Welcome to Apostolic Revival Church!
Apostolic Revival Church (ARC) is a multicultural, multigenerational church and welcomes people from all countries, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Serving in the Northeast section of Philadelphia and ministering the Kensington community, ARC is a friendly, loving fellowship of believers, committed to growing in faith together. ARC is affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).
Our Pastors
Rev. John & Sis. Betty Edwards
Pastor John A. Edwards is an ordained minister of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). He and his wife, Betty, were born and raised in the Kensington, Philadelphia area. They founded Apostolic Revival Church in 2006 and have pastored there since.
Pastor and Sis. Edwards have followed the Lord for over 35 years and served in a variety of ministries. They are passionate about helping others experience salvation and build a relationship with Jesus. Through their ministry at ARC, they aim to help others seek the Lord and walk in His plans.
The Edwards have been happily married for more than 35 years and have 5 adult children and several grandchildren.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11–13, NKJV
We Believe
GOD
There is one true God and His name is Jesus. He invites each of us to know Him personally.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."
Colossians 1:15–17, NKJV
THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s living word and guide for our lives.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16–17, NKJV
CHURCH
Being part of a community of other believers is essential to living out the Christian faith.
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10:24–25, NKJV
SALVATION
All of us have sinned and need salvation, which is a gift that comes from God alone.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Romans 3:23–24, NKJV
REPENTANCE
Because we have all sinned, we are called to repent by turning away from our sins and to God.
"From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:17, NKJV
BAPTISM
After we repent, we are to be baptized in water for the washing away of our sins.
"Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Acts 2:38, NKJV
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Just as we must be baptized in water, we are also to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, filled with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.."
Acts 2:4, NKJV
CHRISTIAN LIFE
After we receive salvation, we are called to follow Jesus daily in holiness.
"But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:15–16, NKJV
ETERNAL LIFE
When we receive salvation, we are promised eternal life and a place in heaven with Jesus.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."
John 5:24, NKJV
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Ephesians 4:5-6, KJV
Mission
ARC’s mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ and equip people to live victoriously for Him. Ministering to Kensington, ARC aims to reach the surrounding areas of Philadelphia with the Gospel through preaching, teaching, prayer, and service.
As a friendly, welcoming community of believers, ARC provides a safe place to build personal relationships, strong family units, and a deeper walk with God. By providing resources for growth, encouraging missions, and promoting godly disciplines, ARC seeks to bring hope and truth to our community.