The church was founded by Pastor Paul Ramankutty, who was born to Hindu parents in the district of Trichur in Kerala, India. While in Sri Lanka, at the age of 18, he became a Christian. Later, he felt a strong call and began to preach and share the gospel in various parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, working with other evangelists. In 1923 he founded the church.
Church leadership
The church is led by a Chief Pastor. In addition there is a Deputy Chief Pastor and an Associate Deputy Chief Pastor. In the United States most of the church work was pioneered by late Don M Spiers, who had previously worked closely with Oral Roberts. Gregg Wilson now heads the work in USA and countries around USA. He is assisted by the sister-in-charge Lisa Billow. Full-time ministers were expected to practice an ascetic life-style including celibacy, obedience to the elder pastors, communal living in faith homes. TPM churches are run by full-time ministers who are celibate and predominantly single. Married couples who enter full-time ministry can become celibate, and may be sent to different locations by the TPM leadership if they so choose. These full-time ministers are required to forsake the world, its attractions, and even their own families.
Doctrines and teachings
The doctrines of the church broadly align with trinitarianPentecostalism. TPM teaches and encourages "Divine Healing according to level of faith. They suggest avoiding wearing makeup or jewelry. The church believes in Isaiah 65:17: New Heavens and a New Earth: 17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
International conventions
Annual International Conventions are held at Kottarakkara in Kerala, India ; Irumbuliyur in Chennai, India ; Kokkavila in Chilaw, Sri Lanka and Indiana near Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, United States. The European Convention is held in London in the last week of August. The Irumbuliyur Convention can attract over 350,000 people from across the world. The Sri Lanka Convention is the second largest, attracting over 100,000 from across the world. People who comes to the conventions will receive free accommodation and food. The chief pastors come to most conventions. International Youth Camp at Irumbuliyur in Chennai, India usually takes place in November.
Magazine ministry
Magazines are produced in several languages. The English magazine published from India is called The Voice of Pentecost. Pilgrim's Journal is published and printed in USA. Other English magazines are Pentecostal Messenger from Malaysia, The Youth Herald from Singapore, Power Divine from Sri Lanka and Trumpet of the Lord from the UK. Church Magazines are being published in more than forty Indian languages and other foreign languages. Malayalam magazine Pentecost is one of the oldest Pentecostal magazines from Kerala. Hindi edition Pentecost Ki Wani published from New Delhi, Tamil edition named Pentecosthin Peroli from Irumbilyur, Pentecosti-Chi Vaani from Mumbai and Pentecost Da Sneha from Dhariwal are also produced.
