The History, Mission And Vision of the Ecumenical Church

 

We are honored to share the mission and vision of The Ecumenical Church and University, a global faith community founded in 1995 by Bishop Redfern. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, we are rooted in two vital locations: the Little Prayer Chapel at 1026 Pope Street, a spiritual haven for worship and community gatherings, and our headquarters and executive offices at 1122 Lady Street, the operational heart of our global mission.

Our mission is clear:
To bring people to Jesus and membership in His family, develop them to Christlike maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and life mission in the world to magnify God’s name.

From the beginning, The Ecumenical Church has served as a refuge for those often overlooked or marginalized—unwed mothers, homeless individuals, recovering addicts, and those seeking healing after experiences of rejection or abuse. Guided by Matthew 25:35-36, our focus has been on ministering to the hungry, the sick, the stranger, and the imprisoned, offering love, support, and opportunities for transformation.

Central to our mission is the goal of constructing 5,000 churches, schools, and health centers worldwide. With 500 already built, new projects are underway daily to expand this vision. These initiatives provide spiritual and practical resources to underserved communities, creating spaces for worship, education, and healing.

With congregations spanning Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Europe, and the United States, our reach is truly global. Yet, our mission remains personal—impacting lives and communities with faith, love, and service.

The Ecumenical Church has grown from a single congregation in Columbia, SC, to a network of local churches and over 3,000 prayer groups worldwide. In the United States, our efforts span South Carolina and the Southeast, with plans for 10 congregations in each regional area. Internationally, our work thrives in 14 countries in East Africa, India, and beyond, where we are building schools, orphanages, and Ecumenical University campuses.

As part of our dedication to leadership development, The Ecumenical University provides flexible online and onsite programs offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in fields such as Theology, Ministry, Leadership, Nonprofit Management, and more. These programs are designed to prepare leaders to serve with distinction and impact, equipping them to minister effectively across diverse global contexts. Our campuses in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States combine Cross Style Theology with practical life skills training, including cutting-edge technical sciences, cybersecurity, financial investment strategies for personal and community growth, and traditional trades such as masonry, sewing, and cosmetology. This holistic approach empowers individuals to build sustainable and thriving futures

Over the years, we’ve witnessed profound transformations as individuals once considered “the least of these” become community leaders, pastors, and church builders. Families have been restored, children have found hope, and entire communities have been uplifted through the power of the Gospel.

Our international reach extends to Central and East Africa, India, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean, with a strong emphasis on prayer groups and local ministry. Ecumenical leaders and congregations work tirelessly to establish churches, provide education, and create opportunities for self-reliance through Christ-centered initiatives.

Whether you’re seeking a spiritual home, an opportunity to serve, or educational resources to deepen your faith, The Ecumenical Church and University invites you to join this dynamic and growing community. Together, we are building the kingdom of God—locally and globally—one church, one school, one health center at a time.

Thank you for visiting. We look forward to walking this journey of faith and service with you!