covery’, not a discovery, because it have sprung up in the last 40 years
was nothing new. God has worked – called ‘charismatic’ churches or
in power through different Christians simply new churches.
throughout the centuries, right back
to the dramatic miracles of the early But the vision wasn’t confined to this
Church so frequently mentioned in country. Today, Elim comprises over
the Bible. 500 churches in the UK and Ireland,
but we are also linked to over 9,000
The basic teaching of Elim, which Elim churches in other countries. Elim
was publicised under the heading is also in co-operative fellowship with What does
‘The Foursquare Gospel’, high- thousands of Pentecostal churches
lighted this rediscovery: it stated that around the world, and Elim mission- ‘Elim’ mean?
Jesus is the Saviour, the Healer, the aries are at work in over 40 countries.
Baptiser in the Holy Spirit and the ‘Elim’ was the name of an oasis
Coming King (more on these points A Bible College was established in mentioned in the Bible. You can
later in this magazine). 1924, to train ministers and mis- imagine what this oasis meant to
sionaries. Today it is called Regents weary people after days of slog-
Such ‘Pentecostal’ beliefs raised a Theological College and accepts ging through the soft, clinging
lot of opposition from some tradi- students not just from Elim churches desert sand with the sun beating
tional church leaders at the time, but many others as well. down relentlessly on their backs.
because miracles are always contro-
versial. But the pioneers of Elim were Elim has its own Youth Department Exodus 15:27 says that at Elim
just getting back to what Jesus had called ‘Serious4God’ (see page 10), there were 70 palm trees clustered
taught in the first place – after all, which is seeing many young people round twelve wells, and, after the
Jesus himself healed many people rise to the challenge of communi- dust, heat and thirst of the desert,
and had promised the Holy Spirit to cating the good news of Jesus to the shade of the stately palms and
his followers. today’s youth culture. the cool sparkle of those refresh-
ing springs must have seemed like
The doctrines were firmly ‘orthodox’ We also publish ‘Direction’ magazine heaven on earth.
– shared in common with the historic every month, to keep local church
Protestant denominations like the An- members in touch with what is go- It was this idea of finding shelter
glican Church, Methodists, Baptists, ing on nationally and internationally and refreshment that inspired the
etc., who all believe in ‘the Trinity’ (further details on page 35). name ‘Elim Pentecostal Church’.
– God in three Persons: Father, Son For many people life is like a desert.
(Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. This core The Governing Body of Elim is the An- They just exist in a monotonous
belief is totally rejected by the so- nual Conference. Over 3,500 people round of working, eating, sleeping.
called ‘Christian’ cults – Jehovah’s gather annually for one week of wor- For them – perhaps for you – even
Witnesses, Mormons, etc. ship, teaching and fellowship, as well the pleasures of life are no more
as for ministers and delegates from than a kind of mirage – ultimately
Elim took God at his Word and so churches to meet in Conference. meaningless and unsatisfying.
God honoured that by delivering on
his promises in the Bible. And he is It is our belief that Elim has a signifi- But Jesus Christ transforms the
still the same today! cant part to play in the world today, emptiness of a life without real
and we are confidently looking for- purpose into one filled with mean-
These beliefs have now been ac- ward to what God will do in the future. ing and fulfilment. You can know
cepted by many others within the this reality for yourself! Drop in and
traditional churches, and are shared see us at Elim – we’ll be glad to
with many new church groups that tell you all about it.
www.elim.org.uk 5
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