Greenpoint church

The Pentecostal Church is part of the fastest-growing movement in Christianity, the Pentecostal (or Charismatic) movement, with over 500 million believers worldwide. The church in New York is a classic Pentecostal community of evangelical Christians who place a special emphasis on the necessity of the fullness of the Holy Spirit in serving God and in the daily life of a Christian.

The term “Pastor” (Latin: shepherd) refers to a Protestant clergy member. A pastor leads the congregation, performs pastoral duties, is responsible for teaching, and coordinates the work of the local community. On a daily basis, the pastor collaborates with the Elder Board, other clergy, church staff, and volunteers. The pastor is also involved in the life of the local church and the Church as a whole, encompassing all Christians.

The qualifications and character of a clergyman are defined by Scripture, notably in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.

Every community has its own language, which can be unfamiliar to outsiders. Some biblical terms also require familiarization. We try to avoid using obscure words, but if you don’t understand something we say, don’t hesitate to ask!

The term “congregation” (meaning assembly, community) refers to a local group of believers. It is commonly used in evangelical churches (similar to parish, commune, or congregation in other churches). “Congregant” is an informal term for a member of the congregation. “Agape” refers to a communal meal organized collectively, where everyone brings something to share, similar to how early Christians practiced fellowship. As believers, we consider each other brothers and sisters, so instead of “Mr.” and “Mrs.,” we often say “brother” and “sister,” and sometimes refer to older members as “aunt” and “uncle” as a gesture of affection.

A service is a gathering of Christians to worship God together through prayers, songs, testimonies, listening to, and practicing the Word of God as it is read and preached.

Church services are a wonderful place to worship God through prayer and song. Skilled musicians will assist and encourage you to joyfully thank and praise God. Teachings are based on the Scriptures. The pastor and other preachers are dynamic speakers who aim to touch not only the intellect but also the hearts of the listeners. You never know exactly what to expect at a Sunday service, as we are always open to the work and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

So come prepared to receive everything God has for you!

Each service is a bit different. There are few liturgical forms, and we rarely use pre-written prayers. However, there are some consistent elements:

•Singing songs, called worship

Through music and song lyrics, often based on biblical passages, we reflect on and proclaim the greatness of God, express our emotions, and collectively affirm important truths of faith. Worship is usually led by a band, and song lyrics are displayed on a screen.

•Prayer in various forms

Sometimes a prayer is led by the pastor or an elder, with others silently joining in. Sometimes everyone prays simultaneously in their own words (communal prayer). Occasionally, participants offer spontaneous, short individual prayers. Some pray silently, while others pray out loud. Some sit, others kneel or stand, raising or folding their hands—any form of prayer that flows from a genuine experience of God and does not disrupt the service is welcome. In our prayers, we express thanksgiving, worship, repentance, and requests. Personal prayer requests can be submitted before the Sunday service or by contacting the church office.

•Teaching (preaching the Word of God)

This usually takes the form of a sermon, a Bible-based message delivered by the pastor or preacher. Often, the service begins with a brief biblical reflection that inspires worship and prayer. Many attendees bring their own Bibles to follow along with the Scriptures being referenced, and some take notes. Encountering the Word of God builds faith, shapes character, confronts sin, offers hope, and provides comfort. Every sermon is an invitation to allow God to transform our lives.

•The Lord’s Supper (Communion, Eucharist)

Once a month (usually on the first Sunday), the service includes a special focus on remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus. We gratefully receive bread and grape juice, symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood, identifying with the redemptive work of the cross and experiencing the real presence and unity of all believers. We do not believe that the bread and wine transform into the actual body and blood, nor do we believe the sacrifice of the cross is repeated during Communion. The Lord’s Supper is received in both forms, with grape juice served in individual cups for hygiene reasons. Participation requires belonging to the community of believers (not necessarily our congregation), meaning a personal experience of conversion and baptism at an age of understanding. Those persistently living in sin are asked to abstain until they are reconciled with God.

•Offering for the work of the Church (collection)

Offerings collected by the members support building maintenance, staff salaries, and the church’s evangelistic, missionary, and charitable activities. Donations are placed in a collection bag and counted by representatives of the congregation. Members who feel responsible for the community’s functioning contribute a portion of their income each month according to their conscience and means.

•Other elements of the service:

•Testimony: A member of the congregation or a guest shares how God has worked in their life.

•Baptism: A public declaration of faith through immersion in water. Candidates express their desire for baptism to the pastor and attend meetings about the foundations of Christian life.

