Our Beliefs

Q: Ordinances Of The Church

Baptism: Water baptism by immersion is an outward declaration of faith in Christ. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4) HolyCommunion: The Lord’s Supper symbolizes Christ’s suffering, death, and promised return. (1 Corinthians 11:26)

Our Story

Celebration Church, formerly known as ICAG, has been a cornerstone of faith and service in Chicago since the 1970s. Founded by Pastor K.A. Thomas, along with his father Mr Kuttappan and Pastor A.C. John, the church began as a pioneering Malayalam-English bilingual congregation. Over the years, visionary leaders like Pastors George K. Stephenson and Samson Sabu have expanded its reach, fostering a diverse, multicultural community. Renamed in 2024, Celebration Church continues its mission through bilingual worship, vibrant Sunday school programs, mission trips, and impactful outreach, transforming lives locally and globally.

OUR VISION

We are a Church that:

Lives Like Jesus

1 Peter 2:21: "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

Loves Like Jesus

John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Leads Like Jesus

Philippians 2:3-5: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,"

OUR CORE BELIEFS

Scripture Inspired

We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is God’s inspired Word. It is infallible, authoritative, and the ultimate guide for faith and daily living.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

One True God

We believe in one God who is eternal and self-existent, the Creator and Redeemer of humanity. He reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19)

Redemption Through Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus Christ, God’s Son, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again. Salvation is a free gift of grace, received through faith in Him.
(Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8)

The Fall Of Man

We believe humanity was created in God’s image but fell through sin, resulting in both physical and spiritual death.
(Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 5:12)

The Salvation Of Man

We believe salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. By repentance and faith, believers are justified, renewed by the Holy Spirit, and assured of eternal life.
(Ephesians 1:7, Titus 3:5-7)

Ordinances Of The Church

Baptism: Water baptism by immersion is an outward declaration of faith in Christ. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4)
HolyCommunion: The Lord’s Supper symbolizes Christ’s suffering, death, and promised return.

Baptism In The Holy Spirit

We believe all believers should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which empowers them for life and ministry.
(Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:8)

HolyCommunion: The Lord’s Supper symbolizes Christ’s suffering, death, and promised return. (1 Corinthians 11:26)

Initial Evidence Of The Holy Spirit

We believe speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46)

Sanctification

We believe in sanctification as a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 7:1)

The Church And Its Mission

We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, called to evangelize, worship, disciple, and serve with love and compassion.
(Ephesians 1:22-23, Matthew 28:19-20)

The Ministry

We believe in a divinely appointed ministry to lead the Church in evangelism, worship, discipleship, and compassionate service. (Ephesians 4:11-13, Galatians 6:10)