Originating in 1921, the Apostolic Church of Pentecost is a Pentecostal denomination headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The ACOP is strongest in Canada, where it has congregations in every Canadian province and is the second-largest Pentecostal denomination in the country. Due to its missionary activities, ACOP has organizations in sixteen other countries, including an orphan program in Africa.
In 1950, ACOP merged with another Pentecostal denomination known as the Evangelical Churches of Pentecost, which became official in 1953.
The Apostolic Church of Pentecost refers to itself as a fellowship of autonomous churches that are under the ACOP umbrella but without a central controlling body. The international office in Calgary credentials ministers, collects and distributes missionary funds, and coordinates regional and national conferences.
Theologically, ACOP is both Pentecostal and evangelical.
The Bible is considered to be inspired by God, infallible, and authoritative.
The Apostolic Church of Pentecost adheres to the belief in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Born of a virgin, Jesus Christ is both man and God. He is the only possible savior of humanity, which is totally depraved due to the sin of Adam.
Forgiveness of sin and eternal life is offered freely by Jesus Christ. Salvation comes by grace through faith alone, and is the work of Christ, who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again so that we might be justified.
The ACOP practices baptism of believers by immersion in water, as well as communion as a memorial for believers.
As a Pentecostal denomination, the Apostolic Church of Pentecost believes in the baptism in the Holy Spirit with scriptural evidence, namely speaking in tongues. The church also believes that the other gifts of the Holy Spirit, named in Acts and the Epistles, are for the contemporary church. These include divine healing.
Members of the Apostolic Church of Pentecost must commit to an intimate relationship with Christ, through prayer and Bible study.
Marriage is considered to be a life-long covenant between one man and one woman. Divorce is not an option. Married Christians must agree to provide nurture, love, and care to each member of the family, and those who are single must extend these graces to their extended family.
Members of the church are to endeavor to enhance their professional development through whatever resources might be available and to manage their finances well but without exploitation.
Recognizing that their bodies are the home of the Holy Spirit, members agree to treat it properly through exercise, diet, and rest.
ACOP members are to refrain from breaking trust or confidences, dishonesty, theft or other criminal activities, premarital or extramarital relationships, pornography, homosexuality, abuse of alcohol or drugs, gambling, coveting the possessions of others, and using the Lord's name in vain.
In awareness that a member's personal ministry is an extension of Christ's ministry, members strive to model the servant-heart of Christ toward others.
Members should support the mission of the church, and to abide by its statements of faith, bylaws, and policies. They should also work in cooperation with church colleagues, expressing differing opinions with love, with a recognition that there may be differing views on matters of conduct where the Scriptures are silent.
Among the ministries of the Apostolic Church of Pentecost are Apostolic Women's Ministries, Apostolic Youth Ministries International, Apostolic Missions Division, Orphan Care, Global Harvest Fund, and 2020 Vision.
Affiliated organizations include Bridges of Hope, God is Able Ministries, Gospel Mission, House of Judah, House of the Risen Son, King's Heart Ministries, Oasis Retreats Canada, The Dwelling Place, World Relief, and Words of Worth. The fellowship also operates several summer camps and retreats.
The focus of this category is the Apostolic Church of Pentecost, listing websites representing denominational and divisional offices, as well as associated ministries, missions, organizations, camps, groups, organizations, and corporations.
Local congregation websites should be submitted to the Local & Global category representing their geographical location, however.
Recommended Resources
Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada
ACOP has its beginnings in a revival at the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, California in 1913. Frank Small, the pastor of a small church in Winnipeg, attended that meeting and witnessed the manifest power of God, inspiring him to begin the church in Winnipeg a few years later. Its history, member churches, and an overview of its programs and ministries, a calendar of events, and contacts are posted.
https://www.acop.ca/
The non-profit organization is associated with the Apostolic Church of Pentecost, where it helps to provide educational opportunities, youth development, public health services, economic development, and other opportunities for people locally and globally, as well as assisting churches, missionaries, and outreach ministries in their missional projects. General information about the program, project reports, sponsorships, and testimonies are included.
http://www.thebridgesofhope.com/
Associated with the Apostolic Church of Pentecost, the facility is situated near Vermillion Bay, Ontario, Canada, where it offers a Christian summer camp experience, instructing campers in the Word of God, teaching Christian living skills, and directing character-building activities. A map shows its location, and contact information is set forth. Prospective campers may view a gallery of photographs and a statement of faith, and enroll online.
http://eaglelakebiblecamp.ca/
The private, Christian post-secondary education institution in Eston, Saskatchewan, Canada has served as the chief training center for the Apostolic Church of Pentecost since 1944, offering a number of programs with a focus on Bible studies and theology, and issuing certificates, associate diplomas, diplomas, bachelor of Biblical Studies degrees, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Christian Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies. Its programs, admissions policies, and registrations are featured.
https://www.estoncollege.ca/
Associated with the Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada, as well as the International Gospel Outreach UK, the church serves the island country of Malta. Its centers, schools, and bookshop are introduced, including locations, Bible study and service hours, and a calendar of events. Other resources include a photo gallery, teaching materials, music and video, reference materials, and administrative contacts.
http://www.fullgospel.eu/
Begun by Stephen Nemeth, now deceased, an apostle with the Apostolic Church of Pentecost of India, and continued by Florli Nemeth, his wife, the site offers resource materials for pastors and workers around the world, and across denominational lines. Featured are biographies of Mr. and Mrs. Nemeth, as well as several Bible downloadable Bible study manuals, student and teacher’s editions, devotionals, and a photo gallery.
http://www.houseofjudah.com/
Located on the shores of Last Mountain Lake, northeast of Bethune, Saskatchewan, Canada, the summer camp is sponsored by Regina Apostolic Church, Hillcrest Apostolic Church, Assiniboia Apostolic Church, Rock of the Valley Community Church, Springs of Life Church, Eston College, and United Youth Outreach. The facilities are described and shown in photographs, a program schedule, and calendar of events are included, and staff opportunities are posted.
https://www.kedlestongospelcamp.com/
Affiliated with the Apostolic Church of Pentecost, but open to Christians from other denominations, the summer camp and retreat are situated near Cosmopolis, Washington, in the United States. Its summer programs, retreat schedules, and facility rental policies and fees are stated, along with volunteer and staff opportunities, parent information, dress codes, a statement of faith, and contacts.
https://www.shilohbiblecamp.com/
