The Rich Heritage of The Oasis Church
The Oasis Church proudly stands as a member of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), a dynamic movement within Christianity that has been transforming lives for over 125 years. Our spiritual DNA combines the deep theological foundations of Wesleyan doctrine with the vibrant experience of Pentecostal faith. Our theological foundations are firmly rooted in the teachings of John Wesley, the 18th-century theologian and founder of the Methodist movement. Wesley's emphasis on personal holiness, sanctification as a transformative experience, social responsibility, and the importance of small group discipleship continue to shape our approach to faith and ministry today.
During the latter part of the 19th century, a significant shift occurred within the Methodist Church, as it began to distance itself from its traditional holiness doctrine and Wesley's foundational teachings. This pivotal moment led to the emergence of several new denominations committed to preserving these essential doctrines, including The Fire Baptized Holiness Church, The Church of the Nazarene, The International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), and The Congregational Holiness Church.
A transformative moment in our history occurred in 1906 with the outbreak of the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. This remarkable spiritual awakening continued uninterrupted for three years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and featured powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit as described in 1 Corinthians 12. The revival drew people from across the nation and world, and significantly influenced many Wesleyan groups, leading them to embrace Pentecostal expressions of faith.
While many traditional Christian denominations have experienced decline over the past four decades, the Pentecostal movement has demonstrated remarkable vitality and growth. This ongoing expansion is characterized by a strong emphasis on spiritual gifts and supernatural ministry, dynamic worship and personal experience with God, and active engagement in community outreach and missions.
The Oasis Church operates under the covering of the LifePoint Ministries Conference (formerly known as the Georgia Conference), which oversees ministry throughout most of Georgia. This connection provides strong regional support and accountability, opportunities for collaboration with other churches, access to shared resources and training, and partnerships in local and global missions.
As we honor our rich heritage, we remain committed to preserving the timeless truths of holiness doctrine while embracing the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We continue adapting to meet contemporary challenges while maintaining biblical integrity and building communities of faith that transform lives and impact society. Our history connects our local congregation to both its historical roots and its contemporary mission, demonstrating how past foundations continue to inform and inspire our present ministry.