A major development in Christianity since the early 20th century is the appearance of many Pentecostal denominations throughout the world. Beginning in the United States and spreading rapidly to most nations of the world, they now comprise a third force (originating as neither Roman Catholic nor Protestant) in Christendom, the phenomenal growth of which has commanded the attention of the world.
One of the first groups to designate itself officially as a member of the Pentecostal movement was the Pentecostal Holiness Church. With roots in the midwestern and southeastern United States, the Pentecostal Holiness Church has played a significant role within the movement from the beginning.
The character of the church is to be seen in its name, which places it astride two major revival movements: the holiness revival of the late 19th century, and the Pentecostal revival of the 20th century. As its distinctive contribution to contemporary Christianity, this church has attempted to preserve the Wesleyan tradition, while perpetuating the Pentecostal tradition.
The fundamental faith of the church is that God’s power to redeem man and society is resident in Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, who sent the Holy Spirit into the world as the Agent of salvation. It is this faith-that God’s power is directly available to everyone to save, cleanse, empower, and heal-that gave the Pentecostal Holiness Church its birth.