Roger Forster, UK Evangelical Leader, Dies

Roger Forster, the deeply loved founder and apostle of Ichthus went to be with the Lord on Wednesday 17th January 2024.  He passed away peacefully at home. Roger leaves behind his wife Faith, his children and grandchildren. He was a father in the faith to thousands of people in the UK and all over the world, and he "ran the race" right until the end. 

Remembered as someone "in a league of his own, Forster leaves a lasting legacy in the realms of evangelism, theology and pastoral mentorship.

Ichthus Christian Fellowship announces, "We celebrate his incredible and inspirational life of service to our Lord Jesus, as an evangelist, theologian, pastor, mentor and most importantly, devoted disciple of Jesus. We also deeply feel his loss, and mourn with his wife Faith, his children and grandchildren. He was a father in the faith to thousands of people in the UK and all over the world, and he 'ran the race' right until the end."

Worship leader Graham Kenderick recalls,"From my early days in Ichthus I would ask Roger and Faith to critique my new songs-in-progress, checking the theology, assessing strengths and weaknesses. More than at any time before or since, I felt that rather than writing my own songs, my job was to voice the heart, vision and teaching that flowed from an apostolic gift.

"Roger's evangelistic DNA permeated Ichthus and from the start it was outward facing, with its eyes and prayers fixed on both near neighbours and far-distant unreached people groups. Worship, prayer and preaching in public spaces was also part of the praxis, so it is unsurprising that its soil brought forth 'praise marches' and, joining with the like-minded Pioneer and Youth with a Mission (YWAM) movements, March for Jesus was birthed, which became a global phenomenon. Alongside it the concept of prayer-walking took hold, whether 'down your street' or long-distance teams (think London-Istanbul-Jerusalem, for example)."

In 1974, alongside his wife, Faith, Forster founded Ichthus. Starting with a modest group of 14 in their home, their vision was clear: to cultivate disciples of Christ, echoing the fervor of the early Christian church. 

His preaching, imbued with Relational Arminianism, attracted a diverse congregation. The fellowship, initially a small house church, expanded into a vibrant community with multiple congregations across London.

Forster's leadership was not just about expanding numbers; it was about deepening faith. He established a leadership training program in the 1980s, which has since nurtured hundreds for ministry, including George. His influence reached far beyond the U.K., touching lives in Lebanon, Nepal, India, Myanmar and more.

Forster's commitment to evangelism was evident in his involvement with the March for Jesus movement. This global phenomenon, which he helped birth alongside Pioneer and Youth with a Mission, reflected his belief in active, public expressions of faith. His approach to theology was not just intellectual but deeply practical, focusing on issues of injustice and the real-world impact of religious beliefs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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