What is the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God? (UCKG)

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, or in Portuguese, Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus is a growing Brazilian denomination, led by the billionaire Bishop Edir Macedo, and with a prominent English-speaking spokesperson Bishop Bira Fonseca (Bishop Joshua.) This video explains what the group teaches.

[ceejay]

I'm Pentecostal but visited a UCKG for a quick prayer. I felt the Holy Spirit in their church (gentle fire). To the best of my understanding, encounters with the Holy Spirit are part church, part your relationship with God (sin free, unforgiveness free, reverence, praise, thanks etc), and part having anointed individuals at the church (the Holy Spirit follows them).

[christianitis]

Judging by the comments, I think this video was seen by one of the church employees and they got their people to spam the comments with only positive...

[sarahneace]

Very cool to see my MA Thesis cited here, thank you for the video.

[ramlin]

In many Spanish Speaking countries this church is known as “Pare de Sufrir.” Which means “Stop suffering.”

[ClauGutierrezY]

In south America this is considered a cult by protestants, and even mainline evangelical and even some charismatic churches.

[keletsom]

I stopped going to the church when the pastor said "it's time for us to test God"
During a sermon.
The church Is very heavy on the prosperity gospel

[mfunenimkhuma]

I used to go in this church in Johannesburg, there they will tell you to give you all or nothing, and I used to give them my whole salary, and because of that I was homeless because I couldn't pay my rent

[Королева-фф]

Also just wanted to add: THEY WOULD ALSO JUDGE THEIR MEMBERS IF THEIR MEMBERS WOULD PICK THEIR LIVELIHOOD/JOB OVER ATTENDING THE SERVICE. Like there are several services within the week but it’s like they are expected to put the church and their services above others.

Oh, they would say to put ‘God’ above all others sure. But I would think God would understand if you prioritize your work first in order to make a living than guilt you into thinking that you should go into the church otherwise God would be sad because you chose your job first before HIM.

I personally believe that God is always with us and by choosing to do what is expected of us (i.e our work) then God understands that.

Voluntary actions or sacrifices are ok but to be guilted into following this church’s ‘norm’ is not okay. And still that is what they do.

[Sarah-lnqc]

God has the power to turn evil to do good. So, if you believe the church is evil, just know Satan has no control. The only one that would be burning in hell, is those who don’t walk with discernment, wisdom, and the fear of God. All who go and receive good fruit, will do good. How much faith do you have if you believe any man can move in you more than Christ?

[ValleyRaisedShyBoy]

I was attending ministerios profeticos before getting married to my wife, who attends the universal church. I was too skeptical at first because everything was so different. But putting what I had heard other ppl say about this church to the side and started going for the right reasons which is for Jesus not anyone else, I found that this church is a faith believing church, they use scripture to back up what they say. No one is forced to do anything, they will even tell you is all according to your own faith. You give because God has provided you with the means to give. But remember it must be done in faith or else is all for nothing.

[zhensison]

I had been many Churches, only the Universal Church Teach me how I gonna use my Faith.and this Church my First encounter of The Holy Spirit.I will testify this how God, bringing me from the darkness and giving me life...Im very Thankful that giving a Chance to live and Change the way that I was.

[Mohapi_Tau]

Now I'd like to clarify something here. The speaking in tongues is not always a sign of the Holy Spirit, since unclean spirits themselves can imitate the Spirit. Furthermore the Holy Trinity is a mystery in itself, because if we believe in having Jesus/God in our hearts? It means having the Holy Spirit is God Christ in us, because that is the promise of having Godliness in us, according to scripture. Hence we're Christians.

[mckayieremia]

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." - Proverbs 16:25

[gruntman]

I Truthfully say that this Church is filled with the Holy Spirit. Those who thinks it’s money lenders is false... their main focus teachings are “how to use faith”, “repent”, “seek the Holy Spirit” and “Salvation” . They teach everything that is in the Bible. All their teachings are from the Bible.

[nandiphasiboto]

UCKG has drained me Financially, Emotionally and Spiritually - They manipulate you while they suck you dry financially.I decided to give my life to Jesus Christ instead of giving my life to UCKG Church and I'm blessed in all the areas of my life. I started to question lot of things when they issued invelops for Offering for the Holly Spirit, Imagine

[ratuvelema]

I used to call myself a Christian but my life was in a mess really mess..Famillies don't like me, People don't like me. But when I was invited to the UCKG .My life has changed completely, inside / outside. I am blessed, I am a happy man, I am strong, I'm a lucky one.I give my tithe, offerings but I never lack of anything. Thanks to God almighty and also Pastors of UCKG .God wants to change your life join us my friend. You are most welcome.

[caciosantos]

So 10.000 churches in Brazil, 300 in USA, and more thousands all of the world, are all this people been deceived, please my dear friends just think, i can say by myself that my life got transformed in the UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF THE KINGDON OF GOD, may God bless you all, even the ones that are saying things without really knowing.

[Raphaeljr_Official]

The UNIVERSAL Church Is One Of The Best Church currently worldwide... Powerful sermons, community outreach, prison service, hospital visits and a whole lot more... ❤

[keishacarlies]

I don’t like certain pastors in the universal church but there are amazing people in certain branches.

[emmanuelrufai]

Wow UCKG!

This church is so important to me because it was by them that my family became Christian. Before than my father was Muslim and my mom was an atheist. God bless UCKG...God bless them greatly. I will never forget what the Lord has used them to do for my family