Ishmael (Ian Smale)

Ishmael (Rev Ian Smale) was born in 1950. He has had an international ministry since playing in the acoustic duo Ishmael and Andy * with Andy Piercy starting in 1970. His innovative MusicAL styles and enthusiasm for his faith have influenced many people of all ages to become Christians or to have a deeper experience in their Christianity such as being filled with the Holy Spirit or getting healed.

Musical career

Children's ministry

Pastoral career

He completed a couple of years training at a pentecostal theological college, and was ordained into the Elim pastoral ministry where he served for several years.

For 16 years as well as travelling he was also part of a local eldership team, but now he has been released from local Church responsibility to pursue his calling and vision to spend more time with children and those who have a heart for children throughout the world.

Arun Community Church history

Other activities

Ishmael has taken part in a number of national television programmes.

He is one of the few people to have ministered every year at Spring Harvest since its start in 1979. He runs a children's ministry on one of the sites (usually Minehead) called The Glorie Company.

He was ordained a deacon in Chichester Cathedral in June 2007, and was appointed as part-time deacon in the nominal parish of the cathedral (which extends no further than the cathedral's own grounds).

Publications

Ishmael has recorded nearly 400 songs written himself; released 36 albums of his and other writers' songs, 15 of which he also produced; and made two music videos.

Ishmael has written twelve books, some of which have been translated into German, Dutch, Danish and Romanian as well as seven songbooks.

Albums and singles

Books

Text awaiting wikification

Although he loves spending time with children, his desire is to see all ages praising God and having fun together. His travelling time is divided into adult seminars teaching about the importance of children, and the all age musical celebrations that he calls 'Praise Parties'. He also loves to preach and do Bible teaching / ministry for youth and adults.

In the past Ishmael has committed most of his time overseas to the USA and Germany but he has also visited Finland, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Switzerland, France, Holland, Sweden, Gibraltar, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Czech Republic and South Africa.

Ishmael and his wife Irene worship at Chichester Cathedral and have recently been accepted onto the Cathedral electoral role. They have three grown up children Joseph, Daniel and Suzy. Ishmael believes that children are a vital part of church life and he aims to teach people the value of both kids and youth Church as well as the importance of the whole family worshipping together.

Ishmael has been given a consultancy role with Evangelical Alliance and Kingsways Children's Ministry.

External links

• Official site
• CrossRhythm's Artist Profile
• Ishmael's profile on Zoominfo