IFCA International (IFCA) is a global network of indigenous evangelical churches and ministries. The acronym IFCA stands for “International Fellowship of Christian Assemblies.”
IFCA was founded in 1988 by a group of national church leaders who felt led to establish a fellowship that was committed to biblical truth while also honoring cultural diversity and promoting unity in Christ. The founding leaders represented churches in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
Here are some key facts about IFCA International:
- IFCA is an international alliance, not a denomination. Member churches and organizations maintain their autonomy while partnering together.
- There are currently over 40,000 congregations and fellowships connected to IFCA worldwide.
- IFCA has national offices or affiliated ministries in over 70 countries.
- The fellowship’s statement of faith outlines core evangelical beliefs such as the authority of Scripture, the Trinity, salvation by grace through faith in Christ, etc.
- IFCA values cultural diversity and encourages indigenous forms of worship, leadership development, and outreach.
- There is no central governing body. Rather, national church leaders form regional boards to facilitate collaboration.
- Relationship and partnership are emphasized over structure and policies in the IFCA fellowship.
IFCA’s Mission and Activities
The mission statement of IFCA International is:
“To multiply healthy local churches focused on worship, evangelism, discipleship and compassion; and to promote unity and partnership for the cause of world evangelization.”
In line with this mission, some of IFCA’s main activities include:
- Church planting – IFCA national offices and local churches are engaged in starting new congregations worldwide.
- Leadership training – Conferences, seminars, and institutes equip pastors and other ministry leaders for effective service.
- Mercy ministries – Churches carry out compassion projects to care for the poor and needy.
- Youth ministries – Ministries to reach young people for Christ and disciple them as followers of Jesus.
- Publishing – Production and distribution of biblical resources in various languages.
- Global partnerships – Facilitating connections between ministries with common vision across cultures.
The ministries of IFCA are carried out at the local, national, and international levels. Local congregations fulfill their mission in their communities. National church bodies oversee ministries within their nation. And the international fellowship seeks to support and link its member churches and groups.
IFCA’s Regional Scope
IFCA International has affiliated churches and ministries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Here is a brief overview of IFCA’s presence in different regions:
Africa
IFCA has affiliated churches and ministries in dozens of African nations. Some of the larger IFCA bodies in Africa include:
- Association of Evangelicals in Africa (Burundi)
- Association des Eglises et Missions Evangéliques du Burkina Faso
- Evangelical Assemblies of God in Madagascar
- Rwanda Assemblies of God
- Assemblies of God Zambia
Asia
IFCA has a growing presence across Asia. Key national bodies include:
- Assemblies of God of Bangladesh
- Assemblies of God of India
- Assemblies of God of Indonesia
- Japan Assemblies of God
- Korea Assemblies of God
Europe
European IFCA fellowships include:
- Pentecostal European Fellowship
- Pentecostal Assemblies of Bulgaria
- Assemblies of God in Hungary
- Pentecostal Assemblies of Portugal
- Federation of Pentecostal Churches in Spain
Latin America
Major Latin American IFCA bodies include:
- Confraternidad Evangélica Pentecostal (Mexico, Central America, Spanish Caribbean)
- Convenção Geral das Assembleias de Deus no Brasil
- Fraternidad Pentecostal de Venezuela
- Iglesias Cristianas Congregacionales del Peru
North America
IFCA member groups in North America are:
- Assemblies of God USA
- Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
- Concilio Nacional de las Asambleas de Dios de Puerto Rico
This overview shows IFCA’s broad representation across continents and diverse Christian traditions. Partnering across cultures for world evangelism is central to the fellowship’s purpose and activities.
IFCA’s Theological Emphases
As an evangelical alliance, IFCA International upholds historic Christian beliefs shared by Protestants worldwide. Some key theological themes emphasized in IFCA include:
Authority of Scripture
IFCA churches view the Bible as fully inspired by God and authoritative for faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Salvation by Grace
Salvation is offered freely by God’s grace to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
IFCA affirms the continuity of the Spirit’s empowering presence since Pentecost. The Spirit awakens faith, sanctifies believers, and bestows spiritual gifts for ministry. Acts 2 gives the historical account of the outpouring of the Spirit.
Spiritual Gifts
All the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the New Testament are believed to be active today. This includes tongues, prophecy, healing, miracles, and other gifts to equip the church. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 discusses varieties of gifts given by the same Spirit.
Passion for Evangelism
IFCA promotes fervor for spreading the gospel at home and globally. Jesus commands His followers to take the message of salvation to the ends of the earth. Matthew 28:19-20 records the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
Dedication to Prayer
Dependence on God through prayer is foundational to the fellowship’s life and work. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs believers to pray about everything and receive God’s peace. IFCA churches devote themselves to consistent prayer.
This list summarizes distinct elements of IFCA’s shared theological perspective. Adherence to these beliefs allows diversity within the alliance’s evangelical identity.
