About Us
In the year 1906 what historians call the second Pentecost took place in Los Angelos California. Let by Pastor William J. Seymour the Apostolic Faith Movement became the driving force behind the new movement. Having left behind the trappings of denominations, those ministers and churches associated with the movement worked closely together in what they called the Association.
However, because of racial, political and theological strife, division came to that early movement; splintering the followers into many factions. Over the years there have been numerous attempts to bring unity.
Tracing their roots from the Azusa Street Revival (1906), through the unification of a number of Pentecostal groups (i. e. PAJC and PCI circa 1931) the International Circle of Faith came about as a merger of a number of ministerial groups and ministries. In 2001 Bishop Oswaldo Arroyo, Bishop Bernie L. Wade, and a number of other ministers expanded that vision of unity to include all of those who are ‘children of Azusa Street’.
Since their inception the International Circle of Faith has experienced tremendous growth. Surprising to many, but to experts the rise of such a group from the “fastest growing segment of Christianity” is expected. In his book, Final Conflict, Apostle Rick Joyner foretold of emerging groups that would shape the future of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement. Much of the growth he prophecied would come from “previously unknown groups”. The International Circle of Faith certainly fits the prophecy.
Pentecostalism has become the largest and fastest growing segment of Christianity in the world. Due to the indistinct nature of many Pentecostal groups and the vast number of names and organizations, it is difficult to recognize all Pentecostals (Eliade, 1987). However, according to The World Christian Encyclopedia, edited by David B. Barret (New York, 1982), the world-wide total of Pentecostals is estimated at claiming close to one hundred million adherents.
"The historical value of the International Circle of Faith is evident as a majority of Evangelical churches, including most Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, non-denominational Christians, and Evangelical Christian denominations, do not participate in unification or unity movements." - Wikipedia
For ICOF to have such success in unification is unprecedented and speaks to the growing trend away from denominationalism. Not only is the unification spearheaded by the ICOF bringing Pentecostals, Apostolic, and Charismatics together, it has also brought multiculturalism to a new level. While the ICOF is headquartered in the USA, the predominant membership is in Africa and Asia.
Most of the Pentecostal groups have followed the pattern of European colonialism in the operation of ‘missionaries’ to countries in Asia, Africa and South America. This has created distrust and miscommunication as these ‘third world’ countries have become more self reliant. The International Circle of Faith has broken that pattern by forming self sustaining bodies led by nationals. |
