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Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch)

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Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch)
LocationMarikina, Metro Manila (Main Church)
CountryPhilippines
DenominationPentecostal
Websitepmcc4thwatch.org
History
Founded1972
Founder(s)Arsenio Tan Ferriol

The Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), also known as PMCC (4th Watch), is a Pentecostal Christian denomination based in the Philippines. It was founded in 1972 by Arsenio T. Ferriol, who would become its executive minister, and registered on August 30, 1973.

The church claims to be the "One True Church of Christ", with its beliefs coming from the Bible as the sole basis for all its doctrines and prophecies about the "Church of Jesus Christ" established by a living modern-day Apostle in the modern era (whereas the church doctrine calls it "The 4th Watch"; Filipino: Ikaapat na Pagpupuyat). The denomination, whose headquarters—its largest church—is located in Marikina, has an estimated million members worldwide.[citation needed]

History

[edit]

PMCC (4th Watch) was founded in 1972 by Arsenio Tan Ferriol[1] (January 14, 1936 – May 19, 2024), a native of Odiongan, Romblon,[2] who later became the church's first chief executive minister.[3][4] It was said that Ferriol had been doing his evangelization activities since the late 1950s.[2]

The church had separated from the Foursquare Gospel, a North American–based Pentecostal church, where Arsenio and his brother, Arturo, had been Bible students in their youth and later trained pastors,[5][6] and later forming the People's Missionary Church (a small community church in Marikina) prior to another split and its registration. As a result, the church, being indigenous, is independent of Western Pentecostalism.[7] The church was officially registered as its current name to the Philippine government's Securities and Exchange Commission in August 1973, the event being commemorated as its establishment.[8][9][10]

Another brother, Domingo (1943–2021), pioneered one of the first church buildings in Malagasang, Imus, Cavite;[11] while Arturo later led the construction of the main church in Marikina (then part of Rizal).[6] The church expanded abroad through visits by mid-1980s,[8] and with the first foreign church established in Hong Kong in 1989, the same year it also reached North America.[12]

PMCC, being one of the fastest growing independent denomination in the country and in Asia,[a] eventually became one of the largest indigenous Pentecostal churches,[7] having a nationwide presence in almost every city and province.[14] By the time of the church's 50th anniversary, PMCC has been present in 72 countries worldwide[15] with 1,055 locale churches.[b] Members are known for being missionaries because of their house visits and public preaching in areas (markets, buses and parks) elsewhere.[7]

PMCC publishes The Word magazine (founded in 1989), and broadcasts programs including Oras ng Katotohanan (transl. Hour of Truth) and its United States counterpart Surer Word (established in 2008 as the church's first all-English program abroad).[16] It owns Life Radio network and has its own television station, Life TV.[8]

On August 27, 2023, the church held its 50th anniversary celebration in New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, which was attended by at least 42,000 members[17] and nearly 3,000 ministers.[15]

Arsenio's wife and six children are currently serving in high positions in the church,[3] with his son Jonathan succeeding him as the chief executive minister after his death in 2024.[2]

Beliefs

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PMCC believes that the true church was founded on the day of Pentecost, as mentioned in the Book of Acts; and the spiritual gifts (as mentioned in Ephesians 4:11) by the Holy Spirit in the church continues to this day,[18] including the apostleship, which is believed the most important and to be given by Jesus Christ to Arsenio Ferriol (thus, the "apostle in the end-time;"[5] and being the Goodman of the House,[19] citing Matthew 24:43).[7]

The restoration of spiritual gifts is emphasized by the PMCC, which defined Pentecostal as reverting to the early Christian Church in the Book of Acts. They prefer to be called "Biblical Pentecostalism", with the church's name indicating its general direction; the term is said restoring the Pentecostalism generally with adherence to biblical teachings needed to achieve unity, and increases the indigenization as well, maintaining its independence.[7]

PMCC believes that the fourth watch mystery was revealed only to Ferriol. Citing Mark 13, it was stated that the New Testament times constituted four periods of time: Apostolic era (or ancient era; evening watch, referred to as 1st watch); Papacy (medieval era/Dark Ages; midnight, 2nd); Reformation (Renaissance; rooster-crowing, 3rd); end-time (New Age; morning, 4th and last). The latter is said to be the present day and that the Second Coming of Jesus is about to occur;[18] wherein baptized members are to be saved through rapture, leaving apostates to experience the Great Tribulation. Ferriol, being the leader, claimed God commanded him through voice and light one evening in 1970 in Odiongan, giving him the revelation through Jesus to restore the original church in the modern era, hence, its name.[citation needed]

PMCC believes in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (all as God, but not a Trinity);[18] the humanity of Jesus who, according to them, emptied Himself during the first incarnation, as well as the Personality of the Holy Spirit.[citation needed] Their teachings also involve the fulfillment of the Great Commission which includes preaching the gospel of salvation—which is through Jesus' finished work demonstrated by his suffering, death, and resurrection; and is attained only by grace—and baptism by immersion.[18]

