History

CAMF Fellowship History

Established in 1985

Chicagoland Area Ministers Fellowship (CAMF):

Established in 1985, CAMF serves as a unifying body for ministers across the Chicagoland area. The fellowship emphasizes intergenerational unity and offers both virtual and in-person gatherings. In April 2023, CAMF celebrated its 38th anniversary with a Spring Unity Meeting, featuring guest speaker Rev. Brian Mack from East St. Louis, Illinois.

This year marks 41 years of fellowship with the Chicagoland area!

The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) movement—and by extension regional network fellowships like the Chicagoland Area Ministers Fellowship (CAMF)—is rooted in the 19th-century American Holiness tradition.

Origins & Core History

1881 Founding: The movement began in 1881, led primarily by Daniel Sidney Warner and a small group of associates. Warner sought to reject strict denominational boundaries, human creeds, and formal hierarchies, advocating instead for a return to New Testament principles.

The “Reformation” Movement: Early followers referred to their work as a restoration or reformation movement. Their core desire was not to build a new denomination, but to proclaim the unity of all true believers in Jesus Christ under no name other than the biblical term “Church of God”.

Establishment in Anderson, Indiana: The movement eventually anchored its publishing operations (Gospel Trumpet / Warner Press) and higher education institution (Anderson University, established in 1917) in Anderson, Indiana, which became the administrative and historical hub.

Key Theological Distinctions

Wesleyan-Holiness Roots: Emphasizes wholehearted conversion, personal sanctification, and living a holy life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Christian Unity: Holds that all true believers belong to the universal Church of God regardless of labels.

No Formal Creed: Relies on the Bible as its sole rule of faith rather than human-made creeds or rigid dogmatic structures.

Non-Pentecostal Distinction: While emphasizing the Holy Spirit, it is distinct from Pentecostal “Church of God” denominations (such as Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee) and does not treat speaking in tongues as the primary evidence of Spirit baptism.

Role of Regional Fellowships (CAMF)

Because the movement values congregational autonomy alongside cooperative ministry, pastors and leaders gather through regional bodies like the Chicagoland Area Ministers Fellowship (CAMF). These associations serve to:

  • Facilitate local pastor fellowship, mentorship, and peer accountability.
  • Coordinate joint urban missions, outreach initiatives, and regional events.
  • Provide organizational alignment between local Chicago-area congregations and national Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) assembly networks.

The Chicagoland Area Ministers Fellowship (CAMF) is a regional association of pastors, ministers, and Christian leaders affiliated with the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) movement.

Foundational Mission & Identity

CAMF was established to serve as a supportive and collaborative network for local Church of God congregations across Chicago and the surrounding suburban regions. It functions under the broader tenets of the Wesleyan-Holiness movement, emphasizing Christian unity, holiness, and community-centered ministry.

Key Aspects of its Role & History

Promoting Regional Unity: Throughout its history, CAMF has served as a unifying body, bringing together diverse regional pulpits for joint worship services, revival meetings, and spring/fall unity gatherings (such as its annual Unity Services).

Ministerial Support & Development: The fellowship acts as a peer network for ordained and licensed ministers—providing mentorship, spiritual accountability, and leadership development for area pastors.

Educational & Missionary Support: CAMF historically aligns with higher education and outreach arms of the Church of God movement. Historically, the fellowship has supported affiliated institutions like Bay Ridge Christian College and local leadership development institutes.

Community Engagement: Networked churches—such as Langley Avenue Church of God and Central Church of God in Chicago—utilize CAMF connections to coordinate outreach, citywide initiatives, and denominational programming across the Chicagoland area.