Perhaps surprisingly this church began with a schism. Let’s delve into the history of Igreja Pentecostal da B\u00edblia do Brasil.
The Igreja Crist\u00e3 Pentecostal da B\u00edblia do Brasil is a Pentecostal denomination. It was founded in 1958. Rev. Epaminondas Silveira Lima and Ada Silveira Lima established it. It started from a dissident group of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil.
In the late 1940s some members of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil sought spiritual renewal. They started attending retreats. These retreats took place at a site and the home of Elder Epaminondas and missionary Ada Silveira Lima. They also connected with missionary Harold Edwin Williams. During a trip abroad Epaminondas’ wife spoke in tongues. Later Epaminondas also received the baptism.
After some time the revivalist group was asked to leave the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil. With Harold Edwin Williams’ return to the United States Pastor Epaminondas inherited a tent. Oral Roberts gave this tent to the missionary. Lima started the Brazilian Crusade for Evangelization. He set up the first tents in the Cambuci Pari and Jabaquara neighborhoods. The national headquarters of the denomination was built in Jabaquara. Only later did the Igreja Crist\u00e3 Pentecostal da B\u00edblia do Brasil receive its name. It was initially called ICPB Minist\u00e9rio Porta da Vida.
The Igreja Crist\u00e3 Pentecostal da B\u00edblia do Brasil has churches mainly in the state of S\u00e3o Paulo. It also has temples in Minas Gerais Santa Catarina Paran\u00e1 Sergipe Alagoas Maranh\u00e3o Rio Grande do Norte Bahia Cear\u00e1 and Rio de Janeiro. You can even find them in Chile and the USA. The American Pentecostal Bible Church is one example.
Since 1981 the Igreja Crist\u00e3 Pentecostal da B\u00edblia do Brasil maintains the Porta da Vida Theological Seminary STPV. It also runs APVIDAS. This is a non-profit that assists nursing homes recovery centers and families in need.
Today the Igreja Crist\u00e3 Pentecostal da B\u00edblia do Brasil is composed of numerous congregations. In 2006 it had around 180 congregations and approximately 11000 members. These are present in Brazil Chile and the USA.
The Igreja Crist\u00e3 Pentecostal da B\u00edblia do Brasil began with a desire for deeper spiritual experience. It grew from a small group to an international presence. It continues to serve communities through faith education and social assistance. Its history reflects the dynamic nature of Pentecostalism in Brazil.