History

Historical and Present-day Perspective

of The International Communion of Charismatic Churches

The International Communion of Charismatic Churches, also known as the ICCC, was founded in 1982 and represents an inclusive coalition of national and international ministries. We are a visible expression of the Charismatic dimension of the church. In its inception, the non-profit organization was used to promote dialogue and unity between historic churches and Charismatic Renewal churches. In recognition of the historical and spiritual renewal of the past century, the ICCC seeks to provide a trans-denominational forum that would facilitate the exchange of ministry resources, ideas, counsel, and spiritual direction among the leaders, pastors, bishops and churches represented.

The founding of the ICCC was at the very epicenter of the 20th century reformation of the church that brought a fresh understanding of the present-day reality of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, the theological agenda of the ICCC was and continues to be the proclamation and demonstration of the principles and strategies of Christ and His Kingdom among its members.

The message of God’s Kingdom embraced by the ICCC unifies all Christian churches under the Lordship of Christ and our faith in His redemptive work. Its message is the righteous rule and reign of God in heaven and earth. It proclaims the work of God through His Son to restore all that is lost in a fallen world through personal faith in Christ, as well as bringing biblical restoration to those who have fallen within the church.

The ICCC emphasizes the demonstration of the Holy Spirit and of power, which brings validity to the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom, transforming lives and enabling the church to reach the world for Christ.

Over the years, the ICCC has promoted national and international evangelistic mission teams of ministry leaders, educators and related advisors to facilitate the development of schools, model ministries, media outlets, and the ongoing growth of membership churches. Annual conferences are held in strategic national and international sites to equip and train leaders and members while also providing a forum for cross- cultural and cross-denominational fellowship. The ICCC is a “safe” place where the sound doctrine of Scripture is preached and taught. It is a safe place where confidentiality is guarded and where leaders in other Christian networks can join with us without fear of being coerced to leave their networks.

The publication of books and papers by its members are key elements in achieving our agenda. The political and social agendas of the ICCC have been and continue to be achieved through evangelism, church growth and the development of national and international Christian networks and coalitions. We are committed to the highest standards of moral integrity, the proclamation of the redemptive work of Calvary, the training of leaders that exemplify character, and to the equipping of the next generation to fulfill God’s purpose on the earth.

A Brief Chronological History of the ICCC Founders & Leaders

1975-1978: The genesis of the ICCC has its roots in the work of two men, called by God, to bring unity in the Body of Christ. David DuPlessis (known as Mr. Pentecost) and Robert McAlister (a leader of a reformation among Roman Catholics and Pentecostals in Brazil) entered into dialogues with the Roman Catholic Church to bridge differences that separated them. One aspect of the dialogues was to assist the Roman Church in understanding of the growing Charismatic Renewal around the world. The Charismatic movement precipitated a trend among mainstream Christian congregations, including Roman Catholics, to embrace the beliefs and practices similar to Pentecostals, emphasizing the present-day reality of the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1 9 7 8 : In accordance with the biblical office of bishop (1 Tim. 3:1-7), David DuPlessis and John Mears, a prominent Pentecostal leader in the United States, consecrated Robert McAlister as a Bishop in Brazil. The office of bishop (which is an overseer and a pastor of pastors) is a common role in the governmental structures of many Protestant and Pentecostal denominations including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Pentecostal Holiness, Pentecostal Churches of Christ as well as others.

In so doing, without identifying with the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, David DuPlessis and John Mears created points of dialogue between the similar ecclesiastic offices of bishops, for the purpose of being a voice for the broader Holy Spirit-filled traditions of the Christian Church.

1 9 8 1 : Bishop McAlister, upon the recommendation of David DuPlessis, consecrated John Meares as a bishop. These three formed a College of Bishops to govern our influence and ongoing dialogue with the Catholic Church in Pentecostal ecclesiastical matters, with Bishop McAlister serving as Presiding Bishop.

1 9 8 2 : Bishop Robert McAlister, in agreement with the College of Bishops, consecrated Earl Paulk as a bishop. Shortly thereafter, Bishops McAlister and Meares, consecrated Benson Idahosa as an archbishop in Nigeria. McAlister, Meares, Paulk and Idahosa were the original College of Bishops who established The International Communion of Charismatic Churches (ICCC). In the same year, Bishop Harry Mushegan and Bishop Herro Blair (from Jamaica) were added to the College of Bishops. By this time, the number of member churches was increasing globally.

1 9 8 5 : Following Bishop John Meares retirement, who had become the Presiding Bishop after Robert McAlister’s death, Bishop Earl Paulk was selected to be the new Presiding Bishop of the ICCC until 2005, when he resigned. Through him, the emphasis of the powerful message of the Kingdom of God spread around the world with its demonstration through the local church.

1 9 8 5 - 1 9 9 8 : The global expansion of the ICCC included, at the recommendation of T.L. Osborn, the consecration of Silas Owiti to the office of Archbishop, the founder of the Voice of Salvation and Healing in Kenya. Archbishop Silas Owiti is considered the Spiritual Father of Pentecost in all of East Africa. Through the VOSH ministry thousands of churches were brought into affiliation with the ICCC.

1 9 9 8 : Following Archbishop Benson Idahosa’s death, His wife, Margaret Idahosa, was consecrated as the first Nigerian woman Archbishop. Through her leadership, the Church of God Mission, International ministries, including clinics, a Bible School and a fully accredited university and thousands of churches has expanded internationally and locally with numerous recognitions by Nigeria’s authorities. Archbishop Margaret E. Benson-Idahosa serves as 2nd Presiding Bishop of the ICCC working closely with the presiding) Archbishop.

2 0 0 6 : Bishop David Huskins elected to serve as the Presiding Bishop of the ICCC following Earl Paulk’s resignation. He served until his tragic death in 2015.

2015: Archbishop Kirby Clements, Sr. was unanimously selected as Presiding Bishop of the ICCC and continues to serve with focused vision, spiritual wisdom and Holy Spirit guidance. He has been a significant influence and participant in the ICCC from its inception. Through his leadership, the ICCC is broadening its scope of ministry to include global ministry updates, idea exchanges, the ICCC Institute, trans-generational Spirit-empowered church leadership and the co-equal and co- essential ministries of women and men in the church and marketplace.

As a concluding statement concerning the membership of International Communion of Charismatic Churches, we invite all Christian pastors, churches and leaders in every sphere of Christian endeavor in society to join with us in expanding the witness and demonstration of God’s Kingdom in their local communities and around the world.