IFCA’s Global Partners
While IFCA remains an independent evangelical movement, the fellowship partners with various parachurch ministries and global church bodies to advance their common mission. Some of IFCA’s main ministry partners include:
World Assemblies of God Fellowship
The World AG Fellowship connects Assemblies of God national churches worldwide. Over two-thirds of IFCA’s members have an AG background. Partnership facilitates cooperation.
Asia Pacific Theological Association
APTA provides accreditation for Bible colleges and seminaries in Asia. IFCA collaborates with APTA to strengthen leader training across Asia.
Global University
Global University provides accessible, affordable theological education worldwide through their online and paper-based courses. IFCA utilizes Global U’s courses for leader training.
Assemblies of God World Missions
AGWM sends thousands of missionaries globally and partners with national churches for outreach. IFCA connections open doors for AGWM workers internationally.
Integra Ventures
Integra Ventures equips and empowers national church planters through training and funding partnerships. IFCA churches receive support through Integra.
This list highlights just a few of the many ministry partners working together with IFCA to accomplish shared purposes. Mutual participation increases effectiveness and reach.
Governance and Organization
IFCA operates through a relational structure built on trust and collaboration between national church leaders. Here are some key elements of the fellowship’s organization:
National Church Bodies
Self-governing national churches and fellowships form the foundation of IFCA. They maintain authority over their own affairs while participating jointly.
Regional Consultations
Leaders within geographic regions meet regularly for prayer, strategic planning, and coordinating regional ministries.
International Leadership Council
Representatives from each region provide apostolic-level leadership for the global fellowship. They cast vision, promote values, and foster connections.
Global Partnership Team
A small team oversees day-to-day coordination for IFCA events, communications, and collaboration between regional consultations.
International Conference
National leaders and delegates gather every 3-4 years for worship, training, planning, and relationship-building to enhance partnership.
Rather than centralized control, IFCA operates through mutual trust, shared vision, and voluntary cooperation to accomplish their mission. The fellowship structure allows diversity in culture and ministry expression.
Membership and Participation
IFCA connects churches ranging from small storefront congregations to denominations with millions of members. Here is an overview of membership within IFCA:
Requirements
To join IFCA, a national church or ministry must:
- Align with IFCA’s statement of faith
- Model integrity and accountability in leadership
- Commit to participate and contribute to the larger fellowship
- Be endorsed by their national executive board or convention
National Church Bodies
Most member groups are national church bodies or conventions that oversee affiliated local congregations within their country.
Parachurch Ministries
Some mission agencies, Bible colleges, and other parachurch organizations hold affiliate membership to access fellowship connections.
Individual Congregations
In areas lacking a national church, individual local churches may affiliate directly with IFCA International.
This openness to diversity within shared vision allows churches of many sizes and ministry focuses to participate in IFCA’s purpose and vision.
Benefits of Partnership
Why do national churches and groups choose to partner with IFCA International? What are the benefits of this affiliation? Consider these advantages:
Collaboration
Partnership fosters collaborative ministry efforts, multiplying impact. Affiliates can pool resources for greater reach.
Training
Conferences and leadership development initiatives enhance the capacity of IFCA’s member bodies globally.
Relationship
Meaningful connections between leaders provide mentoring, encouragement, and accountability.
Access
Networking opens doors locally and internationally for evangelism, compassion, and other ministries.
Identity
Association provides visibility and recognition for member groups within the larger Body of Christ.
Support
Shared resources assist churches facing poverty, persecution, natural disaster, and other hardships.
Credibility
IFCA affiliation affirms the credibility and good standing of member bodies.
For local churches and national bodies, linking arms with IFCA International enhances capacity and influence for advancing their Kingdom purposes.
Recent Initiatives and Growth
As IFCA International has expanded and matured, the fellowship has undertaken several strategic initiatives under the leadership of the International Leadership Council. Recent efforts include:
Regional Consultations
Regular regional meetings have strengthened connections and collaboration between national churches.
NextGen Initiative
Targeted efforts to equip and empower young leaders have been launched to develop the next generation.
Women in Ministry
Conferences and networks encourage greater opportunities for women to use their gifts in ministry leadership.
Communication Systems
Improving websites, databases, and communication tools connects members more effectively worldwide.
Ministry Partnerships
Aligning with like-minded ministries has increased the fellowship’s capacity for joint service projects.
This strategic focus has resulted in steady growth. In the past decade, IFCA has grown from about 30,000 to over 40,000 affiliated churches worldwide.
The Future of IFCA International
As IFCA International continues pursing God’s purposes in the 21st century, the fellowship remains committed to their core values and priorities:
- Grounding in God’s Word and Spirit-empowerment
- Indigenous ministry expressions in diverse cultures
- Relationship-based partnerships rather than institutionalism
- Integrity and accountability in leadership
- Mentoring emerging generations for the future
- Utilizing technology to promote collaboration
- Flexibility and learning in strategy to reach the lost
By maintaining biblical foundations while innovating to advance the gospel, IFCA seeks to be a catalyst for the growth and health of local churches bringing hope to their communities and nations. The fellowship desires to walk in unity and share the whole gospel with the whole world.