| Questions |
Does ICF come from the USA?ICF (International Christian Fellowship) was founded in Zürich (and therefore does not come from the US) and isn’t affiliated with any other church or organisation. Those who started ICF dreamt of making church accessible to people in a contemporary fashion without modifying or diluting the values of the Bible. The use of the word “international” is representative of our vision to start ICF churches in other cities and other countries. Who finances ICF?ICF-Geneva is financed through gifts. The church gets no government funding and no specific financial support from any third party. ICF-Geneva teaches to tithe (giving 10% of one’s monthly revenue to one’s church) as the biblical principle for the financial supporting of the church. Nonetheless, the choice is left to everyone as to how much they wish to give. The money received is then used to cover the rent of the premises, the equipment used and the salaries of those working for ICF-Geneva, who are clearly defined. The church gives 10% of all its entries to works of public interest (One Love). The budget managers and the decision makers are separate. The budget is approved each year by the leadership team and presented on the Vision night. What’s more, a balance sheet is drawn and reviewed at the end of each year by a solicitor outside of ICF. ICF’s books can be consulted at any time. How can I be sure that ICF-Geneva isn’t a cult?ICF-Geneva church is a no-profit association. We aren’t affiliated to any state church, which means we must work hard to build our credibility. It began over ten years ago in Zürich. Three people got together with the same hope in their heart: to start a church where people could invite their friends and understand, in today’s language, the good news about a God who loves us. Starting such a revolutionary project in the context of traditional churches proved to be quite difficult, and the status of association gives us greater freedom. ICF-Geneva is a church above all based on quality relationships; it is open to all and it is transparent. ICF-Geneva has no members’ list, so there is no contract forcing anyone to do anything. As a church, we have no intention of manipulating whosoever. Belonging is expressed through the active participation of committed people, not the signing of any document. The people who are a part of ICF-Geneva connect and hold to its vision. How can I find out more? |