Pastor George K. Stephenson to Continue as Pastor Emeritus

CHICAGO: Pastor Samson Sabu has been appointed the new Senior Pastor of Celebration Church, formerly known as International Christian Assemblies of God (ICAG), one of the earliest Malayalam Pentecostal churches in Chicago. He had been serving as the church’s Lead Pastor.

Pastor George K. Stephenson, who served as the church’s Senior Pastor for the past 49 years, has transitioned to the role of Pastor Emeritus.

The church’s Administrative Board and Pastor Ron Heitman, Assistant Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Chicago Region, led the official proceedings related to the pastoral transition. Pastor Samson Sabu’s father, Pastor Sabu Ouseph, and his brother, Pastor Justin Sabu, participated in various ministerial functions. Pastor Jose Figueria, an Assemblies of God presbyter, ministered the Word of God.

Church Secretary Benjamin John coordinated the meeting proceedings. Members of the church’s pastoral team, Dr. Alex Koshy and Pastor Cherian Thomas, along with deacons Varghese Samuel, Joseph Daniel, John Varghese, Saji Philip, Dr. Varghese Mathai, and Leese Kariyad, led various aspects of the service. Numerous members of the congregation attended the occasion. Kevin Joseph delivered the vote of thanks.

Founded in 1975 by Pastor K. A. Abraham, International Christian Assemblies of God (ICAG) is now known as Celebration Church. Pastor Samson Sabu becomes the third Senior Pastor in the church’s history.

Church leadership expressed confidence that Pastor George K. Stephenson’s experience and leadership, gained through nearly five decades of pastoral ministry, will continue to benefit the church and the wider Christian community in Chicago. Pastor Stephenson also served as the National Convener of the 40th Pentecostal Conference of North American Keralites (PCNAK), held in Chicago this year.

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