Seeking a life-changing Christian journey? Here at First United Pentecostal Church in Dallas Texas a loving friendly community awaits to worship God and serve others. We stand here today ready to delve into the story of this church. This church seeks to impact and renew Dallas and beyond with the transforming message of Jesus Christ.
First United Pentecostal Church is part of the United Pentecostal Church International UPCI. The UPCI is the largest Oneness Pentecostal denomination. It has its headquarters in Weldon Spring Missouri. The UPCI was formed in 1945. It was the result of a merger between the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ and the Pentecostal Church Incorporated. In 2024 the UPCI has over 45000 churches worldwide.
The UPCI emerged from the Pentecostal movement. This movement traces its origins to Charles Parham in Topeka Kansas. It also goes back to the Azusa Street Revival led by William J Seymour in 1906. The UPCI traces its roots to 1916. That’s when many Pentecostal ministers began to unite. They focused on the oneness of God and baptism in Jesus’ name. Several ministers met in Eureka Springs Arkansas. On January 2 1917 they formed the General Assembly of the Apostolic Assemblies.
The General Assembly of the Apostolic Assemblies merged with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World PAW. They accepted the leadership of G T Haywood an African American. The first meeting was held in Eureka Springs in 1918. This interracial organization adopted the PAW name. It remained the only Oneness Pentecostal body until late 1924. Jim Crow laws and racial hatred led many white leaders to withdraw from the PAW.
In 1925 three new Oneness churches formed. They were the Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ the Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance and Emmanuel’s Church in Jesus Christ. In 1927 steps were taken to reunify these organizations. Emmanuel’s Church in Jesus Christ and the Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ merged. They took the name the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. In 1931 a unity conference met in Columbus Ohio. Representatives from four Oneness organizations attended. The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance voted to merge with the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.
In 1932 the Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance changed its name. It became the Pentecostal Church Incorporated. In 1936 ministers voted to work toward amalgamation with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Final union occurred on September 25 1945 in St Louis MO. These two Oneness Pentecostal organizations merged. They formed the United Pentecostal Church International. The merger brought together 521 churches.
The UPCI traditionally reflected the demographics of the US and Canada. The majority of its members were White and Anglo-American. However the UPCI attempted to shift its doctrines. It aimed for the inclusion of every race and culture in North America. In 2008 the UPCI published a statement against racism.
The UPCI’s core theology aligns with other Oneness Pentecostals. It rejects the Trinity. It believes the Father Son and Holy Spirit are different manifestations of God. The UPCI believes one must repent be baptized in Jesus’ name and receive the Holy Ghost. Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.
Here at First United Pentecostal Church come as you are. Experience a community that prioritizes teaching from the Bible. Follow the example of Jesus. The vision is clear to impact Dallas and beyond with the transforming message of Jesus Christ.