OPINIONS – Overcoming Doctrinal Decay
by Compiled by Billy Hutson

Generational Doctrinal Decay (G.D.D.) is real and is happening now. We and all future generations in the Apostolic movement can reverse this trend by understanding and applying certain spiritual principles.

The first is knowing there is a correlation and interconnectiveness between Apostolic biblical doctrines, purity, and power in our worship and how they translate to our daily Christian walk. A recent survey by Lifeway Research of the S.B.C. found 89 percent of people who changed church memberships done so because of the new churches’ beliefs or doctrines.
When the church unites a genuine move of God with an anointed ministry in sound bible doctrines that changes our members’ lives, people will come!

There is so much peer pressure concerning numbers that some preachers are compromising in the preaching of Apostolic truths. We can have growth and truth!

The second principle is found in Ezekiel 3:1-4. God commanded Ezekiel to chew, digest, and assimilate the word of god before he preached to others. A love for sound doctrine has got to get in our blood.

Thirdly, to eliminate G.D.D. as we grow from revival we need to strengthen the stakes (doctrine) as instructed in Isaiah 54:2. There is too much at stake to do any less!

Rev. Keith Clark
Humble, TX






I believe there are some who are at a crossroads, both in philosophy and doctrine. They are beginning to "wonder" about the importance of "holding the line" in the face of spirits which bombard us every day. It seems to be as it was in the days of Lot when his "soul was vexed daily with the filthy conversation" of his comrades.

At the same time, we are moving into an era of a mighty outpouring of the Holy Ghost. In this time of "harvest" we MUST not acquiesce to the pressures of the world.

It is imperative that we teach doctrine and holiness to our children and that it is a privilege to be numbered with God’s people. We began "Kid's Church" for younger children with an emphasis on worship and godly living. We've also went back to youth oriented services where young men and women with strong doctrinal persuasions, and strong holiness standards teach others the joy (not drudgery) of walking in God's Spirit.

It has been rightly said: "Never move a fence until you know why it was put there." What others are doing and why they are doing it is not something I will venture to say, however I will say: We as a movement, "MUST GET BACK TO THE OLD LANDMARKS."


Rev. Leon Hickman
Enon, LA






Apostolic Christians operate under Jesus’ mandate: “Make disciples”. The first believers were neither afraid of opposition nor ashamed of their doctrinal distinction. Amid persecution, the Acts church stayed focused with incredible success.

However, in a few short years, New Testament leaders began to fight doctrinal corrosion. In Galatians 3:1, Paul writes “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth…?”

Paul boldly addressed doctrinal error. He indoctrinated his protégés and reminded them to passionately defend the doctrine.

In my opinion, mentoring the younger generation, especially young leaders, is still essential to doctrinal preservation. Yes, churches and families are made up of individuals—but leaders determine the course of that organized group.

I am 3rd generation Apostolic Pentecostal, licensed for 33 years in the UPCI. My family handed me a red hot gospel and said “Do as you were taught and teach it to your children.” Now I must teach my grandchildren Apostolic distinction. In addition, I am devoted to mentoring young ministers to be Apostolic advocates.

We cannot afford to lose one generation. May we mentor with the urgency God commanded Moses: “Teach it, talk it, sleep it, and eat it.”—to the fourth generation.

Rev. Rick Maricelli
Lee Roads, LA






Unfortunately, in this fast paced society, our churches sometimes become caught up in the breakneck speed of things. I believe; we, as the UPC movement haven’t taken the time to slow down and ingest the Word. It is imperative that we pour the Word of God into our youth, middle aged, and older people. As a pastor, I find it appalling that many of our "seasoned" Pentecostals are very shallow in the Word.

