During the early 1980’s, there was an awakening of the Holy Spirit, globally in many of the Evangelical, Pentecostal and Historical Churches. This awakening became known as Charismatic and New Testament Churches, birthing many independent churches, also in South Africa.
In South Africa, this move of the Holy Spirit also had an impact, as many recognized church leaders of these newly independent churches and “flows,” met unofficially together to seek the Lord for guidance to plan the way forward. This led to over 500 lead Pastors of independent churches and “flows,” throughout the county gathered in Durban at the Malibu Hotel, where IFCC was birthed on August 18, 1985. This formation was known then, as the International Fellowship of Christian Churches.
At this founding meeting, all the attendees recognized and endorsed the leaders , who had initiated the Malibu meeting, as the respective leaders of the IFCC, to lead and put in place, what was necessary, to constitute the movement. The founding leaders of the IFCC were Pastors, Ray McCauley , Edmond Roeberts , Tim Salmon , Nick van der Westhuizen , Dr Fred Roberts and Evangelist Reinhardt Bonnke.
During the “Covid pandemic,” it became obvious that the church generally had lost its impact within all communities. IFCC was no exception as it also lost its voice and vision, unable to unitedly articulate itself in the midst turmoil!
There was a leadership vacuum in the country, that needed to be filled! This meant that spiritual leaders had to step up and step into this vacuum, or else charlatans will continue to cause havoc amongst the people.
Authentic leadership with character and integrity, that are not looking for position, power, or popularity! But men and woman, who loves mercy, truth, and justice, and who loves, and cares for the welfare of the people they are serving. At the same time recognizing that the wealth of the country ultimately does not lie in its resources, but rests with the dignity and potential of its people.
Interestingly, there were three leaders, diverse in character, and in operation, who united their strengths and who spoke with one voice, on behalf of the church. These three leaders were part of the leaders of IFCC, that sought to bring together different “flows,” and church denominations, to speak unitedly as one voice. It was at these meetings that the request was made to make IFCC the vehicle, to unite and bring churches together to speak with one voice to bring impact and change to communities.
These leaders were joined by others, to launch IFCC on 06 May 2021 / 26 August 2021. And to trust God to Return, Revive, and Restore this movement, to impact our country, and the nations of the world. (Psa. 80:3,7,14,18-19) Pastor Ray who is the remaining founding leader and the longest serving honourary President of IFCC gives his full blessings to Bishop Mosa Sono, Pastor At Boshoff, and Pastor Don Phillips to lead IFCC and he continues as Honorary President of IFCC.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor, (61:4) They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.