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Ichthus Christian Fellowship was founded in [[London]] in 1974 by [[Roger Forster]].<ref>Brian Hewitt, ''Doing a New Thing?'' (London: Hodder, 1995) 106</ref> By 1982 the Forest Hill congregation had grown to around 400 people,<ref name=Kay114>William K Kay, ''Apostolic Networks in Britain'' (Milton Keynes: Pater Noster, 2007) 114</ref> and two new [[Congregation (worship)|congregations]] were planted. In 1990 Ichthus had 43 congregations;<ref name=Kay114>William K Kay, ''Apostolic Networks in Britain'' (Milton Keynes: Pater Noster, 2007) 114</ref> at its height in 1992, Ichthus had 47 congregations, and was split into three areas. After some rationalisation the number of congregations dropped to 27.<ref>William K Kay, ''Apostolic Networks in Britain'' (Milton Keynes: Pater Noster, 2007) 118</ref> In 2002 a further reorganization involved a number of churches disaffiliating and forming a separate group known as [http://www.transformnetwork.org.uk/ Transform Network]; still others became independent. Ichthus congregations meet across London, in [[Essex]] and [[Kent]].
Ichthus Christian Fellowship was founded in [[London]] in 1974 by [[Roger Forster]].<ref>Brian Hewitt, ''Doing a New Thing?'' (London: Hodder, 1995) 106</ref> By 1982 the Forest Hill congregation had grown to around 400 people,<ref name=Kay114>William K Kay, ''Apostolic Networks in Britain'' (Milton Keynes: Pater Noster, 2007) 114</ref> and two new [[Congregation (worship)|congregations]] were planted. In 1990 Ichthus had 43 congregations;<ref name=Kay114>William K Kay, ''Apostolic Networks in Britain'' (Milton Keynes: Pater Noster, 2007) 114</ref> at its height in 1992, Ichthus had 47 congregations, and was split into three areas. After some rationalisation the number of congregations dropped to 27.<ref>William K Kay, ''Apostolic Networks in Britain'' (Milton Keynes: Pater Noster, 2007) 118</ref> In 2002 a further reorganization involved a number of churches disaffiliating and forming a separate group known as [http://www.transformnetwork.org.uk/ Transform Network]; still others became independent. Ichthus congregations meet across London, in [[Essex]] and [[Kent]].


As well as this approximately 130 other churches and movements across the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and [[Europe]] are linked with the Ichthus fellowship. In comparison to other BNCM streams, the Ichthus link relationship is reasonably loose, going as far as related theology, vision and values. Ichthus theology is non-Calvinist, and shares much with [[Open Theism]]; believes in the practice of [[spiritual warfare]] and is positive about women's ministry.<ref>Brian Hewitt, ''Doing a New Thing?'' (London: Hodder, 1995) 119</ref> Ichthus identifies [[theology of Anabaptism|Anabaptism]] as the Christian tradition that has been most influential in its development.<ref>Ronald Sider, ''Bread of Life: Stories of Radical Mission'' (London: Triangle, 1994)</ref>
As well as this approximately 130 other churches and movements across the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and [[Europe]] are linked with the Ichthus fellowship. In comparison to other BNCM streams, the Ichthus link relationship is reasonably loose, going as far as related theology, vision and values. Ichthus theology is non-Calvinist, and shares much with [[Open Theism]]; believes in the practice of [[spiritual warfare]] and is positive about women's ministry.<ref>Brian Hewitt, ''Doing a New Thing?'' (London: Hodder, 1995) 119</ref> Ichthus identifies [[theology of Anabaptism|Anabaptism]] as the Christian tradition that has been most influential in its development.<ref>Ronald Sider, ''Bread of Life: Stories of Radical Mission'' (London: Triangle, 1994) 26</ref>


For many years the notable Christian musician [[Graham Kendrick]] was a member of Ichthus, and it was here that [[March for Jesus]], the world-wide movement of street proclamation, began.<ref>March for Jesus website: [http://www.gmfj.org/pages/how_it_started.htm How it started]</ref>
For many years the notable Christian musician [[Graham Kendrick]] was a member of Ichthus, and it was here that [[March for Jesus]], the world-wide movement of street proclamation, began.<ref>March for Jesus website: [http://www.gmfj.org/pages/how_it_started.htm How it started]</ref>

Revision as of 09:32, 4 April 2008

Ichthus Christian Fellowship is a Christian church movement based in London, United Kingdom. It is part of the British New Church Movement (BNCM),[1] and has links with other BNCM leaders and movements, especially Gerald Coates of Pioneer Network.[2]

History and Vision

Ichthus Christian Fellowship was founded in London in 1974 by Roger Forster.[3] By 1982 the Forest Hill congregation had grown to around 400 people,[4] and two new congregations were planted. In 1990 Ichthus had 43 congregations;[4] at its height in 1992, Ichthus had 47 congregations, and was split into three areas. After some rationalisation the number of congregations dropped to 27.[5] In 2002 a further reorganization involved a number of churches disaffiliating and forming a separate group known as Transform Network; still others became independent. Ichthus congregations meet across London, in Essex and Kent.

As well as this approximately 130 other churches and movements across the UK and Europe are linked with the Ichthus fellowship. In comparison to other BNCM streams, the Ichthus link relationship is reasonably loose, going as far as related theology, vision and values. Ichthus theology is non-Calvinist, and shares much with Open Theism; believes in the practice of spiritual warfare and is positive about women's ministry.[6] Ichthus identifies Anabaptism as the Christian tradition that has been most influential in its development.[7]

For many years the notable Christian musician Graham Kendrick was a member of Ichthus, and it was here that March for Jesus, the world-wide movement of street proclamation, began.[8]

Conferences

Each year Ichthus hosts several conferences, one or two specifically for its leadership and the rest open to the public. The main gathering point of the year is a summer Bible Camp known as "Revive," which is an opportunity for those sympathetic with Ichthus theology and distinctives to come together.

Ichthus also hosts a "Bible School", running on Saturdays monthly from September to April, open to all.[9]

Vision

Ichthus followers aim to spread evangelism and their churches on other continents as well as developing the current congregations.

They claim four core values at the heart of their belief:

Church Structures

An Ichthus church consists of 3 levels; Cell, Congregation, and Celebration.

Cell
Cells are smaller groups meeting weekly in order to pray for the local neighbourhood and to promote the religion on a local level (for example via door to door).
Congregation
The Congregation meets on Sunday mornings and is a much larger group (made up of cells). The Congregation also works on projects in the community (as volunteers).
Celebration
Celebrations are held on Sunday evenings and involve the whole church in worship and prophetic preaching.

External links

References

  1. ^ Andrew Walker, Restoring the Kingdom (Guildford: Eagle, 1998) 47
  2. ^ Brian Hewitt, Doing a New Thing? (London: Hodder, 1995) 112
  3. ^ Brian Hewitt, Doing a New Thing? (London: Hodder, 1995) 106
  4. ^ a b William K Kay, Apostolic Networks in Britain (Milton Keynes: Pater Noster, 2007) 114
  5. ^ William K Kay, Apostolic Networks in Britain (Milton Keynes: Pater Noster, 2007) 118
  6. ^ Brian Hewitt, Doing a New Thing? (London: Hodder, 1995) 119
  7. ^ Ronald Sider, Bread of Life: Stories of Radical Mission (London: Triangle, 1994) 26
  8. ^ March for Jesus website: How it started
  9. ^ Bible School on Ichthus website
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