Our Story
Overview
The Indian Pentecostal Church of God Northern Region (IPCNR) was founded by Apostle K. T. Thomas in 1969. The apostle had devoted his life to the proclamation of the gospel since 1956. God had given him a vision to pursue a life of service, depending fully on Him.
Apostle K.T. Thomas followed the footsteps of his mentor Pastor M. K. Chacko, a pioneer of Pentecostal movement in northern India. He carried the gospel to several regions of northern India that had never heard of Jesus Christ. He laid the foundation for Pentecostal movements in many states. Most Pentecostal fellowships in the north trace their history to the work of IPCNR.
After serving as the founder President of IPCNR for 35 years, in October 2007, apostle K. T. Thomas handed over the leadership baton to Rev. Samuel John, who now serves as the Chief Patron of IPCNR.
When the IPCNR was founded in 1969, it was a fellowship of just ten faith communities. God caused us to grow to around four hundred and fifty communities spread out in twenty-one states of India.
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttrakhand
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Nagaland
- Odisha
- Jharkhand
- Maharashtra
- Goa
- Madhya Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh
Our services bring blessings to the Dogras of Jammu, the Sikhs and Lohars of Punjab, the Jats of Haryana, the Awadhis and Rathores of Uttar Pradesh, the Gavits and Chaudharys of Gujarat, the Telis and Sindhis of Maharashtra, the Kondas and Kuis of Orissa, the Mundas and Murmus of Jharkhand, the Santals and aboriginal peoples of West Bengal, the Tharus from Nepal, and similar groups in India.
Our Founder
Apostle K.T. Thomas was born to Mr. Idichandi Thomas and Mrs. Dinamma at Kallissery, in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, now a part of Kerala state, on the 18th of June, 1927. The family was part of the Brethren movement. His parents were devout Christians. His mother, especially, was a prayerful woman.
After matriculation, young Thomas joined the British Indian army without the consent of his loving father. As a soldier, he learnt discipline in good measure. However, he lived a godless life even though he had several opportunities to draw closer to God. This self proclaimed atheist lived a wanton life, pursuing alcohol and other addictions. In the mean time, his parents interceded for him before the Lord.
The Beginnings
In 1969, Pastor K.T.Thomas was the pastor of the Delhi Pentecostal Assembly. On November 7, during its Annual Convention, he convened a meeting of all pastors who worked with him. He had also invited a few who worked independently. They met at V-10, Green Park Extension, New Delhi. Pastor C. K. Daniel chaired the meeting.
The men who gathered there formed the Indian Pentecostal Church of God Northern Region (IPCNR). They set up a governing council of seven members to manage the affairs of the region. Their prime purpose was the furtherance of the Gospel in northern India.
Leadership Training
In 1968, Pastor K. T. Thomas had started a Bible School called Bethel Bible Institute in New Delhi. It was to train leaders for the mushrooming congregations around Delhi. Many leaders of today’s IPCNR were trained there.
We have also training centers at Siliguri (West Bengal), Tezpur (Assam), and Bhubaneshwar (Orissa). Besides, Christian adivasis (aborigines) who sense a calling and commitment for Christian ministry receive short term training in these centers. They are appointed to serve in their respective areas.
Towards Holistic Mission
Our work among various indigenous people convinced us of the need for integrated socioeconomic development among them. Hence, the Tribal Ministry of IPCNR was set up as separate wing called Tribal Missions India.
The Registration of IPCNR
In 1994, India Pentecostal Church of God Northern Region was registered as a society (Reg. No. S/26983 of 1994).
The society needed a registered office. Our founding president Pastor K. T. Thomas led the church in prayer as he worked hard to secure a parcel of land. God graciously planted us at a prime location of New Delhi. The headquarters of IPCNR was built at 14, Bhai Vir Singh Marg.
IPCNR continues to pursue its vision of glorifying God in obedience to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Our goal is see more faith communities that will bring blessings upon their respective regions and countries.
Rev. Samuel John and a team of committed leaders lead the IPCNR with great passion towards the fulfillment of our vision.