Missouri Congregation Leaves United Pentecostal Church in Protest Against Racism

Pastor Adam and Dawn Medina, leaders of the New Destiny Apostolic Church in Maplewood, Missouri, announced their departure from the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) on October 7, 2018. In a video statement viewed over 80,000 times, they described their decision as a protest against racism within the denomination’s leadership. The Medinas, who had led the congregation for 15 years, stated that they had been praying about the matter for five years and attempted to engage UPCI leaders on the issue of racial injustice without success.

The UPCI, the world’s largest Oneness Pentecostal denomination with approximately 42,000 congregations and 5 million members globally, was founded in 1945 following a split from the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World due to racial tensions and Jim Crow laws. While the denomination has publicly opposed racism, prejudice, and segregation, the Medinas argue that its leadership has not adequately addressed racial issues within the United States.

In their video, the Medinas highlighted the challenges faced by Black members within the UPCI, stating that many have had to suppress their concerns to maintain positions within the church. They emphasized the need for the denomination to stand against racial profiling and injustice, particularly in the St. Louis area, where they claim the church has failed to address the community’s struggles.

The Medinas expressed disappointment that the UPCI had not taken a stance against the systemic racism contributing to the city’s divisions. They described their decision as a necessary step to align their ministry with their values of compassion and justice. The couple has since joined Apostolic International Ministries and renamed their church the New Destiny Worship Center.

The Medinas’ departure has sparked a broader conversation within the UPCI about racial reconciliation and the denomination’s role in addressing social issues. Their actions reflect a growing awareness of the need for churches to confront injustice and advocate for marginalized communities, as encouraged by Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility.

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