Also, one of their beliefs is the infallibility of the Bible, being the final authority.[18]

Outreach

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Media

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End-Time Mission Broadcasting Service (EMBS) is a radio and television broadcasting division of the PMCC through its Resources for Doctrinal Empowerment and Evangelistic Ministry (ReDEEM). Its corporate office is located in Marikina. EMBS owns three radio stations under the Life Radio brand, and its television network Life TV.[20][21][22]

PMCC's media ministry can be traced back to its flagship program, Oras ng Katotohanan (Hour of Truth), which started in the 1980s on radio (through DWXX in 1985) and later on television (through IBC-13 on October 18, 1991 and later on SBN-21 in 2004 and PTV-4 on August 11, 2013).[8]

Life TV

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Life TV
CountryPhilippines
Broadcast areaPhilippines
HeadquartersMarikina
Programming
Language(s)English, Filipino
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
(downscaled to 16:9 480i for the SDTV feed)
History
LaunchedOctober 3, 2016 (2016-10-03)
Links
Websitewww.pmcc4w.org/life-tv
Availability
Terrestrial
BEAM TV
(Digital terrestrial television)		Channel x.6 (DTT)
Streaming media
Facebook LiveLife TV on Facebook
BEAM TVWatch Live (Philippines only)

Life TV was launched October 3, 2016, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of ONK's TV broadcast.[8] It formerly aired 24 hours a day on SkyCable and Cignal TV. Life TV currently broadcasts in English and Filipino via BEAM TV's DTT subchannel daily from 5 am to 12 mn, and through their online livestreaming. Since 2017, Life TV became the second religious channel (next to Iglesia ni Cristo Television), known for broadcasting of the station's digital clock during the entire course of its broadcast. It is headquartered in Marikina.

Programming
[edit]

Life TV's programming consists of its in-house produced shows as well as imported from various productions. Selected programs were aired on BEAM TV UHF Channel 31.

Current programming

  • Oras ng Katotohanan – the flagship program of PMCC (4th Watch) in the Philippines.
  • Surer Word – the U.S. program produced by PMCC (4th Watch) South Bay, California. (formerly a segment of Oras ng Katotohanan)
  • The Truth (formerly a segment of Oras ng Katotohanan)
  • Bible Connection
  • The Word Today
  • Gospel of Salvation
  • The Living Word
  • Home Free Radio (2020)
  • Chords of Mercy (2017)
  • Chords of Mercy UNLTD.
  • Tuklasin Natin
  • Prayer Power (formerly a segment of Oras ng Katotohanan)
  • Moments with God (2018)
  • Pag-ibig nga Naman (2017)
  • Music of the Heart (2017)
  • Life at Home
  • Kalinga On-Air
  • Pray-A-Thon
  • May Plano ang Dios
  • The Lord's Day
  • Church Update (formerly a segment of Oras ng Katotohanan)
  • Psalms, Verses & Inspirations (2018)
  • Worship Sessions
  • Grave. Grace. Glory. (special program aired every Holy Week)
  • SciShow
  • SciShow Space
  • SciShow Kids
  • The Bible Project
  • Alla's Yummy Food
  • Awesome Eats
  • The Traveler's Guide

Select church events are also being aired annually, including:

  • Meditations for Christmas (aired days prior to and on Christmas Day)
  • International Missionary Day
  • Opening ceremony of the International Convention
  • Home Free Global Crusades (since 2020)

Previous programming

  • Panahon.TV (via syndication; 2017–2023)
  • Daily Watch (station's only secular newscast)
  • Church at Home
  • Kaban ng Patotoo
  • Hubblecast
  • Wow HD Technology
  • TBN Asia Block
  • Morning Devotion
  • Family Devotion
  • Midweek Service
  • Sunday School
  • Evangelistic Service

Broadcast in line with the church's 50th anniversary:

  • PMCC (4th Watch) at 50: Golden Anniversary News Program (July–August 2023)
  • Golden Anniversary Celebration (Aug. 27, 2023)

Life Radio

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Life Radio
History
First air date
January 7, 2013 (2013-01-07)
Links
WebcastListen Live
Websitewww.liferadio.embs.asia

Life Radio is the ministry's radio service, broadcasting across the Luzon area.

