Our Mission
To build healthy, trusting relationships and partnering with one another as a united front to advance the kingdom of God.
About Us
Historical Perspective
INDEPENDENT CHURCHES OF JAMAICA (ICJ) is a registered non-profit charitable church organization which operates under the laws and statutes of Jamaica.
This organization is over two (2) years old and is the seventh and most recently established member of the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches (JUGC). It is also an affiliate of the World Independent Christian Churches Association (WICCA).
Independent churches are not a new idea or invention as they have always existed, from as far back as the 15th century, in England, Europe and many other places throughout the world. Over the centuries, they have been known and recognized as ‘Independent’ or ‘Congregational’. These independent churches operated in a fulsome way, and although similar in many ways, they practiced a more independent and congregational form of biblically based doctrine.
ICJ is therefore not ‘reinventing the wheel’ or taking credit for the existence of independent churches in Jamaica, but rather acknowledges the fact that this segment or group of churches certainly represent the largest single grouping of churches in Jamaica today and may be even larger than all the existing umbrella groups combined.
ICJ therefore seeks to create a frame work and structure to facilitate these churches in empowering themselves to fulfil their God given mandate to glorify God, edify the saints and evangelize the world. It is a coming together for greater unity, strength, structure, commonality and functionality, resulting in community transformation and national development.
We therefore desire to become more relevant, current, practical and realistic as a well oiled spiritual machine for greater effect.
About Us
Who Are Independent Churches
Independent churches (ICJ) provides apostolic covering to enhance the proper fellowship of independent churches, ministries, pastors, Christian schools, Christian businesses and individual members of like vision. It aims to encourage passionate discipleship, and provide and foster an environment for a great revival in churches and our nation. Through the support of pulpit networking, Ministerial Congress, National Conventions and Seminars, ICJ is committed to serve member churches, denominations, ministries, educational institutions, humanitarian organizations, business organizations, Christian camps, legal firms, counseling organizations and individual members in the development of their ministries. ICJ works strategically with and through a networking process which seeks to facilitate opportunities for international relationships and reciprocal programs for its membership.
Independent churches cover the geographical landscape of Jamaica from Negril Point to Morant Point. These church memberships vary in sizes and can be found in numerous places and structures. Many are organized and are effectively and efficiently administered. Some have been more recently established and are doing a tremendous work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Leadership
College of the Bishop
Apostle Dr. Michael W. Smith, J.P.
President, ICJ
Veteran prophetic leader, educator, and bridge-builder for church unity.
Apostle Dr. Neville A. Owens, J.P.
Immediate Past President, ICJ
Seasoned apostolic revivalist, mentor, and catalyst for nationwide church collaboration.
Bishop Dwight A. Fletcher, J.P.
1st Vice President, ICJ
Dynamic church-planting innovator, author, and disciple-making strategist.
Bishop Dr. Selvin C. Gutzmer
2nd Vice President, ICJ
Pioneering visionary, spiritual revolutionist, and community builder.
Bishop Dr. Frank Rosewelt
3rd Vice President, ICJ
Miracle-working evangelist and strategic church-builder.
Pastor Winston Heron
General Secretary, ICJ
Strategic communicator, seasoned worshipper and anointed administrator.
Apostle Franz L. Fletcher
Board Director, ICJ
Dynamic inner-city transformer, restorative justice champion and apostolic voice.
Rev. Dr. C. Ray Campbell
Board Director, ICJ
Veteran Bible teacher, tireless evangelist and family-life champion.
Our Aims and Objectives
beliefs that unite us
A Diverse Kingdom Fellowship
To be a gathering/group of multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Kingdom-minded individuals that will covenant together in partnership through relationship and fellowship while flowing in apostolic and prophetic grace.
A Balanced Kingdom Organization
To engender an organization that is warm and receptive yet all embracing; spiritual yet not secular, Christian yet not nominal; a living organism yet organized, administrative yet functional; current as well as relevant, realistic yet practical, institutional yet relational; apostolic and prophetic yet sensitive and compassionate.
Equipping and Supporting Covenant Partners
To offer training and corporate support to all covenant partners and to participate in an environment of mutual respect and acceptance of each person’s gifting to the Glory of God.
Biblical Stability and a Relevant Word
We are not saved by serving, but we are saved for serving. You were called to be free.” You cannot serve God until you’ve been set free by Jesus.