The Doctrines, and Statement of Faith

 of

Full Life Gospel Center

STATEMENT OF FAITH                                        

1. The Scriptures Inspired. The Bible is the revealed Word of God to man: The New Testament is our sole rule for discipline and government (II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:21).

2. The One True God. The triune Godhead consists of one true God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Holy Ghost, the third person of the Godhead (John 10:36; 14:26; 20:21-22).

3. Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal returning in power and glory (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18, 23; Luke 1:34-35).

4. Special Creation. We believe the triune God created the universe apart from pre-existing materials and without any evolutionary process. We believe in the historicity of the first eleven chapters of Genesis (Genesis 1:1; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalms 102:25; Acts14:15).

5. Satan. We believe that Satan was originally created a perfect being. He rebelled against God. As a result, he became depraved, the devil and adversary of God and His people, the leader of a host of angels who fell with him. Satan has been judged and defeated at the cross and awaits his ultimate doom at the conclusion of the Millennial Reign, which takes place after the Second Advent of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:2; I Thessalonians 3:5; I Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9; 20:1-3; 7-10).

6. The Fall of Man. Man was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness!" However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).

7. The Salvation of Man. Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
a. Conditions to Salvation. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11, 3:5-7).
b. The Evidence of Salvation. The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).

8. Sanctification.
a. Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1-2; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12).
b Sanctification is obtainable as a second definite work of grace, received by faith in the blood of Christ.
c. Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11,13; 8:1-2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12-13; I Peter 1:5).

9. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost. All believers are entitled to, should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible evidence of the baptism in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance. (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6). This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; I Corinthians 12:1-31). With the baptism in the Holy Ghost comes such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:42-43), and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for the lost (Mark 16:20).

10. The Ordinances and Practices of the Church.
a. Baptism in Water. The ordinance of baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4).
b. Holy Communion. The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements - bread and fruit of the vine - is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (I Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (I Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers "until He comes!"
c. Foot washing. Washing the saints' feet is scripturally sound, but its practice in the local assembly is left optional (John 13:4-17).
d. Child Dedication. Since water baptism is an outward expression of an inward work of grace, we do not practice infant baptism. However, we do encourage presenting our children to the Lord in child dedication and blessing until they are old enough to make their own choice and decision (Luke 2:27; Mark 10:13-16).

11. The Church and Its Mission.
a. The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with a divine appointment for the fulfillment of her Great Commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23).
b. Since God's purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshipped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, the priority reason-for-being of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ is:
(1) To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
(2) To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (I Corinthians 12:13).
(3) To be a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16; I Corinthians 12:28; 14:12).
c. The International Pentecostal Church of Christ exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:
(1) Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:3-4).
(2) Adds a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God (I Corinthians 2:10-16; 12; 13; and 14).
(3) Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in the expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Galatians 5:22-26; I Corinthians 12:28; 14:12; Ephesians 4:11-12; Colossians 1:29).

12. The Ministry. Our Lord has provided a divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry for the threefold purpose of leading the Church in (1) Evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20); (2) Worship of God (John 4:23-24); (3) Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16).

13. Divine Healing. Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16).

14. The Blessed Hope. The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 15:51-52).

15. The Millennial Reign of Christ. The Word of God promises the catching away of the prepared and waiting saints, followed by the great tribulation, and then the return of our Lord with His saints and holy angels in power and great glory to reign on the earth a thousand years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21-22; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Romans 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalms 72:3-8; Micah 4:3-4).

16. The Final Judgment. There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and false prophet will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15, 21:8).

17. The New Heaven and the New Earth. "We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" (II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1).

18. Racism. God created all men equal in value and imputed upon them dignity and the Imago Dei. One is never partially in the Image of God any more than one may be partially alive. Attempts to identify, treat, or view certain people or groups as lesser members of humankind are a blasphemous affront to our Creator. Racism in all its forms is a sin, for it grounds the identity and security of human life in self rather than God, in creature rather than the Creator, apart from whom a human being has no identity or value. Self-indulgent pride in "race," therefore, must be regarded as idolatry in one of its most ugly forms, an attempt to be like God. We believe prejudice to be an attempt to reverse the creative act of God and what God has valued, let no man devalue. Secondly, racism is an attempt to reverse the redemptive act of Christ. In Jesus Christ, God became a Man and so identified Himself fully with every member of the human family in whatever nation or culture they may be found. Jesus Christ has removed all barriers that stand between human beings, giving reconciliation through His cross. Thirdly, through the means of grace, God empowers and commands all Christians "to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against the soul," including the sin of racism. (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6; Jn. 13:35, 15:12-13; Acts 17:24-26; 1 Cor. 1:13; Gal. 3:26-28; Eph. 2:13-16; 1 Tim. 2:3-6; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 2:9-10)

19. Tithes and Offerings. The needs of the New Testament Church, its varied ministries along with its God-ordained leadership are to be met by the tithes and offerings of the believers (Matthew 23:23; I Corinthians 16:1; II Corinthians 9:6-7).

