 |
IshmaelClergyman and musician.
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Music Career
- Formation of Bands
- Ministry and Preaching
- Leadership and Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Ian Small's path to the church was not without its detours. After studying at a Pentecostal Bible college for several years, Small was ordained as a minister and briefly served as a pastor.
Music Career
During his teenage years, Small discovered his love for music and formed the acoustic duo "Ishmael and Andy" with Andy Piercy. Inspired by biblical themes, their lyrics were both provocative and innovative. The duo released two albums before Piercy departed to join the band "After the Fire."
Small released a solo album, "Charge of the Light Brigade," aiming to inspire Christians to live out their faith. While he reunited with Piercy several times, Small's primary focus shifted to his ministry.
Formation of Bands
In the late 1970s, Small founded the band "Ishmael United." After two albums, their sound took a punk-influenced turn, prompting Small to rename the group "Rev Counta and the Speedoze." They released one more album before Small dedicated himself fully to his religious calling.
Ministry and Preaching
Small's sermons are geared towards all ages, emphasizing the importance of prayer. He hosts separate gatherings for adults, where he highlights the crucial role of religious education in children's lives, and music events for believers of all ages. Small also enjoys leading traditional services.
He is one of a select few ministers to have spoken at every "Spring Harvest" religious convention since 1979, where he often leads children's services in one of the event's venues.
Leadership and Personal Life
For 16 years, Small served as a leader in his local church movement. However, he eventually stepped down to focus on the work God had called him to: ministering to children and individuals who shared his goals. Small places great importance on family gatherings and works primarily in the United States and Germany, although he has also traveled internationally for ministry purposes.
Small is married to Irene and has three children: Joseph, Daniel, and Suzy. In 2008, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Prayers for his recovery were offered by his friends and congregation. In August 2010, he announced that he had been declared cancer-free and would resume his ministry in September 2010.
