The modern Pentecostal movement has its roots in the Wesleyan Holiness Revival of the late 19th Century. However, the passing of time has witnessed the Pentecostal churches struggle with a tide of worldliness that threatens the integrity of their holiness heritage. The traditional interpretation of how holiness is practiced is being replaced by a theology of personal convenience rather than one of Scriptural convictions.This redefining of holiness expression led many to leave the main Pentecostal denominations and form new movements.

On February 5, 1989, fifty-four people gathered in Dollas Messer’s (a former Church of God pastor, missionary, and leader) home for worship in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Facilities were later secured in Rossville, Georgia. For the next nine months twelve men met every Saturday to study and draft the faith, practice, and polity of the new work. On Sunday, November 5, 1989, twenty-nine men and women gathered to formally organize by signing the Elim Covenant and ratifying the constitution and bylaws for the Elim Churches of God.

On September 12, 1992, church delegates met in Summerville, Georgia to sign a recommendation from the Executive Presbytery to change the name of the association from “Elim Churches of God” to “Wesleyan Pentecostal Churches.” Church elders from each church met in a called assembly on November 16, and completed the final steps for the name change.

Since its inception, WPC has grown to include other churches and missions which continue to meet annually during the month of November for the General Assembly. It has witnessed growth spiritually as its leaders have sought to perfect the saints and build a foundation for generations to come.

Pioneer work is never easy, for it requires a commitment to the plow and patience for the harvest. We are promised fruit only if we do not faint. May God’s grace continue to be with us as we labor with Him.