It is also my opinion that we follow the leading of God's spirit and not copy Hollywood, televangelists, or any other entity that is misleading and whose main objective is to draw a crowd. I believe the Bible is the only source for our salvation. Therefore, as a movement, we must continue to follow its laws, concepts, statutes and precepts. I strongly recommend that our people attend Bible study to "hide the Word of God in their hearts." As a pastor, I use young men to teach, lead services, and become involved in an effort to put doctrine in their minds. I believe that our Bible School trained ministers are well qualified and learned in the scriptures. Finally, we still need to be sensitive to God's Holy Spirit.


Rev. Dale Mortensen
Walnut Hill, LA






I was first picked up on a Sunday School bus route at the age of twelve. In all truth, I am a first generation Pentecostal.

There has to be passion, anointing, zeal, and enthusiasm. This one God message has to be more than a message. It has to be more than what the UPC preaches. It can’t just be taught, it has to be caught. You can’t expect just to push the law and standards on people. The law failed, so we have the Word and the Spirit.

If you take a cold piece of steel and strike it, it will just ring. That same piece of steel heated with fire, when struck, will bend. Preach this Gospel with a fire, keep it alive, and believe it and you will see the difference. This experience must become a way of life. I won’t wake up in the morning and have to decide which side of the fence I’ll want to sit on. I am planted, firmly rooted.

The one thing you must have is a passion. Every generation to come will love the truth, as long as each generation before lives it. Live it because you love it, not out of obligation.


Rev. Adriene Spikes
Tickfaw, LA






From my vantage point, as a fourth generation Pentecostal, “I have seen a lot of young ministers come and a few go.” It has always disappointed me to see the few I have observed, leave for less doctrine and a watered-down truth.

We should require our young ministers to be more involved in ministry. Too many are only fixated on the pulpit and what glamour can be derived from standing there. If ministers were called more to the “field” than to the pulpit, they might be less apt to lose their appreciation for the truth. We license too many men who first, should spend more time developing themselves and working in the field.

Every minister also needs a mentor. This is biblical and scriptural. Just having a pastor is not enough. Every man needs to be mentored. This is a place where “iron sharpened iron.”


Rev. Stanley Talley
Bogalusa, LA






Changes can affect an organization both positively and negatively. As we change we must be careful not to become tainted by the world. II Corinthians 6:14-18 repeatedly warns us to remain separate from the world and its influences.

The world may borrow from the church but the reverse is very dangerous. In the past our music and worship was envied and imitated by the charismatic movement because of its anointing. Today it seems that many Apostolic churches seek to imitate the charismatic movement in an effort to gain numbers at the cost of truth. Television has also become a hot issue in Apostolic ranks. We’ve watched denominational ministers use television to gain large followings. These followings are often driven by personality instead of truth. We can’t allow our personalities to drive the Apostolic movement or it will surely fail. As children of the living God, we must abide in prayer and follow the leading of the Holy Ghost. The message of this world is focused on loving one another, which is important, but without the cleansing blood of Jesus we cannot truly love. Our focus must be on the message of Calvary and not the passing fads of a blinded world.


Rev. Lloyd Varnado
Oakwood, GA







History has proven doctrinal decay occurs over successive generations. The overriding absolute is that God will always have a church and I am convinced that we will be part of that church.

Jesus showed us how to avoid decay in John 3:3 by instructing Nicodemus to be born again. Jesus was teaching Nicodemus that each generation must start afresh. With God being the father of our second birth, we become first generation. John 1:1 says “In the beginning …, the Word was God”. Understanding this, the Word is our father, and we are His children. The Word must be our sole ancestor.

Proverbs 29:18 reads, “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. Plainly put: without a revelation of the Word, people perish. When we become first generation Pentecostals, we eliminate doctrinal decay. Jesus said, “I and my Father are one”. I say and do only what He says. Jesus recognized the possibility of doctrinal decay even passing from Him to the twelve. He prayed in John 17:22 “the glory which thou gavest me I have given them: that they may be one, even as we are one”. If Jesus’ prayer becomes reality in our lives and the lives of those we birth, there is no space for doctrinal decay.

Rev. Jeff Wainwright
Turkey Creek, LA