movement; and yet it communicates a general,nonspecific identity to society at large. After accreditation and the development of several schools, we will consider changing the designation from a college to a university.
2. Mission. "The mission of Urshan College is to educate, empower, and equip Apostolics for life and servant leadership in the church and the world."
3. Curriculum and Degrees. Initially, UC will offer degrees in Organizational Leadership, Christian Ministry (broadly defined), and General Education and will offer several concentrations within these programs. All students will take some required courses in Bible and theology. The college will have a UPCI identity, and the curriculum will be based on an Apostolic worldview. Degree programs will be structured on a general Christian college model rather than a Bible college model. Plans are underway to partner with a local college for accredited degree programs until UC attains its own accreditation. UC will also seek partnerships with other accredited colleges to offer students a pathway to degrees not available at UC.
4. Admissions. There is significant interest for next year; 110 prospective students registered for the recent preview weekend. For more information, go to http://www.upcicollege.org. For an application, prospective students should contact Dave Molina at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 314 838-8858.
5. Positions. James Littles Jr. has been appointed as academic dean for both UGST and UC. He has served UGST with distinction since its founding, and he guided the accreditation process. We are now working to fill numerous positions, especially vice president (combined UGST and UC), director for General Education, director for Organizational Leadership, and director of development. For all but the last role, candidates need at least a master's degree in a suitable field and must be willing to work toward a doctorate. Those who are interested in any position should send a resume to Rhonda Morley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
6. Support. We need one-time donations for start-up, scholarships, and monthly partners. If you would like to support this new endeavor, please contact Rick Hernandez at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 314 838-8858.

Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard