ICGC at 41: Celebrating a Legacy of Faith and Impact

Introduction

The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) is set to mark its 41st anniversary on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, with a series of vibrant celebrations. 

Founded by Pastor Dr. Mensa Otabil in 1984, ICGC has grown to become one of Ghana’s most influential evangelical and charismatic Christian institutions, with a global footprint. 

Over the years, the church has not only nurtured the spiritual growth of its members but has also made significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social development.

A Week of Celebration and Gratitude

During a recent church service at Christ Temple East, Teshie-Accra, Pastor Otabil announced the exciting lineup of events to commemorate the church’s 41st anniversary. He expressed his gratitude to God for ICGC’s journey and invited all to join in the celebration. 

“Our church was formed on the 26th of February 1984—that is 41 years ago—and that day falls exactly on Wednesday, 26th of February. ICGC will be 41 years old, and we will celebrate that day in grand style with an evening service of intense praise, intense worship, intense celebration,” Pastor Otabil shared with palpable excitement.

The celebration will span the entire week with three main events:

– Wednesday, February 26, 2025: An evening service at 7:00 PM at Christ Temple East, featuring intense praise and worship. Pastor Otabil encouraged members to participate wholeheartedly, saying, “If there is something to thank God for, something to celebrate God for, something to look back to and say, ‘Lord, thank you for what you’ve done,’ then Wednesday night come here with your dancing shoes, and come and let us give a big shout to the Lord and praise him and celebrate him and honour him.”

– Saturday, March 1, 2025: The anniversary fun family food time will begin at 10:00 AM, offering a feast of food, fun activities, competitions, and games. “There’s going to be fun here, there’s going to be food, there’s going to be celebration, there will be all kinds of competition and games,” Pastor Otabil noted, highlighting the inclusive and festive nature of the event.

– Sunday, March 2, 2025: A special thanksgiving service will be held to honor God’s faithfulness over the 41-year journey. “There’s so much to thank God for and so much to celebrate in this time,” Pastor Otabil added.

41 Years of Spiritual and Social Impact

ICGC’s influence extends beyond its vibrant church services. The church has established itself as a pillar of community support and development through initiatives like:

– Central University: Founded by ICGC, Central University is now Ghana’s largest private university, offering quality education and fostering leadership development across diverse fields.

– Central Aid: Launched in 1988, this scholarship scheme has provided educational support to needy students in pre-tertiary institutions. Central Aid remains one of the largest non-governmental scholarship schemes in Ghana.

– Charity Initiatives: Through its annual ‘Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh’ event, ICGC has consistently supported the Children’s Cancer Unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, benefiting over 1,500 children since 2011.

ICGC’s commitment to social responsibility was also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when the church donated GHS100,000 to Ghana’s COVID-19 National Trust Fund.

A Bright Future Ahead

As ICGC celebrates 41 years, the church remains focused on its mission to “Raise Leaders, Shape Vision, and Influence Society through Christ.” The anniversary celebration is not only a time to reflect on past achievements but also to cast a vision for the future—one that continues to uplift communities and spread the message of hope and transformation.

In Pastor Otabil’s words, “If there is something to thank God for… then Wednesday night come here with your dancing shoes, and come and let us give a big shout to the Lord and praise him.” His call to celebrate reflects the church’s spirit of gratitude and anticipation for greater things to come.

As the church community and the broader public prepare to partake in this week-long celebration, there is a shared sense of joy, unity, and expectation for the future of ICGC—a church that has truly stood the test of time and remained a beacon of faith, service, and excellence.