Leaving the United Pentecostal Church (UPCI) | Joey's Story 

That’s how I felt! like nothing I did was enough, you don’t pray enough you don’t fast enough, you don’t read your Bible enough.. I couldn’t live up to their expectations of me, there always seemed like there was some kind of competition to who was more spiritual and I just didn’t fit it there at all and they speak of being worldly and and carnal 🧐 because you wear pants or trim your hair or backslidden, your judged by how you look not who you are..

I can so relate. Nothing was never enough. Sacrificed my marriage and the mental health of my children and it was still not enough. Glad to be free.

I left upc several years ago. My ex wife has my 20 year old daughter brain washed believing her dad is back sled with a reprobate mind. I haven't seen her in over 2 years. I was raised within the upc and now that I have been away I see how judge mental they are. Now that I now Jesus on a whole new level and closer, there is so much more to Jesus than the box we kept him in while being apostolic. Bless you! I love the Lord and I am so thankful that Jesus loves for me and NOT how I look or dress.

I use to be upci and now I'm independent Christian and I don't really care for organizations because there man made

"Trying so hard to earn it and feeling they'll never be able to do enough". So relatable! Once you're out, it hurts to watch with family members who are still in. It's sad they can't ever rest in the Grace of God

Thank you so much for talking about this. I know you are helping many people. I was involved in UPC from age 12 thru 17. Something that was touched on here, that you may want to elaborate on in a future video (if you haven't already) is this. In other denominations, if something toxic is going on in the church you're attending, something like misuse of finances, or gossip or what have you, you can always just leave and find a different church to go to. But if that happens in your home UPC, where are you going to go? Because of the structure of the organization, the pastor of any other UPC you go to will have an earful about you before you even get there, and that UPC will be in a town 50 miles away anyway. And you can't just go to a church of a different denomination, because you've been brainwashed into thinking that UPC is the only church with "the truth". I have friends who have "church" in their living room every Sunday morning, just her, her husband, and their son. Please don't let the nay sayers discourage you from what you're doing here. Your ministry (and that is what this is) to hurting and trapped people is such a great calling, and such a wonderful blessing to many. God bless you in your work.

I grew up in an apostolic church left when I was 18 years old then God spoke to me 32 years later and I knew it was real now being back in for the last ten years . I never knew God was this real . Through Prayer God began to teach me his ways, Prayer everyday until I touched him, reading my word not just reading it but, meditating on his word and journaling the journey. Gods word is true we can’t make it without it . When you have a Strong Prayer life God will guide you 🙌🙌🙌

Thank-you Joey for sharing your story. And, thank-you Deanna-Jo for sharing this video. Not missing the UPC churches at all. Some good, some not so good experiences. Life goes on with God, and it goes on without them. Despite how they make us feel for leaving. Blessings to you both.

Praise God for your freedom Joey! From personal experience I’ve learned UPCI is like most other “Christian” cults out there. Our righteousness and holiness is predicated on our works, dress, prayer, “speaking in tongues”, etc. Faith in the sacrifice of Christ is often made of less importance than doctrinal belief and “perfection”/right standing with God! Sad, I never really learned the Gospel growing up in UPCI. It wasn’t until I grew up, left and began to study the Word of God away from the manipulative control.

Responsible Faith , Thank you for another story of someone leaving the UPC . I appreciate the fact that your interviews with former members are current ones which you are posting . I am glad that Joey got into an Assembly of God church . I am sure that he is in a church that is right for him because I went to an Assembly of God church one Sunday morning over 25 years ago and never went back to my UPC . One thing that I like about the Assemblies of God , is that they recognize people in various Bible believing churches as Christians .. As a United Pentecostal , I never had the pleasure of treating people iin various Bible believing churches as my Brothers and Sisters -in-Jesus Christ , because I was supposed to convert them to a UPC . I am sure that Joey noticed that when he was in a UPC .

I grew up a Pentecostal preacher‘s daughter. Not the UPC but not that different either (old AG very legalistic). so I identify with so much of what you’re saying. I went through so much hurt control and just downright abuse within the church that I couldn’t bring myself to believe this was truly God. I searched the world and involved myself in almost every world religion under the sun just looking for truth. Recently God has lead me to a UPC church. I truthfully do love my church and believe I am where the Lord wants me to be. They are UPCI but they consider themselves “independent” so while the leadership is amazing and the pastor understands why the UPC sometimes has a bad reputation for the things you are saying, I have to admit I truthfully believe they are very different then almost every UPC or Pentecostal church I’ve ever been in. That being said some of the people however unfortunately still have that same unfortunate culture and mindset you speak of some times. Your videos have been so helpful in helping me navigating all the weird cultural stuff while still attending and loving the Lord, my church, and my church’s leadership. i’m still attending but I don’t feel the need to cave to the culture or the opinions of a select few in order to achieve a closer personal relationship with the Lord. I’m learning the difference between letting the Lord change me and letting people change me. I refuse to be inauthentic and do things just to fit in. Your videos especially some of your older ones have given me so much scripture reference to stand on when I’m being attacked by a select few. And because of your videos I feel like I can still attend this church that I feel like I have been led to and love so much even when I’m occasional made to feel like an outsider when I wear my wedding rigs, slacks, concealer, ect (you know the deal). The stuff you’re talking about is very true and it’s very real and it definitely happens. And if people don’t want to acknowledge that they’re either ignorant of their own culture and history or they are brainwashed. And I say all that as an active UPC’r. So again thank you! Please keep creating content. 💜💜💜

