Church Authority

The UPCI is governed by a General Conference that sets doctrinal standards, ministerial credentials, and fellowship guidelines. The General Superintendent, elected by the General Conference, provides executive leadership. District superintendents oversee regional networks of churches. This structure gives the UPCI a degree of centralized doctrinal authority unusual among Pentecostal bodies, particularly on the non-negotiable requirements of the new birth (Acts 2:38).

Local UPCI churches have autonomy in their internal governance — selecting pastors, managing finances, and organizing ministry — but operate within the doctrinal and ministerial standards set by the General Conference. Ministers hold UPCI credentials that can be reviewed or revoked for doctrinal deviation or moral failure, providing an accountability structure above the local level.

Scripture is the supreme authority, but the UPCI's leadership structures have significant practical authority in defining what Scripture teaches on key issues. The UPCI's insistence on a specific salvation experience (Acts 2:38) and on holiness standards is maintained through these governance structures, which can disfellowship ministers and churches that depart from them.