Life Radio stations
[edit]
Branding Call-Sign Frequency Power (kW) Location First air date[8]
Life Radio Philippines — Listen Live Worldwide
Life Radio Northern Luzon DWET 1179 kHz 10 kW Santiago 2014
Life Radio Southern Luzon DZAT 1512 kHz 10 kW Lucena 2005

Others

[edit]

The church, while conducting prayer crusades,[23] has also been active in social work, with activities including medical, disaster response, and educational outreach.[1][23]

The church's ministerial arm, Maranatha Bible School International, was established by Arturo Ferriol in 1975,[6][19] while its educational ministry began in 1980.[8]

PMCC's Dalaw Kalinga Foundation held its first medical mission in 1997.[8][24]

Pentecostalism in the Philippines

[edit]

The definition of Pentecostalism is emphasized on the deep personal spiritual experience and expressive worship, among others. The exact number of Pentecostals are difficult to identify for the reasons that most country censuses have no comparison among the Christianity except for Protestantism and Catholicism; and Pentecostalism, as a movement, may only exist as distinct and non-mainstream congregations. A study by Pew Research Center in 2011, although reported that there are no data on exact number of Pentecostals in the Christian-dominated Philippines, estimated it at 2.2 million. Aside from PMCC (4th Watch), another known Pentecostal group in the country is the Jesus Is Lord Church.[25]

There had been three United States–based Pentecostal movements which sent missionaries to the then US-administered Philippines. The Foursquare Gospel, the church where the PMCC separated from, was the last to do so in 1937.[26]

Notes

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  1. ^ As mentioned by PMCC bishop and church's deputy executive minister Jonathan Ferriol during the 50th anniversary celebration, citing a study by the University of Cambridge in England.[13]
  2. ^ As mentioned by PMCC bishop Aldrin Palanca during the 50th anniversary celebration.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b Samillano, Chrysee (January 6, 2024). "SP reso praises Missionary Day". The Visayan Daily Star. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Celebrating life, ministry of a 'spiritual father'". Philstar.com. June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Church pays tribute to late chief executive minister". The Philippine Star. May 28, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  4. ^ "PMCC 4th Watch announcement". Manila Standard. Makati. May 23, 2024. p. 3. Retrieved May 24, 2024 – via Issuu.
  5. ^ a b Post from official Facebook page of the PMCC (4th Watch), August 12, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c Post from official Facebook page of the PMCC (4th Watch), August 11, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e Jeong Jae Yong (January 2005). Anderson, Allan; Tang, Edmond (eds.). Asian and Pentecostal: The Charismatic Face of Christianity in Asia. Oxford, England: Regnum Books. pp. 386–388. ISBN 1-870345-43-6. Retrieved July 25, 2023 – via Google Books.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h PMCC (4th Watch) at 50: Press Conference (Press conference). PMCC4W Live. August 10, 2023. Retrieved August 10, 2023 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ Sect Database: "Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), Inc". Solemnizing Officers Information System, Philippine Statistics Authority. Government of the Philippines. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  10. ^ Post from official Facebook page of the PMCC (4th Watch), August 8, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  11. ^ Post from official Facebook page of the PMCC (4th Watch), August 10, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  12. ^ Citations:
    • "Our story". Official website of the PMCC (4th Watch). Retrieved August 10, 2023.
    • Post from official Facebook page of the PMCC (4th Watch), August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) Golden Anniversary (Part 1 of 2) (Live event). PMCC4W Live. August 27, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2023 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ "Villar lauds PMCC for its missionary work" (Press release). Senate of the Philippines. January 11, 2023.
  15. ^ a b "PMCC 4th Watch renews vow to live life of Christ, share Gospel". Inquirer.net. September 4, 2023. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  16. ^ Post from official Facebook page of the PMCC (4th Watch), August 12, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  17. ^ Lariosa, Saab (September 6, 2023). "Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) fortifies faith, eyes expansion for 50th year". Rappler. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  18. ^ a b c d e "Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ 4th Watch". 105.9 Shine FM (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). Touch Canada Broadcasting (2006) Inc. n.d. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  19. ^ a b "Honoring and mourning a great church leader and father: Remembering for 14 Days". BusinessMirror. June 1, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  20. ^ "R.A. 9342". LawPhil.net. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  21. ^ List of Licencees as of January 2, 2019
  22. ^ KBP Members
  23. ^ a b "PMCC (4th Watch) marks 50th year". Manila Bulletin. October 6, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  24. ^ "Thousands get free medical services via church's missions". Philippine News Agency. July 30, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  25. ^ "The State Of Pentecostalism In Southeast Asia: Ethnicity, Class And Leadership – Analysis". Eurasia Review. September 28, 2015. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
  26. ^ Alcoran–Benavidez, Doreen; Benavidez, Edwardneil; Gorospe, Adonis Abelard; Engcoy, Dynnice Rosanny (2019). Kay, William; Cartledge, Mark (eds.). Global Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, Volume 31: Asia-Pacific Pentecostalism. Leiden, Netherlands: Koninklijke Brill NV. pp. 217–239. ISBN 978-90-04-39670-8. ISSN 1876-2247. Retrieved July 25, 2023 – via Google Books.
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