Biography of PENTECOSTAL PHILADELPHIA EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH
Philadelphia Church started in 1996 with five people in Dowa district in Dzaleka, Malawi. These five people were two men, their wives, and a young man who lived with these 2 families. These two men were evangelists, which made it easier for them to hold a gathering in one room of a house they lived in.
In a short period neighbors and people who were curious to hear the word of God joined them, thus increasing the number of attendants
CHURCH DOCTRINE
- The church believes in the Bible: “all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, giving instruction for right living” (2 Timothy 3:16)
- The church believes in the Doctrine of the Trinity: One GOD who is God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6 vs 4, Exodus 3 vs 14, Mathews 28:19, Mark 12:29, John 8:58)
- The church believes that the Holy Bible is the Word of God that will never change. The church’s vision and development is based on the Holy Bible
- The Church believes that Salvation is only through Jesus Christ (Rom 10 vs 8 – 15, 1 Corinthians 15 vs 3-4, Tito 2:11, 3:5-7)
- The Church accepts only Baptism in deep water.
- The Church believes in Baptism of the Holy Spirit (portrayed by speaking in tongues).
- The Church believes in purity (it allows you entrance into God’s Holy presence). (Mathew 5:8, 1:15-16)
- The Church believes in Healing and freedom through the power of Jesus Christ.
- The Church believes in the commemoration of holy communion.
- The Church believes in the second coming of Jesus Christ.
- The Church believes in Judgement Day.
BACKGROUND OF LEADERSHIP IN PHILADELPHIA
In May 1999 Rev. Pastor Joseph Gashayija came to Malawi and joined hands with the two men who had become pastors. Upon their departure, to South Africa, Rev. Pastor Gashayija remained in control of the church.