Fishers of Men Charismatic Church is a product of “The great outpouring of the spirit of the Lord” in the Roman Catholic Church in the early 70’s, which began as Catholic Bible Society, later Catholic Charismatic Renewal. This great outpouring triggered off chains of events, which led to a gradual evolution of the ministry, and the subsequent change in name. it all started at Holy Cross Cathedral at Mission road, later St. Paul’s, Airport road; and the idea was exported into other parts of the Catholic community in Nigeria. These novel ideas necessitated the formation of some groups, each of these groups were autonomous and given different names. Benin group was named “Corner Stone Community Prayer group” while Lagos group was named “Upper Room Community” and so many others not so much relevant to mention.
Fishers of Men Catholic Charismatic Renewal started in the year 1985 as a non-denominational group. It was an off shoot of the Corner Stone community prayer group, Benin city; a non-denominational group which constituted of brethren from different denominational churches like Catholic, Methodist, Anglican and few Pentecostal churches. Few of us belonging to some sub-groups such as Ideato brethren, Orlu brethren and Ihiala/Ebonosie brethren within the Corner Stone prayer group attended programs on invitations and later fused into one group having one vision and mission and was named Fishers of Men Catholic Charismatic Renewal and was later called Fishers of Men Catholic Charismatic Movement. Later again, it was renamed Fishers of Men Charismatic Mission and was later named Fishers of Men Charismatic Church. Agreement was reached that in the near future, the name will be later called Fishers of Men Christian Church.
OPPOSITION
It is a common adage that Rome was not built in a day. As it was with Joseph and his dream in the bible, so also it was with the pioneers of the great ministry. Opposition and criticism flew in from all angles and was aimed at killing and suppressing the God-given dream and vision.
There was a disagreement which resulted into a group that was named Fishers of Men Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It came as a result of the persecution from Roman Catholic Authority to the leaders of Corner Stone prayer group. The Roman Catholic Authority complained that our group was preaching against the Catholic doctrine and this gave rise to series of persecutions from corner stone leaders and National Charismatic body. As a reaction, a general meeting of all Corner Stone members was held and it was said that there was a doctrinal disparity/difference with the Corner Stone brethren and Fishers. As a result of that, it was therefore stated that any person who wants to remain in Fishers must separate from Corner Stone and that any person who continues in Corner Stone must obey all Catholic doctrines. The day Corner Stone announced this in their presence was the day Fishers of Men finally left Corner Stone.
We therefore went for a reconciliation meeting, but the leaders refused to consider our doctrinal stand. We prayed and were convinced to remain together as Fishers of Men Catholic Charismatic Renewal Ministry. We saw it as “Separate me Paul and Barnabas for the work which I have called them”.
COVENANT
WE, the members of the Fishers of Men Charismatic church, a Christian organization of born again believers with the love of God in our heart; realizing that it is of utmost importance and decent for brethren with progressive minds and inalienable faith for the kingdom of heaven to commune together and to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ with a view to pursue our common course of the kingdom of heaven, do hereby promise that we shall teach, watch over, preach, counsel, pray, encourage, and aid one another in the spirit of brotherly love.
WE further agree by the Spirit’s enablement that we shall work together in Christ’s love, striving for the advancement of the Fishers of Men in true holiness. That we shall join our hands together to uplift the spiritual, doctrinal and disciplinary status of the church to the enviable height of Christ’s expectation.
WE also covenant to maintain daily devotion to God until the eyes of our understanding be enlightened with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. That we shall live an exemplary life in our conduct, avoiding all gossips, backbiting, anger and all forms of Christian vices prevailing in most latter days church. God helping us, we shall remain one.