Joey thank you for sharing your story with us. You are so brave to have realized you were in a toxic environment. God led you to where he wanted you to be. My story is somewhat smilies but I was born into the faith. I was a part of it for 18 years & it still causes anxiety for me. I never remember being taught about Grace & God’s over abundant love for us. That is what draws us into him. The fear monger’s get off on knowing they manipulated people to follow them. Thank you again for sharing your story.

I have nothing but admiration for this young man. He definitely does not deserve some of the comments below. It seems to me that he is working out his salvation, trying to fit where he can be an effective weapon for God propagating faith and grace. The truth is that God desires relationship not a stiff, unmerciful religious following that takes it upon itself to judge another’s servant. To God only does he have to justify himself.

I am so sorry that you had to go through that! Yes, it's true that not all UPCI pastors as not all parents are the same! My first experience was in a little school room. The love of God was preached and my life has never been the same! The pastor does set the atmosphere of the congregation!

I have a testimony and it all came because I sacrificed and finally went to a UPCI church thank goodness for them and I grew up in this other so called churches. The UPCI and the truth they teach saved my life and my family praise God for them and those awesome preachers

Thanks for sharing your story Joey. Sounds like you landed on both feet!

I left with blessing and a letter from my pastor but due to a hugh division at new church I did not end up going there and geographically not feasible to attend another upc church so I sought out another church locally and God Himself began to open doors I never never would have dreamed!

Thanks for posting these videos! I was UPC for years but they ultimately turned their back on me and did other damage to me and my family.

God looks at the heart beyond even clothes, keep in mind the verse from 1st Samuel 16:7. I just want him to say he know me rather than that he not know me. God bless. Pray for one another

I’ve been attending a upc church that doesn’t ask people if they want to be saved or get the Holy Ghost. The church allows people to attend with pants, makeup etc however don’t have an alter call and ask about salvation or give new comers a chance to get saved. They are all concerned about just growing the church. I’m looking for a new church bc clothing and things like that are not my main concerns. I want to belong to a church that cares about souls being saved

Joey, I appreciate your comments. I liked that you were methodical but still respectful of the UPC. I do agree that there needs to be less condemnation and more love. Romans 14

I’d love to share my story. It’s mind-boggling

I would love to share my story on you’re channel! I am a former UPCI minister. Former Foster Youth From Massachusetts! 😃

I am Baptist. Why is there so much emphasis on tongues in the UPC? There are so many spiritual gifts. Also, tongues do not earn our salvation. So, I don't understand why they think that is proof we are saved. That would mean salvation is from a work. We can do nothing to earn or merit salvation. With Scripture saying all our works are as filthy rags, how do they justify salvation being so staked on tongues?

Oneness never talks about Grace ! It’s always a title to a sermon for example ( It’s not over ! ) They don’t teach Scripture as to learn from it . Philippians 3:9 “ be found in him, not having my own righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through “ FAITH IN Christ , the righteousness which is from GOD by FAITH. . You will never hear this verse in Pentecostalism .

I noticed comments by Joey regarding having experienced anxiety and depression. I also may have picked up something mentioned by Deanna Jo in another presentation regarding depression/anxiety/mental health. I have suffered depression for 30 years and am currently balanced on medication and Jesus. How much do either or both of you attribute your anxiety/depression/mental health issues to how you were treated in the UPC? I have not experienced most of what you describe you experienced there. In my church we had very flexible boundaries. Except for pastoral discontent when i mentioned that "tithing" may not be applicable for the present day. That stirred them up!

I am trying to leave UPCI but having difficult. I really could use the help . I am willing to share my story with you.

I am currently between churches. I have attended AofG and Southern Baptist. The Holiness preachers aren’t the only ones who chide their congregations for not amening enough. My Southern Baptist pastor loves to say: “I’m preaching better than ya’ll are acting.” Plus, he references himself OVER and OVER in every service.