•Child Blessing: We do not baptize infants, but following Jesus’ example, we bless children.

Special services, like weddings or funerals, may differ from regular ones.

Sunday services start at 12:00 AM and typically last about 2 hours. During the service, there are activities for children. Under the watchful eye of caretakers, children go to “Sunday school” after the time of prayer and singing.

We focus primarily on the heart because we believe that inner transformation leads to outward change. When you come to the service, you’ll see men, women, and children dressed in various styles, from jeans to suits and dresses. Most people dress somewhere in between, opting for casual yet elegant attire.

We simply ask that you dress in a way that does not draw attention to yourself or your outfit. We believe that what we wear to church should not distract others from experiencing God’s presence, whether during prayer or the sermon. Our desire is to direct all our attention to Jesus Christ.

Absolutely—church is the right place for you. Many people in our church have had similar experiences to yours and are now excited because the Bible has become a “living book” for them. We aim to communicate and do everything in a way that is understandable to everyone, regardless of their background with church, the Bible, or religion.

Come and see for yourself!

We are not relativists, and we joyfully accept the Holy Scriptures as the highest authority over things like culture, experience, philosophy, and other forms of revelation.

We are not universalists and do not believe that everyone will eventually be saved. We believe that some will face eternal torment in hell, as taught in the Bible.

We are not liberals who embrace every culture without discernment, compromising the teachings of Scripture. As Christians, we believe that the truths of the Bible are eternal and relevant for all times, places, and people.

We do not believe in religious relativism but believe that there is no salvation in any other name than Jesus (salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone).

The name comes from the Jewish Feast of Weeks, culminating in Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Passover.

•Greek: Pentekoste (Jewish feast of Pentecost)

•English: Pentecostalism

When we worship God, we express our love and reverence for Him. This can include joyful shouts, singing, dancing, clapping, raising hands, and moments of silence and reflection. We express our love and faith in God this way, and we believe He accepts both energetic and quiet worship, as long as it is sincere.

Biblical examples: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” (Matthew 4:10); “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” (Psalm 47:1); “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.” (Psalm 134:2); “David danced before the Lord with all his might.” (2 Samuel 6:14).

“Upon hearing this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord,’ they said, ‘you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.’” (Acts 4:24)

On the day of Pentecost, after the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit was sent. This gift is described as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles was accompanied by extraordinary signs: the sound of a violent wind, tongues of fire over the participants, and speaking in new languages.

Speaking in a new language is known as:

•Greek: glossolalia

•English: the gift of tongues or speaking in tongues

These and other gifts of the Holy Spirit are called charismata:

•Greek: charisma/charismata

Isn’t this contrary to Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 14:27-33? We respond that Paul’s instructions are for those who want to address the church in tongues. We can all worship God and pray in other tongues collectively, but if a message is meant for the church, there should be only one person speaking at a time, with interpretation.

However, everything must be done decently and in order, as Paul recommends: “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (1 Corinthians 14:39-40)

Ultimately, we do not give money to the church but to God. What we give is little compared to what He has given us—His Son. God does not expect us to pay for it, but He loves a cheerful giver because giving shows the condition of our hearts toward Him.

We call our giving to God a tithe and offerings. The first tithe in the Bible was given by Abraham, the man of faith, and faith is what we need when it comes to tithing! Money often represents our security for the future, so it takes true faith in God to give today and trust Him for tomorrow’s provision (Proverbs 11:24-25).

A tithe is giving ten percent of your income to God’s work. It is directed to the “storehouse” of the local church and is God’s method for ensuring that ministries do not lack resources. An offering is money given beyond the tithe.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Take God’s challenge: start giving as He says, and watch Him pour out His blessings on your life.

Yes, without a doubt. Your tithes and offerings may seem small compared to the needs of the church, but God’s provision comes when everyone plays their part. Your giving, no matter the amount, honors God as long as it is a sincere expression of love and is in line with your ability to give.

If you want to learn how to follow Jesus and want the New York congregation to become your spiritual home, you are invited to apply for membership.

You can become a member by being baptized (at an age of understanding) in our congregation or by transferring membership from another community. Those seeking baptism prepare for it through meetings and prayers with the leaders.

People from other communities who have undergone believers’ baptism at an age of understanding should provide the church office with:

– A letter from their pastor confirming their membership in that community, including the date and place of their baptism of faith;

– A completed “Membership Questionnaire” (available at the church office)

The decision to accept new members is made by the Congregation Council at the next available meeting.

Please contact us, and we will do our best to help you find the answer to your question.