What is IFCA International? Overview and Name IFCA International, originally established as the Independent Fundamental Churches of America, is a fellowship of independent churches, ministries, and individuals who align themselves around a shared statement of faith and a commitment to biblical truth. The movement began with an emphasis on core doctrines of Scripture, a desire for fellowship among like-minded believers, and a focus on evangelism and discipleship. In 1996, the organization adopted the name IFCA International, intending to reflect its increasingly global scope. Today, it supports local congregations, pastors, missionaries, and other ministry leaders who embrace the Bible as God’s authoritative Word while upholding independent governance that values the autonomy of each local church. Historical Background The IFCA traces its beginnings to 1930, a time marked by theological tensions in various denominations within the United States. A group of pastors and churches set forth to preserve the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith and the importance of local church independence. Amid broader cultural shifts, this group sought fellowship that held firmly to traditional Christian fundamentals. Early documents, such as meeting minutes and organizational pamphlets from the 1930s, reveal a clear concern for guarding “the faith once delivered to the saints” (cf. Jude 1:3). Throughout the following decades, IFCA International grew by uniting churches that shared convictions regarding the inspiration and authority of Scripture, the deity of Christ, the atoning nature of His death, and His literal resurrection. Regional gatherings and conferences, often accompanied by the teaching of leading Bible scholars, encouraged mutual support and the exchange of biblical resources. This cooperative spirit became a defining characteristic of the fellowship. Doctrinal Foundations IFCA International members hold to a high view of Scripture, affirming its inerrancy and inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness”). The fellowship’s doctrinal statement commonly includes: 1. The Trinity, acknowledging one eternal God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). 2. The full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, including His bodily resurrection and promised return (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). 3. The necessity of personal salvation through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross (John 14:6). 4. The importance of holy living, evangelism, and discipleship as commanded by Scripture (Matthew 28:18–20). This doctrinal basis aligns with the pattern found in many historic fundamentalist movements, though with a particular emphasis on local church autonomy and fellowship unity. The fellowship’s written statements also highlight the importance of the Holy Spirit’s work in regeneration, sanctification, and empowering believers for service. Organizational Structure and Ministries IFCA International provides a networking structure rather than a centralized hierarchy. Churches within the fellowship remain entirely independent, free to develop ministries that fit their unique contexts, while adhering to a shared affirmation of doctrine and mission. The organization offers: • Annual Conventions: Bringing members together for worship, teaching, and encouragement. • Regional Gatherings: Providing local networking, leadership training, and fellowship opportunities. • Missions Endeavors: Supporting domestic and global missionaries who uphold IFCA’s doctrinal standards and aim to plant churches or strengthen existing ones. • Educational Programs: Offering resources, including online classes, seminars, and courses in biblical education and pastoral training. Additionally, IFCA International often collaborates with Bible colleges and seminaries that share its doctrinal perspectives, promoting an informed and equipped generation of leaders who reflect the fellowship’s emphasis on sound biblical teaching. Distinctives and Global Reach While rooted in the United States, IFCA International today seeks to cultivate relationships with churches, missions agencies, and pastoral networks worldwide. This global dimension remains true to the fellowship’s ethos of combining doctrinal fidelity with evangelistic zeal. Records of international church-planting efforts and partnerships, especially in regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, demonstrate how the fellowship’s mission extends beyond North America. An emphasis on the autonomy of each local church is a hallmark. Congregations retain authority over their own governance, guided by scriptural standards of elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1–13). Because each church is “independent,” they form a network through IFCA for mutual encouragement rather than a formal denominational structure. Scriptural Basis for Fellowship Members often cite passages such as Acts 2:42 to illustrate that early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” The IFCA’s emphasis on doctrinal forthrightness and cooperative unity remains an effort to mirror the early church’s devotion to truth and fellowship. Additionally, Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to “spur one another on to love and good deeds” and to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.” These verses underscore why IFCA International values congregational fellowship without forsaking the individual identity of each local assembly. Concluding Summary IFCA International is a fellowship of conservative, like-minded churches and individuals committed to the inerrancy of Scripture, the fundamental doctrines of historical Christianity, and the autonomy of the local church. With origins tracing back to the early 20th century, the fellowship has consistently emphasized biblical preaching, worldwide missions, and cooperative ministry while championing the independence of its member congregations. Its central goal is to equip believers to engage in faithful worship, evangelism, and discipleship, standing firm on the truths expressed in God’s Word. Through regional gatherings, educational resources, and global outreach opportunities, IFCA International provides a platform for shared ministry that remains committed to “the word of the truth of the gospel” (Colossians 1:5). |
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