First Steps: Why You’ll Love It Here

Our Hope For You

The purpose of this third lesson is to get down into the details of what makes us different from other churches. God has given International Pentecostal Church (IPC) a unique vision, and we want to show you how you can be a part of that. We want to share with you our focus as a church, what we value, and a few principles that will help us step fearlessly into the purpose that God has for our lives.

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

The Differences

We are a spirit-filled church

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

What is the Holy Spirit?

Ruwach – a wind, breath, a violent exhalation, blast of breath. (Genesis 1:2)

Pneuma – a current of air, blast of breath, a strong breeze. (John 6:63)

1. The Holy Spirit is our helper (John 14:16).
2. The Holy Spirit is our teacher (John 14:26).

We embrace the supernatural, and we believe supernatural things are possible.

We are a Bible-based church

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

We believe that the Holy Bible, and only the Bible, is the authoritative Word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. In its original writing, it is inspired, infallible, and inerrant. A vibrant relationship with God is sustained through bible study and prayer.

1. Accept that God’s Word is my highest authority
2. Receive God’s Word with an open heart (Psalm 119:64).
3. Respond to God’s Word with obedience (James 1:22).

We are an other’s-focused church

“For the Son of Man came to see and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

It’s been said that the only institution that exists for the benefit of its non-members is the church. We embrace that completely! Everything we do is geared toward getting as many lost people saved as possible. You’ll hear us say it often: “As many as we can; as fast as we can!”

We are a vision-driven church

1. LOVE God. Attend weekend services.
2. GROW in faith. Join or start a small group.
3. SERVE others. Complete First Steps.
4. GO change the world. Join the IPC team.

We are a giving church

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

The Gospel is the ultimate demonstration of God’s generous nature towards mankind. The Bible consistently teaches that God blesses us so that we may bless others.

Three Areas of Giving

1. Give of our time (Ephesians 5:15-16).
2. Give of our talent (1 Corinthians 12:7).
3. Give of our treasure (Romans 12:8).

Jesus gave His Church a mandate to reach the world around them in three areas:

“You shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

“In Jerusalem” – Our City: The primary way we reach our city is through our Community Outreach efforts (James 1:27).

“In Judea and Samaria” – Our Nation: The primary way we reach our Nation is by starting new churches and strengthening existing churches (1 Corinthians 9:22).

“To the ends of the Earth” – Our World: IPC strategically invests a portion of its resources in mission works all around the world with a focus on missionaries, unreached people groups, children, and church planting.

We are a joyful church

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” (Psalm 100:2)

IPC has a secret: 

1. Every member is a minister.
2. Every task is important.
3. Every member is a “10” in some area.

We are a church of honor

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10)

1. We celebrate one another.
2. We value one another.
3. We are accountable to one another.

IPC Team Honor Covenant

As an essential part of the IPC Leadership Family, you have a responsibility to develop and exhibit mature Christian behavior. This should be the basic premise of your desire to participate in a servant-leader position here at IPC.

While serving the Body of Christ as a servant-leader at IPC, you pledge to present a good appearance at all times. In both attire and behavior, you should strive to demonstrate Biblical standards in all situations.

As Christians, the way we present ourselves to others is of vital importance to the way others perceive Christ. Our conduct should never be an embarrassment to Christ but should exemplify the best qualities of a mature believer and servant-leader.

A Disciplined Life

Exemplifying the highest moral commitment, IPC’s leaders are to maintain a disciplined life of Bible reading, prayer, and fasting. We seek to walk humbly before God and refrain from such things as:

1. Profanity
2. Smoking or chewing tobacco
3. Gambling
4. Indulging in alcoholic beverages
5. Dishonest gain
6. Illegal drugs
7. Pornography
8. Sexual Immorality
9. Immodest Dress
10. All behaviors that might cause Christ to grieve and others to stumble.

By providing an example of speech and action, we encourage others to grow in Christ and become servant-leaders themselves. This is a way of life measured by the heart and commitments of each leader in the IPC family. We should regard it as an essential part of our development, not as an imposition or restriction.

Be sure to check out Step Four in our First Steps series: “Join the Team“