Numerous earlier splits among Pentecostal groups had occurred, mainly involving racial issues. The Church states its basic doctrine as Baptism by immersion in the name of Christ along with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the sign of speaking in tongues. There is affirmation of what is called the oneness doctrine which states that there is one God who manifested himself in the flesh as Christ, and after the Ascension, as the Holy Spirit. The Church practices footwashing and healing and follows a holiness code which includes disapproval of secret societies, mixed bathing, women cutting their hair, worldly amusements, home television sets, and immodest dress. While strongly affirming loyalty to the government, the church is against bearing arms or taking human life.
Structure is congregational.
In 1991, membership in the United States and Canada was reported as 500,000.