I have known Doug Beacham, general superintendent and presiding bishop of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, since he was an up-and-coming church leader in the early 1990s. We even published his book, Plugged Into God’s Power.
I had the privilege of reconnecting with him and recording a podcast, which you can listen to below, at his denomination’s General Conference held recently in Orlando. It was a magnificent event, with great praise and worship along with a special speaker from outside IPHC circles—Beth Moore, a Southern Baptist. She challenged attendees to rely on the Holy Spirit instead of doing their kingdom work based on their own gifts, abilities and strengths.
Bishop Beacham and I talked about how the denomination has reaffirmed that it’s both Pentecostal and Holiness. We discussed holiness and what it means in the modern setting. The concept is barely mentioned anymore—let alone adhered to—even through the lifestyles of believers. In fact, many Christians today live a lifestyle that Holiness people of an earlier generation would have considered too close to the world.
We also discussed how IPHC has recently reaffirmed seven core values, emphasizing one a year. Click here to find these core values on their website. They are:
- We prayerfully value Scripture.
- We prayerfully value Pentecost.
- We prayerfully value holiness.
- We prayerfully value Christ’s kingdom.
- We prayerfully value all generations.
- We prayerfully value justice.
- We prayerfully value generosity.
On a personal note, I recently reconnected with IPHC through Destiny Church in Saint Augustine, Florida, and pastors Donovan and Nellie Tinsley. That church was started in the 1930s by my pastor’s grandfather and is the leading Pentecostal/charismatic church in that county.
I believe that you will be blessed by what Beacham has to say, and I urge you to share it with friends. What is true holiness? What is being Pentecostal? Let’s begin a discussion! Please leave your comments below. {eoa}
