on the so-called intercessory movement

Statement by the Supreme Church Council of the Pentecostal Church in Poland on the so-called intercessory movement

Recently, we have observed the growth of an intercessory movement in Poland, which manifests itself through the organisation of mass conferences. This phenomenon has given rise to a variety of opposing attitudes within the Church. Consequently, there is a need for the Supreme Church Council of the Pentecostal Church to adopt an official position.

1. Prayer and fasting are an essential function of the Church of Jesus Christ.

2. Prayer is an expression of submission to God and His holy will. It is the privilege of the Church’s ministers to encourage God’s people to pray and fast.

3. We live in times when there is a great need for intercessory prayer for our country.

4. However, we take issue with the distortion of Scripture through interpretations that contradict the original meaning of biblical passages and are based on personal experiences. Such distortions lead to extreme attitudes and behaviours, including, amongst other things, an excessive focus on Satan, demons and angels.

5. We recognise that the only normative authority for our faith is the apostolic teaching set out in Scripture, and we do not accept new standards of faith and conduct based on private revelations.

6. We do not find in the Bible the techniques and strategies of prayer warfare promoted by certain representatives of the intercessory movement. The search for places associated with particular demonic activity and the creation of so-called ‘spiritual maps’ on this basis is alien to the Bible’s message.

7. We are in favour of treating national culture, places of historical significance, and national symbols and emblems with respect; the same respect – though not worship – is due to places of martyrdom and cemeteries.

8. We affirm that there are, and should be, apostolic ministries within the Church, without recognising that the individuals associated with them hold the official office of apostle.

9. We cannot condone women taking on excessive preaching and teaching duties.

10. We may be concerned about the establishment of structures that would lead to the creation of a new denomination.

11. We consider it wrong to display signs of megalomania, which leads to attributing to oneself the fruits of the work of the Holy Spirit in the world.

12. It is our hope that prayer and fasting will serve to foster unity amongst God’s people, rather than being a source of antagonism leading to divisions.

Warsaw, March 2001