The Christian movement in India was pioneered by the disciple of Jesus Christ, Thomas the Apostle, who traveled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, traveling as far as India.[2][3] According to tradition, the Apostle reached Muziris, India in 52 AD and baptized several people. The origins of the Indian Pentecostal Church of God can be traced back to the Pentecostal and Charismatic movem
ent in India to the early 20th century[4] and the church has been growing ever since. The great revival of the twentieth century[5] broke out in Central Travancore among the traditional Christian churches. The chief architect and the founder of IPC was Pastor K.E.Abraham,[6] a charismatic speaker and writer. Abraham received the baptism in the Holy Spirit in 1923. Samuel, Pastor T. Oommen, Pastor K.C.Cherian, Pastor P.T.Chacko, Pastor K.C.Oommen, Pastor P.T. Mathew, Pastor V.V. Thomas, Pastor T.K Mathew, Pastor C. Daniel Pr.T N Abraham and many others were also filled with the Holy Spirit in Nineteen Twenties. Gradually a fellowship was formed by these independent leaders and the first united Convention was held at Ranny in 1925 April. These fathers of faith, In 1935 registered ‘The Indian Pentecostal Church of God’ as a Religious Society at Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. The First President was Apostle P.M.Samuel. Presently, IPC has over 7000 congregations around the world. Its Administrative headquarters is at Hebronpuram, Kumbanadu, Kerala, India. The local churches belonging to this movement are spread across India as well as countries outside India such USA, UAE, UK and Australia. Also more than 75% of the local churches are located in the South Indian state - Kerala. The local churches under IPC are by origin, administration and its practices truly indigenous and are led by local ministers and leaders. The current executives are Rev. Jacob John (General President), Rev. Dr. Wilson Joseph (General Vice-President), Rev. K.C.John (General Secretary), Rev. Thomas Philip (Joint Secretary) and Bro. Saji Paul (General Treasurer).[7]
The members of Indian Pentecostal Church are usually not permitted to wear ornaments, and there is no exchange of rings during a wedding. The members of this organization refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking ci******es and from visiting theatres. About 70% of its members are from Kerala and nearly 90% of the General Council members are Malayalees. The worship services of mainstream IPC churches are usually held in Malayalam and 100% of all the sermons delivered during General Convention are either in Malayalam or translated to Malayalam. One of their prominent beliefs which separates them from other Christian denomination is the requirement of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. While IPC churches acknowledges the importance of Baptism through immersion as the foremost step in salvation, they believe that Baptism in immersion and Baptism in the Holy Spirit are two separate events. Fasting Prayers and Tarrying meeting are usually held for members who are not baptized in the Holy Spirit encouraging them to do so. Members of this church are encouraged to speak in tongues during worship services. The sermons are often interrupted by utterance of tongues.
