International Congregational Fellowship history
General history and key characteristics
Congregational churches have been around for well over 400 years but many would assert that they date right back to the beginning of Christianity.
In terms of doctrine our churches are in the reformed tradition. We seek to follow the scripture and be led by the Holy Spirit. We are essentially Christ-centred.
Here are some key characteristics:
- Each local church is autonomous and its congregation is free to manage its own affairs and determine its own mission strategy.
- In each church every member is of equal importance regardless of age, gender or standing in society.
- Each church is governed by its members under the headship of Jesus Christ, respecting the authority of scripture and seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit.
- Our ministers or pastors, though usually well trained, do not act as priests or exercise authority over the congregation.
Specifically ICF
In 1975 Congregationalists from various parts of the world gathered at Chiselhurst in the UK to explore the need and potential for some kind of global fellowship. In 1977 the Inaugural Conference was held and the work has grown on from there.
One of the driving factors was concern that many who had formally held to Congregational principles had felt it right to respond to the ecumenical concerns in the 1960s and early 1970s and had formed unions with other denominations. In the process they had abandoned the principles that had informed the particular ecclesiology.
Tragically, in the process those who chose to continue in the Congregational Way found precious links of fellowship were lost, or at best reduced. The International Congregational Fellowship has restored that balance.
Get involved!
Our members include national Associational bodies, local churches, theological and mission organisations, and individual Congregational Christians.
We are a growing Fellowship and welcome new members from anywhere in the world who share our values. If you are interested why not complete the online enquiry form.
Take part in our survey on Congregationalism.
If you are a member of a Congregational Church please take part in our survey. Click on "Survey".You will find this under the "Home" page.
Congregationalists in UK receive greetings from ICF members all over the world.
At their 39th Annual assembly the Congregational federation received greetings from ICF members. Click here to read more.
ICF Members stunned by death of Steve de Gruchy
On 23rd February news that Steve had been involved in a rafting accident in South Africa and that his body was missing was rapidly circulated around the Fellowship. On 24th February we learned that he was now formally presumed dead and that a funeral service would be held on Saturday afternoon 27th February. Steve's body was subsequently found in the Mool River by police divers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
North American Congregationalists Meet in Anchorage
The NACCC held its 56th Annual Conference in Anchorage, Alaska from 26th to 29th June 2010. More news will follow.
Adding New Languages
The ICF News Sheet is now available in Spanish thanks to former members of the Congregational Church in Herstmonceux, England. It is hoped that the Latin America page of this website will go bi-lingual shortly, with news from the Region included.
We have hopes for translations of the News Sheet into Greek, Arabic and Korean before the end of the year!
Find us on Facebook
ICF has a Facebook presence. If you are already registered on facebbok, or intend to be, you will find a group under "International Congregational Fellowship".
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