Elim refers to a global Pentecostal movement with shared revivalist roots and a common theological identity.
It includes Elim Fellowship (USA) and the Elim Pentecostal Church (UK), which are legally and organizationally separate Christian bodies, but historically related and closely aligned in doctrine, ministry training, and global missions. Both emphasize evangelism, divine healing, Spirit-filled worship, and the development of leaders through Bible-school-centered formation. Many international Elim ministries draw influence from both branches, reflecting the movement's interconnected character.
Elim Pentecostal Church was founded in 1915 by evangelist George Jeffreys during a period of widespread revival in the British Isles. It grew rapidly through healing campaigns, evangelistic meetings, and church planting, eventually forming a national denomination with its own governance, leadership structures, and ministerial training institutions. Elim UK maintains a strong emphasis on evangelism, Spirit-empowered ministry, and practical disciplineship, and it operates extensive global missions programs. While structurally more centralized than its U.S. counterpart, it shares the same revivalist ethos and commitment to local church vitality.
Elim Fellowship originated in the 1920s around the ministry of Ivan Q. Spencer and the founding of Elim Bible Institute in Lima, New York. It developed into a fellowship of independent Pentecostal churches, ministers, and missionaries committed to revivalist spirituality, evangelism, and practical ministry training. The Fellowship is incorporated separately, with its own leadership, credentialing processes, and missionary programs. Its churches retain local autonomy while participating in a relational network shaped by shared theology, worship style, and ministry profiles. Elim Fellowship maintains a strong emphasis on global missions, pastoral support, and leadership development through its Bible school and affiliated ministries.
Both branches of the Elim movement share a common Pentecostal theology rooted in early 20th-century revivalism, emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit, divine healing, evangelism, and experiential worship. Leadership development is central in both contexts, with Bible schools and ministry training programs playing a defining role in shaping pastors and missionaries. Local churches typically exercise significant autonomy while participating in a wider relational network for support, accountability, and shared mission. Both bodies maintain active global missions, often partnering with national churches and independent ministries in ways that do not map neatly onto a single organizational structure. Their shared name, ethos, and ministry profiles create a recognizable Elim identity across national boundaries, even as the U.S. and UK organizations remain legally distinct. For purposes of categorization in our guide, Elim is understood as a global movement with multiple centers rather than a single unified denomination.
Recommended Resources
Part of the global Elim Pentecostal Church movement, E5 Bristol offers two gatherings each Sunday, at 9:00 am and 11:00 am, with lively worship and a Bible-based talk, both of which include children's and youth programs, as well as a parents' lounge for babies and toddlers. There is also an online option. E5 runs a range of ministries including junior church, Kings Club, men's and women's groups, and community outreach. Its services, leadership, and contacts are posted.
https://elimbristol.org/
Located in Lima, New York, Elim Bible College is a private Christian college that awards bachelor's degrees in theology and business management, an associate degree, and one-year certificates. Established in 1924, the school was accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools in 2020. It has also been granted an absolute charter by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is registered by the NYS Education Department.
https://www.elim.edu/
Describing itself as "A Centre of Hope," Elim Christian Centre presents as one church operating across multiple locations in New Zealand. Its website features basic information about the church and its campus locations, a live streaming option for services, guidance on spiritual next steps, small groups, and ministry involvement, and links to affiliated institutions, such as Elim Leadership College, Elim Education, and its courses and missions programs.
https://elimchristiancentre.org.nz/
Affiliated with Elim Fellowship, Elim Church is a Christian congregation in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Offering in-person and online services and a range of ministries for all ages, the congregation meets on Sundays at 9:00 am and 10:15 am, with Sunday services live-streamed, and a Saturday evening option may also be available, along with other activities and ministries throughout the week. Its address, contact details, and a schedule of events are featured on the website.
https://www.elimchurch.ca/
A Spirit-filled, non-denominational Christian community based in West Gosford on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, the church emphasizes the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, contemporary worship, and supernatural ministry (healing, miracles, prophetic). The church practices water baptism and Holy Communion as scriptural ordinances, and its teachings include the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and contemporary expression of spiritual gifts. Contacts are included.
https://elim.com.au/
Elim Church of New Zealand is a national network of Elim churches across Aotearoa that includes local congregations, national events, and resources for prayer and discipleship. Its website includes a church locator, national conferences, a 21 Days of Prayer resource, and Elim education materials and programs run by the denomination. A brief history of the movement is featured, and its leadership, contacts, and information on making contributions are provided.
https://www.elim.nz/
Headquartered in Lima, New York, Elim Fellowship is a Spirit-filled Pentecostal/charismatic Christian network that equips leaders, credentials, ministers, and missionaries. Its primary emphasis is on pastoral credentialing and church affiliation for accountability and covering, as well as training and development for emerging leaders, missionary sending, and support for global outreach. Its credentialing, affiliation, U.S. ministries, global ministries, and events are highlighted.
https://elimfellowship.org/
Elim Fellowship Canada is a Pentecostal/Charismatic association of churches, ministers, missionaries, and ministries that provides credentialing, pastoral care, resources, and fellowship for leaders and affiliated congregations. The organization provides credentialing and pastoral oversight, leadership development and training, conferences, coaching, accountability, and ministry resources. An application for ministerial credentials and contact details are included.
https://elim.ca/
Presented as a global network of Pentecostal church denominations, movements, and ministries focused on church planting, discipleship, leader training, and national outreach, Elim Global coordinates the worldwide ministries of Elim Fellowship. Included is a directory of Elim Global churches and ministries worldwide, contacts for partnerships or inquiries, and various tools, guides, and materials intended to equip churches and leaders. Local congregations can be found through the site.
https://www.elim.global/
Associated with Elim Fellowship, the Elim Pentecostal Church is a UK-based Pentecostal Christian denomination. Founded in 1915 by George Jeffreys in 1915, it is the second-largest Pentecostal denomination in the UK. Elim describes itself as a growing movement of Christian congregations active in local communities and international mission. EPC locations, churches, and global missions are highlighted, along with its leadership, programs to develop leaders, and contact details.
https://www.elim.org.uk/
