14.04.2016 Views

Indian Christianity

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA : M. M. NINAN<br />

18, he became a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ. In the initial stages, he had worked with other<br />

evangelists. Pastor Paul served as the founder chief pastor of this church.<br />

Pastor Paul<br />

This organization stands out among the Pentecostal churches because of its exclusivist teachings and<br />

organization structure based on Faith Home communes replicating the early Church of the Apostolic<br />

Period.<br />

Its distinct teachings include:<br />

• Fulltime workers were expected to practice an ascetic life-style including celibacy<br />

• obedience to the elder pastors<br />

• communal living (including disposal of private possessions) in faith homes.<br />

Sharon Fellowship<br />

HQ Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta Dt., Kerala<br />

Sharon Fellowship Church was founded in 1953 by Dr.P.J.Thomas. Following university education in<br />

India, he went abroad for higher studies and became Professor in Wheaton College, Illinois. He returned<br />

to India and founded Sharon Bible College in 1953 to equip young people for missionary work. The<br />

Churches started by the graduates of the college came to be known as ‘Sharon Fellowship Churches’.<br />

195

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!