The Pentecostal Movement started all over the world in a spectacular way almost simultaneously. The revival of the gifts of the holy spirit and the need for progressive sanctification was the emphasis. This was initially objected to by all Churches as they were surprised by the new phenomena. However as time went on even the most orthodox churches came to terms with the reality of the experience and its power to transform. Because of the objections within the institutional churches in its early days, many Pentecostals separated themselves to form independent churches.

In Kerala the stratum for this revival came from the Mar Thoma Church and the CMS Church. Henry Backer (Baker Saip) and many of the CMS missionaries gave impetus and leadership for this movement.

Among the Brahmin converts from Tamil Nadu was one priest of the CMS Church called Yoosthose Joseph. He was a scholar in the Bible and was known as Vidwan Kutty Achen. His chronological studies of the Bible led him to a conclusion that Jesus was going to return before 1871. Since the Church did not support this view he along with another Priest Koodara Pallil Thommen Kathanar started a new church called Kanneettu Revival Church. Since his predictions did not come true the church declined and died out.

The present day structure and independent Pentecostal Churches are the result of American Missions. The first effective mission of the Pentecostal teaching came through the efforts of one George Burg. He came down to Kerala and held several meetings in and around Trikannamangal, Kottarakara, Mavelikkara and Adoor in 1909. His followings were mainly from Mar Thomas Church and CMS  church. IN 1913 Burg returned to Kerala with larger financial support and missionary personal support from the All World Pentecostal Conference held in California (1912). The independent Pentecostal churches arose due to their efforts. In 1914 several independent Pentecostal Churches joined together in America to form the Assemblies of God Church. The new church was able to reach out to India and started several Bible schools among them was the Bethel Bible School in Punalur. George Burg was followed by others like Charles Commins, Miss Browncil, Al Dwingle and Robert Cook.

Robert Cook was one of the missionaries from Assemblies of God who came to Mulakuzha in Chengannur in 1914. Latter he started the Church of God and in 1928 started the Zion Bible School in Mulakuzha. Among those who supported him was Pastor T. M. Varghese. Again the following came from the Syrian Christian stock.

Brethren Assembly

This movement is an outgrowth of Pietism - or Holiness Movement of the early 17th Centaury. It originated in Germany in 1708 and were known at that time as Dunkers. It was led by Alexander Mack (1679-1735) and created such giant revivalists like Darbi, Ironside and Spurgeon. In 1897 Marthoma Church invited the great speaker Grugson as a speaker to the Maramon convention. The next year he returned as a missionary and in collaboration with David and Nagal (Basal Mission) started the Brethren Assembly in Kunnamkulam. The early converts who gave impetus to Brethren growth were a priest from the Mar Thoma Church, one Mammen from Kumbanad and the Poet Laureate in Malayalam (Maha Kavi) K.V.Simon. As again the main stock came from the Mar Thoma Church.

Indian Pentecostal Church


As the Pentecostal churches grew in number and strength with powerful preachers and theologians, it was time to be independent of the foreign missions. Pastor K. E. Abraham who came from a Jacobite family was the leader for this freedom movement and Southern India Pentecostal Church was formed in 1925.This name was later changed in 1934 to Indian Pentecostal Church as the vision of the church expanded. In 1930 he started the Hebron Bible College in Kumbanad which remained as the main theological training center for Indian Pentecostal Church.

Travancore-Cochin Anglican Church is a break away faction from CSI going back to 1966.Brotherans, a break away faction from the Baptists have their headquarters in Kumbanadu near Thiruvalla.

Salvation Army originated in London England in 1878. William Booth was the founder. Salvation army came to the state in 1878. They centered their activities in southern Travancore.

Yuyomayam was started by an Anglican priest Yusthoose Youseph. He was also known as 'Vidwan Kutty' and was the son of a Brahmin from Thirunalveli. He forecasted that Christ will come for second time in 1980. Another prediction was that darkness will encircle the earth on August 10, 11, and 12, 1875.

DeivaSabha was started by a Methodist priest from the U. S. A in 1884. A Kerala branch was established in 1910.

Russell church , otherwise called 'Jehovah's witnesses was started by C. T. Russell in U. S. A. The Kerala branch was established in Mallappalli in 1925.

Lutheran mission run by followers of reformist Martin Luther established themselves in Perurkkada near Trivandrum in 1911.They operate in some 70 centers in sothern Travancore.

The miracle crusaders are fast gaining ground in the state. In a small town Potta near Trichur, Father Naickam Parambil is attracting thousands of devotees.


TO CHURCHES OF KERALA | WORLD CHRISTIAN CHURCHES