The UPCI has been among the fastest-growing church organizations since it was formed in 1945 by the merger of the Pentecostal Church Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. From 521 churches in 1945, the UPCI has grown to more than 42,000 churches (including preaching points), 41,000 credentialed ministers, and 5.3 million constituents worldwide. The UPCI currently has a presence in 197 of the world's 210 nations, as well as 35 territories. The international fellowship consists of national organizations that are united as the Global Council of the UPCI, which is chaired by the general superintendent of the UPCI.