One of the things I notice now about the whole speaking in tongues thing is when you go on RU-vid and other media platforms you watch some of these UPC services you see alot of these people "speaking in tongues"...they will say the same thing over and over...like shaka ba shia....or whatever...well alot of that is learned behavior... it's not speaking in tongues....I'm sorry but it's not...

Well, we need more testimonies from folks who have left. Heck, when I walk, I’d love to give you my story.

The Lord will show the way We need to follow the Bible and listen to Jesus our God!! I heard so many Christians 😢 who have left the UPCI with eye witness accounts of shame, devaluation, being criticized all the time; yes constantly judged for not exactly confirming to the bylaws of the church. There is not the liberty one should have in Christ. Not everyone,brethren are all on the same level spiritually. The UPCI needs to understand this we need to Love one another,show mercy and forbearance.

If the Lord leads you to move to a different church… Just Make sure to join a church. Don’t stop going to church in general just because you are leaving the UPCI. Make sure to join a Bible believing church. At the end of the day, if you aren’t doing Matthew 28:19, you ARE NOT doing the will of God. Therefore, you may not be saved….

I left the UPCI also I have a testimony

One subject mentioned here and wasn't fully talked about was the Salvation issue were in which the UPC/UPCI stand on. It seemed here that agreement was made by both that Grace was only needed and from there one is led by Faith..... and so on. And Acts 2:38 and other Scriptures of the like are too extreme to say, This is the way to be Saved. But how do you explain what Jesus said in John 3, that one Must Be Born Again or he Cannot Enter In? I don't see Grace mentioned here, even though Grace is very much part of this as we can see later in this talk with Nicodemus, Jesus says... For God so Loved.... John 3:16. Grace and Mercy for sure, but one Must be Born Again. How is one Born Again?

Many times when we leave schools or jobs, we lose friends. You changed your worldview and your friends didn’t change theirs. Often, loss comes with change.

I have been in a lot of AOG churches all my life. Been very involved in them. Some goof but I have felt spiritual abuse by them They are so into there orgonzation that it can be idolized.

Congratulations on your Licensing with AofG😊

I appreciate this channel very much but I have to say on this topic of works I disagree. I find it very strange when Christians say that we are not saved by works and only by grace. I am a Christian myself and see the scripture telling me to kill and mortify my flesh, to take up my cross as Christ did. If that alone is not works then what is? Read the book of James, I believe chapter 2. Faith without works is dead. Just ask yourself this. If you are a Christian, does it feel like you are working towards your own salvation with fear and trembling? We are constantly pushing away what is natural to our body. If you believe you can be saved then go and do whatever you please then you never received true repentance. The word repentance literally means to about-face and go the other way. If you are living the same life as you were before giving yourself over to Christ then you really need to ask yourself am I living for him or myself? Our God has called us to come away from this world and to be a light to it. So yes, works are definitely in play with a new mind in Christ. I know to many people in various denominations that go to church on Sunday and worship, sing and even testify to God's plan in their life then Monday- Saturday go right back to worldly desires. If we are living in the Flesh, unrepentant and still doing your secret sins on the side I highly doubt you will inherit the kingdom of God. It's all through the Bible. May God bless us all with wisdom everyday. 😉😇

Can I ask a question that if I leave my faith in upc you can't go back. I also leave my faith

I left the UPCI but I disagree with your claim that your purpose is not to bash this organization. I think you get pleasure in talking about it. I have experienced the alienation your viewers describe but I do not discuss it in this type of format. Why don't you quit focusing on the negatives of UPCI and talk about the goodness of God.

God ALONE is the judge of peoples position before Him. As a FEMALE pastor in again line denomination I still baptise in Jesus Name and preach Acts 2:38 but NOT exclusively, and NO I am not double minded, I just preach WHOLE counsel of God rightly divided, in context and led by The Holy Ghost! I am Spirit filled and my overseers KNOW the stand I take. I dress modestly but do NOT hold to the upci org dress code for women.

Read book by Thomas a Fudge

This is a perfect example of what a spirit of offense can do to someone 🥲 Your hurt and questions evidently were never dealt with, but it’s not Gods fault!

You’re not leaving the UPCI you’re leaving the word of God to chase after your omown fleshy desires forsaking God and living a disobedient lifestyle

the concept that "it's easier for a guy" shows me that you have no idea what your speaking on. You are only speaking on the outward appearance at that point. However, if you were to look at the scripture as a whole, there is no doubting that a man or "head of the home" or "Spiritual Leader of the family" will have to be accountable for that role, which in my opinion will be far greater then if you have or had an outward Holiness. your arguments and comments are very narrowly focused. Which again just shows me that you and your guest are hurt and angry , as well as lacking in spiritual leading and scriptural knowledge.