20. Statement on Marriage and Sexuality.  We believe that the term "marriage" has only one meaning, and that is marriage sanctioned by God, which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any attempt to change one's sex, or disagreement with one's biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God. We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the Church as the local Body of Christ and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all members, persons employed by the Church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the Church.

Full Life Gospel Center

Church History

After coming to the Boston area in July 1973 to pastor the Church of God of Prophecy at 20 Moreland Street, Roxbury, MA, Bishop James Peters, Sr. was led to begin a new church in Dorchester, MA.  On August 31, 1975, a mission in Dorchester, MA, was started at the YMCA on Washington Street.  There were 27 people in attendance in the first service.  The first message preached that Sunday morning in that very small place, was ‘Don’t Give Up!’  The Lord really blessed during the next three months while the Church was still located at the YMCA, so soon the congregation had grown too large for the space, so the mission had to relocate.

After being turned down by many places, the pastor, and saints of the Church of God in Christ at 101 Nightingale Street, Dorchester, MA rented the church basement to the Dorchester Mission.  The power of God was felt marvelously in that place.  As the mission began to have revival meetings, many come to know the Lord and fellowshipped with the congregation.  It came time to do as Jesus did some two thousand years ago. So the mission was formally organized as a church.  Bishop M. L. Hartley, the then- State Overseer, preached the message and organized the Church with ten new covenanted members.

That was a glorious day for the congregation as God gave his stamp of approval by manifesting his power and presence.  The inaugural members faithfully sacrificed their time and resources to propel the Church into rapid growth.  From that very small beginning, the Church launched a campaign for a new building it could claim as its own.  Starting without any money in the bank, the Lord came and stirred his body, and the Saints gave sacrificially to the cause of Christ. Many of the initial members who paved the way for the success of the congregation have gone on to be with the Lord, but several are still alive today and continue to be faithful to God and his Church.

The Church eventually moved to 389 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester.  The building was small and required much work, but again the Saints rallied and contributed to the work that needed to be done.  Praise God for everyone who worshiped at Talbot Avenue.  Many battles were fought and won in that little place.  Sometimes the Devil put up a good fight, but God, who is love, gave the Church great victory.

 Many blessings were received at Talbot Avenue, but soon the Church outgrew that building, so once again, growing pains began to set in. Once again, the people of God came through with the needed funds, and only by the power of God and his great glory was the Church able to purchase and relocate to its present location, 493 Washington Street, Dorchester. 

In 1993, Bishop Peters relocated to Florida and passed the pastoral mantle to a young man, whom he had mentored and prepared for leadership for several years, Pastor Glen T. Prospere. The Church continued its compelling purpose and mission under the new leadership of Pastor Prospere and his wife, Pauline.  In 1997, seeking to expand its global vision, a decision was made to become an independent organization, now named, Full Life Gospel Center.  In 2002, Pastor Prospere was consecrated to the office of Bishop and soon after, organized an offshoot, Full Life Gospel Center of the North Shore in Lynn, MA, under the leadership of Pastor Novlett Robinson. That congregation has grown and continues to make an impact in the North Shore area. In 2016, Harvest Church of Orlando, Florida, and four churches in Uganda joined the fellowship of Full Life Gospel Churches, under the leadership of Dr. Bishop Glen Prospere.

Full Life Gospel Center has been a beacon in the Boston area, providing food to the community through its Food Pantry, Youth Services, Dance and Music Ministries, Ministerial Training and Development, a dynamic Couple’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, and Seniors Ministry, among others. The Church’s global mission has impacted lives in Uganda, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Montserrat, Antigua, Canada, and throughout the United States.

The Church is predominantly Caribbean American but has embraced people from every nation and ethnicity, without prejudice. We work diligently to live up to our motto, which simply states, “Full Life Gospel Center, where everybody is somebody, and Jesus Christ is Lord.” We can genuinely identify with the writer, who says, “We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord.”

In 2016, Bishop James Peters, Senior, went home to be with the Lord, but he left behind a rich legacy. As he so eloquently described the Church, “She is pressing her way forward in the power of the Holy Ghost!”  The Bible declares that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church, and no doubt about it, we are moving from victory to victory.  So look out Dorchester and surrounding areas, “HERE WE COME!”

Under the progressive visionary leadership, teaching and preaching of Bishop Doctor Prospere, and with the support of strong Ministerial and Deaconate teams, and a congregation that is faithful and on the move, the Church continues to grow, and its future looks bright and promising.  In March 2017, the Church purchased a new House of Worship at 183-189 Norfolk Street and relocated to its new facility in May of 2017.

The Church continues to increase in membership and spiritual growth and has an aggressive vision of numerical growth to over 500 over the next several years. Also, capitalizing on the skills and education of its leader, Doctor Prospere, there are also major fundraising plans to accommodate the expansion of its vision of serving the community’s need for mental health, addictions, family and spiritual needs, and to increase its world missions outreach efforts.