Our Story

Once known as the International Christian Assembly of God Church (ICAG),
Celebration Church has a rich and vibrant history that spans decades, rooted in the vision and dedication of its founding pastor, Kanjappally Abraham Thomas. From humble beginnings in the 1970s, Pastor Thomas, along with his father Kuttappan and Pastor A.C. John, laid the foundation for what would become a pioneering Malayalam-English bilingual congregation in the heart of Chicago.

With just 21 members initially, Pastor Thomas’ unwavering commitment to service and
faith set ICAG on a trajectory of growth and impact. From its first gatherings at the
Ravenswood YMCA to later occupying a Czechoslovakian church building, ICAG
found a permanent home when Mr. Milan Huba generously donated a worship facility,
providing a stable base for the burgeoning community.

In 1990, ICAG moved to its present location on W Irving Park Rd, marking a new
chapter in its journey. Under the leadership of Pastor George K Stephenson, who
succeeded Pastor Thomas in 1978, the church continued to expand its reach. Pastor
Stephenson’s outreach efforts, including house visits and media programs, extended
ICAG’s influence throughout Chicago and beyond.

But the story doesn’t end there. In 2023, ICAG welcomed Pastor Samson Sabu, ushering
in a new phase of growth and renewal. Casting his vision for the next several decades
and connecting to the current time and age, Pastor Sabu inspired the leadership to
embrace change. Together, they joined hands in renaming ICAG as Celebration Church
in 2024, symbolizing a fresh chapter in the church’s journey. With a renewed focus on
outreach and community engagement, Celebration Church embraced its multicultural
identity, offering separate worship experiences in English and Malayalam to better serve
its diverse congregation.

Today, Celebration Church carries forward the legacy of ICAG with a heart for service
and a passion for the Word of God. From vibrant Sunday school programs to mission
trips and outreach events, the church continues to impact lives and communities both
locally and globally. As we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey, we extend a
warm welcome to experience the transformative power of Celebration Church firsthand.
Together, let’s make a difference in the world as we journey forward in faith and
fellowship.

Kanjappally A. Thomas

George K. Stephenson

True to its name, ICAG has a heart to serve beyond its immediate surroundings. The church's vibrant Sunday school, youth church, mission trips, summer programs, and visitation events are just a few of the avenues through which ICAG reaches out to the world. These initiatives inspire ongoing mission ventures, and several members of ICAG are actively involved in independent overseas ministries. It's an incredible opportunity for the entire congregation to participate actively and see their unique callings take shape.

We invite you to explore and be part of this remarkable journey at ICAG. Discover the rich heritage, the unwavering commitment to the Word of God, and the passion for making a difference in the world. Come and experience the warmth, love, and transformative power of ICAG as we continue to impact lives and communities together.

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