Superintendent's Updates

2025 Pastor’s Survey Results, America 250 Day of Prayer, and More

2025 Pastors Survey

The 2025 survey of pastors conducted last fall received 486 responses from our churches across the US and Canada. This survey covered a variety of topics, including attendance, leadership, worship, and finances.

Here are a few key findings related to diversity of our churches:

55% of typical attendees are women
48% of typical attendees are under age 35
47% of typical attendees are non-white minority groups.
- 18% Hispanic
- 15% Black
- 4% Asian/Pacific Islander
- 3% Native People
- 7% Two or more/Other
24% of adults are new to the church in the last 5 years
20% of adults have a college degree
17% of adults are foreign-born
13% of adults live below the poverty limit.

This is the fifth annual survey of UPCI pastors or ministers. The full report, along with reports from previous years, is publicly available on upci.org/stats. Click here to read the full report of the 2025 Pastor Survey.

Churches based in the US participated in the national survey of congregations through Faith Communities Today and Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations. The summary report for the national research project is available here.

America 250 – UPCI Day of Prayer and Fasting

This summer, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. For those of us who live in the United States, this significant milestone is not only a season for reflecting on our history, but it is also a fitting time to seek God’s guidance for our future.

As Apostolic believers, we recognize that the destiny of any nation is shaped not only by political and cultural influences, but by prayer. That’s why I am inviting every UPCI constituent and church to join in the America 250 UPCI Day of Prayer and Fasting on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

This day of prayer and fasting aligns with Rededicate 250, a nationwide call for spiritual renewal focused on thanksgiving, repentance, and seeking God’s direction for the days ahead.

As we pray, we are asking God to help our nation live up to the aspiration of being “one nation under God,” humbly dependent on Him for wisdom and direction. The World Network of Prayer will provide digital prayer guides to help us unite in focused, meaningful intercession. You can download those resources at WNOP.org.

Let’s join in prayer, believing God for spiritual renewal and guidance for our nation. If we will humble ourselves through fasting and prayer, God will hear, forgive, and heal.

Urshan University Update

Urshan University and Urshan Graduate School of Theology are owned and operated by the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), and the developments below reflect the breadth of what the institution now offers the fellowship it serves. The vision has extended, by design, across nearly every stage of education.

Minor in Education Starting Fall 2026
This 18-credit-hour minor will help prepare students for future graduate studies in education, alternative teacher licensure pathways, and opportunities to teach in both Christian and public education settings.

K-12 Virtual Academy
In Fall 2027, the University will inaugurate a K-12 Virtual Academy. For students in grades nine through twelve, the Academy will operate as a dual-enrollment high school program, enabling graduates to complete their secondary education with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Urshan. The Academy will further provide a comprehensive curriculum, developed by Apostolic educators, to support local church schools and homeschooling families.

Dual Enrollment for all High School Students
Urshan University accepts high school juniors and seniors for its dual enrollment program in undergraduate studies through our online program. Students electing this opportunity may enroll in up to six credit hours per semester.

A Five-Year Pathway to Both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree
Beginning this fall, the Apostolic Ministry and Theology program, in partnership with Urshan Graduate School of Theology, will introduce a five-year pathway culminating in two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Apostolic Ministry and Theology, and either a Master of Theological Studies or a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. Students will begin graduate coursework in their sophomore year, pursuing an integrated sequence of undergraduate and graduate study, and will complete the remaining master’s requirements in the fifth year after earning the bachelor’s degree.

Partnerships with UPCI-Endorsed Colleges
Undergraduate degrees from all UPCI-endorsed Bible colleges are recognized as equivalent to accredited undergraduate degrees for admission to Urshan Graduate School of Theology. The University also accepts transfer credit from all UPCI-endorsed institutions and has established cooperative agreements with several UPCI-endorsed programs, each setting out specific degree-completion and transfer arrangements. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Urshan Admissions for further details.

Master’s in Counseling
Urshan is actively developing a Master’s in Counseling and is working closely with its accrediting bodies to bring the program to approval. More details will follow soon, with the goal of welcoming the first cohort in Fall 2027.

Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry program is welcoming its third cohort, with seventeen students now enrolled across the program. Admission remains open to candidates who hold the Master of Divinity together with substantial ministry experience. For those holding a non-theological master’s degree relevant to their ministry, the University has developed a bridge program to prepare them for the work.