Wesleyan Holiness Study Project

On February 8, 2006 the third and final meeting of the Wesleyan Holiness Study Project (WHSP) concluded with a gathering of pastors in Pomona, California. The three year project began with the goals of:

• articulating a contemporary statement of holiness for the future mission of the Church,
• linking denominations with a holiness heritage in re-emphasizing the message,
• developing a HOLINESS MANIFESTO, and
• a published book authored by writers from the participating denominations.

Over two dozen major papers were produced by participants in contributing to the unifying effort. A major outcome was the writing of the HOLINESS MANIFESTO that serves as both a call and statement for unity around this biblical vision for the Church.

The WHSP was funded and commissioned by the top leaders of ten denominations in North America including:

• Salvation Army
  
• Church of the Nazarene
  
• Free Methodist
  
• Brethren in Christ
  
• Foursquare Gospel
  
• International Pentecostal Holiness
  
• Church of God (Anderson)
  
• Church of God in Christ
  
• Shield of Faith
  
• Christian & Missionary Alliance

The church leaders provided funds each year and named three scholar/leaders to participate in a two day conversation working toward fulfilling the goals. The IPHC was represented by Presiding Bishop James D. Leggett and Dr. A.D. Beacham, Executive Director of World Missions Ministries.

Beginning with the 21st General Conference held in August, 1989, IPHC delegates began dealing with some of the same lifestyle issues addressed in the Holiness Manifesto. On Saturday morning, August 12, 1989, the motion was made and approved to adopt the Covenant of Commitment, as amended. It reflects our intent to embrace a more biblical, rather than a more cultural, basis for a holy lifestyle. That Covenant is now a permanent part of our Manual.