What Is the INC Church and What Is It Known For Around the World?

 If you have ever seen a large white building with tall spires in the Philippines, or heard about a church that holds worship services in Tagalog, English and many other languages across the globe, there is a good chance it was Iglesia Ni Cristo. The name means Church of Christ in English, and what started as a small gathering in Manila has grown into a worldwide religious community. This post walks through where the church came from, how it is led, what members believe, and why so many people want to know more about it.

Where Did the INC Church Come From?

This story begins with Felix Y. Manalo, who was born in 1886. He searched various Christian groups in order to find answers. Eventually, he began to preach what he believed the bible said. The first congregation was held in Punta, Sta. Ana and his church was registered in the Philippines government on July 27, 1914. This is the date which the church celebrates as their starting date. Members still celebrate this date each year.

Although some external sources say that they began preaching in 1913, they were officially registered in 1914. It is important to note that the church began with just a few members, in a small area of Manila. Over the next few decades it grew across the islands. When Felix Manalo died in 1963 there were over a thousand chapels throughout the country and a few large concrete cathedrals.

The church also published a magazine in 1939 called Pasugo. This allowed people to learn more about what the church believed. With the printed magazine, radio and television the message spread much quicker than if they had just spread by word of mouth.

Who Leads the Church Today?

The church has only one leader with the title Executive Minister. Felix Manalo was the first Executive Minister of the church and held the position from 1914 up until his death. His son, Eraño Manalo, replaced him in 1963 and held the position for over four decades. In 2009, Eraño died and was replaced by his son Eduardo V. Manalo who is currently the Executive Minister of the church. The church's headquarters are in Quezon City, Philippines.

The church has a very commonly asked question about having a family run leadership. Members of the church will say that it is purely based on their faith and church management. However outsiders will often describe them as having a very structured system with clear lines of accountability from the headquarters to individual congregations.

What Do Members Believe and How Do They Worship?

The church places importance on the bible. They are not trinitarians. They believe there is only one God (father) however they see Jesus Christ as the Son of Man. He acts as a mediator between God and man. They also believe that Felix Manalo was the last messenger from God which makes them different to most Christian groups. One of the main reasons why they are seen as a unique religion.

They have an organised way of worshipping. The members go to their local chapel regularly. Men and women sit separately. Everyone learns from the Bible, sings hymns and learns a lesson from the ministers. They wear smart and modest clothes. The church has a strong sense of discipline. The members must follow strict rules on how they act, what they can do with marriage and what other religions they can belong to.

Why Do People Notice the Church So Much?

Its buildings are one of its highlights. The church is well known for its high spired Gothic chapels and large events like the centenary celebration held at the Philippine Arena, Bulacan in 2014. It is also known for being one of the largest religious groups in the Philippines (excluding the Roman Catholic Church) usually consisting of an estimated three million members worldwide.

How Has the Church Grown Outside the Philippines?

When the church began in the Philippines it quickly spread across the world. Filipino workers, students & families went abroad and created new local churches in Asia, The Middle East, Europe, North America, Australia and Africa. Now the church has grown to become an international church with many local churches in other countries. Many of the local churches are run in the local language so everyone can understand.

The church has grown because people have migrated away. The first local churches were set up by Filipinos in other countries. Over time more people from different nationalities have joined. The church still focuses on the Philippines with most major events and decisions made there.

What Community Work Does the Church Do?

The church has spread very quickly since it began in the Philippines. Filipino workers, students and families have left the country and set up new local churches in Asia, The Middle East, Europe, North America, Australia and Africa. The church has now expanded to cover many countries. Many of the local churches are run in the local language so that everyone understands.

It has expanded because Filipinos who live abroad have set up local churches. More nationalities have joined over time. However, the Church still revolves around the Philippines and most major events/decisions happen here.

Final Thoughts

It is easy to understand why people have so much interest in this Church. There are many obvious reasons; it clearly began in 1914, it has a single leadership structure, it focuses strongly on studying the Bible, and it is very visible in everyday life and public events. Whether you are a religious scholar, a journalist or just curious because you keep seeing the large white chapels, knowing the basics will give you a much more accurate view than any gossip. However, if you wish to know more than that then the best thing to do is look at the churches publications and compare those with neutral ones such as an encyclopedia. This can help you to create your own opinion on Iglesia Ni Cristo.

FAQs

Who founded the church?

The INC church was registered on the 27 th July 1914 under Felix Y. Manalo. Its members believe that he was the last messenger from God, however, he is usually referred to as the founder by external sources.

What does the name mean?

This is a Tagalog word which means Church of Christ in English. It is commonly known as just ‘INC’.

Who is the current leader of the church?

Eduardo V. Manalo became Executive Minister of the church on the 7th September 2009. He took over from his late father Eraño Manalo.

Is the church only located in the Philippines?

No. Whilst it originally started in Manila, there are now congregations throughout many countries in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Australia and Africa.

What charitable work does the church do?

The church does a lot of work through Felix Y. Manalo Foundation and its own outreach initiatives. This includes providing healthcare, education, fighting poverty and helping during disasters. Many of these activities are available to everyone.