First Steps: Who We Are

Welcome

We’re glad that you’ve chosen to find out more about International Pentecostal Church (IPC)! This first lesson is the basic introduction to what we value as a church family. Since we have members from many different church backgrounds, this post was designed to clearly explain who we are and what we value.

First Steps guides you to discover your purpose and live the life God created for you. This program is made up of four steps that equip you to follow Jesus, connect to the church, discover your purpose, and serve others.

Our Prayer for You

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (Ephesians 1:17-18)

Our Story

When Dr. Daniel L. Butler came to IPC, he dreamed of a church with a simple goal – help all peoples of every ethnicity connect with God so that they might reach their full potential. From that guiding principle, IPC focuses on reaching out to our community through the process of building relationships. The life-giving message of the Gospel, the passion and joy of Sunday services, and the simple engaging style of IPC brought immediate growth.

Today, people from around the world attend the weekend services, weekly activities, and our small groups. God is at work at IPC. We invite you to see for yourself how exciting church can be when the focus is simple and people are free to go after God with passion!

Your story

The focus and DNA of IPC are four-part.

1. Connect to God and His church.
2. Love God.
3. Serve others.
4. Go change the world.

Step One

Connect to God and His Church: Join a Small Group

There are two things we need as believers – First, we need to sense that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Second, we need to sense that we are impacting others in close relationships.

In Acts 2 when the First Church was and throughout the Book of Acts, we see the power of meeting in small groups:

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)

“They met daily in the temple and in every house.” (Acts 5:42)

“I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publically and from house to house.” (Acts 2o:20)

Why Small Groups are important

Small Groups provide opportunities for:

1. Bible Study: I need people to strengthen and balance the Word of God in my life.
2. Fellowship: I need people who know the real me.
3. Prayer: I need people to pray for me personally.
4. Support: I need people who will protect me.
5. Outreach: I need people with whom I can share my story.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

How Small Groups work

Our small groups meet once a week in places all around our city and provide a place for you to connect, grow, and discuss the issues and challenges of life. Regardless of your age, interest, or location, we are sure there is a group out there for you. Small groups are also where we pray, care for one another, and are missed if we don’t show up! If you would like to join a small group simply click here to see what IPC has to offer!

There are three things you should know about small groups:

They are “Free Market” groups

Our groups are as diverse as we are; group leaders use their gifts and passions to create a group that allows others to join them in serving God. Whatever the age, interest, or location there is a group that is just right for you!

We have three semesters every year

New groups start and stop three times a year – thirteen weeks in the spring, six weeks in the summer, and another thirteen weeks in the fall. Each semester is kicked off with an on-site and online registration period accompanied by a new small group directory.

You can host a group

We believe that everyone has areas of strength and gifting that could benefit others. The first step in becoming a small group leader is to attend the Small Group Leader Training. These classes are offered throughout the year to give you an overview of what it takes to start a group. You’ll discover that it’s easier than you think.

Step Two

Love God: Attend weekend services

Our love for God is not confined to any one day of the week, but we express it publically on Sundays as a family of believers! We set aside Sunday to emphasize our love for God through worship and community.

At Weekend Services, we:

1. Worship We “praise God in the sanctuary” (Psalm 150:1)
2. Connect with the Body of Christ. Scripture says that only iron can sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17). So when we connect with one another, we grow stronger.
3. Hear the preached Word of God. Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
4. Pray together. Its important to pray in private, but there’s something altogether different when we pray together. In Acts 4, when a group of believers gathered in a second-floor room, the place was shaken by their prayers.

Step Three

Serve Others: Complete First Steps

“One Another” is found 59 times in 27 books of the New Testament. Jesus wants us to know the responsibility we have to another. That we should care for one another and serve one antoher.

But, how? How do I do this?

First Steps answers these questions. The First Steps journey is where you can discover the unique gifts God has given you – and how you can use those gifts to serve others.

Step Four

Go Change the World: Join the Team

The IPC Team is the core of our church! Every person who serves in any of the thirty-plus IPC ministry teams is part of ONE team.

We believe God called you to IPC and there is a place for you and only you to fill. God is preparing you to serve in His kingdom, to use your gifts and talents to the fullest, bringing honor and glory to God.

You have to put your God-given gifts and talents in the right place. And what’s the right place? Making a difference in the life of others. And we do that at International Pentecostal Church through the IPC Team.

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the thing of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

This is the DNA of IPC. This is the four-part spiritual journey of every believer. So allow us to welcome you on a journey to find the best you that you can be. Welcome to the International Pentecostal church family!

Church Membership Covenant

Being in agreement with the values and ideas presented in First Steps, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the IPC family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:

I will protect the unity of my church

1. By acting in love toward other members.
2. By refusing to gossip.
3. By trusting and following the leaders.

“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” (Romans 14:19, also read Romans 15:5, Ephesians 4:29, and Hebrews 13:17)

I will share the responsibility of my church

1. By praying for its growth.
2. By inviting “others” to attend.
3. By warmly welcoming those who visit.

“To the church…we give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1-2, also ready Luke 14:23 and Romans 15:7).

I will fulfill the purpose of my church

1. By discovering my gifts and talents.
2. By being equipped to serve by my pastors.
3. By developing a servant’s heart.
4. By reaching out to others.

“As each one has received a gift, minister to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10, also read Ephesians 4:11-12 and Philippians 2:4-5,7)

I will support the testimony of my church

1. By attending church and small groups faithfully.
2. By living a godly life.
3. By giving regularly.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42, also read Hebrews 10:25, Philippians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 16:2, and Leviticus 27:30)

7 Ways the First Church Revealed Their Love for God

1. They experience the new birth (John 3:5).
2. They shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God has come, and through Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection, we can be restored to a relationship with Him (Acts 2:38)!
3. They anticipated the soon coming of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20-21).
4. They lived differently than unbelievers (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
5. They believed Jesus is God (1 Timothy 3:16).
6. They gathered in small groups during the week in houses (Acts 20:20).
7. They gathered together for worship (1 Corinthians 16:2 and Acts 20:7).

We are so excited to see you begin your journey, and can’t wait to see what God will do in your life here at IPC!

Be sure to check out Step Two in our First Steps series: “Who You Are“