History of Sharon Fellowship

Sharon Fellowship Church

In March 1953, Pastor P. J. Thomas purchased the property where the church stands today in the heart of Thiruvalla and began residing there. After returning to India following higher studies abroad, he established a Bible Institute at the site later that year. His vision of evangelizing India was the driving force behind this initiative.

A small congregation consisting of teachers and students from the Bible school, along with a few local residents, began meeting within the Sharon compound. This marked the beginning of the church movement known as Sharon Fellowship Church.

In December of the same year, American missionary Rev. M. A. David and his wife arrived in Thiruvalla. Their original intention was to visit a friend living in Payippad. After reaching Payippad, they returned to Thiruvalla and became acquainted with Pastor P. J. Thomas.

They shared with Pastor Thomas a spiritual burden to organize revival meetings in Thiruvalla. That evening, meetings began at the Sharon premises. About fifty people, including teachers and students, attended the first gathering. As the powerful work of the Holy Spirit was experienced from the very first meeting, it was decided to continue the services for several more days. Increasing numbers of people attended these meetings daily.

As attendance grew beyond the available space, a large tent was erected within the Sharon compound to accommodate the crowds. During the final days of these 23-day revival meetings, more than 80,000 people attended the nightly services. It became one of the greatest spiritual revivals witnessed in Kerala. These meetings marked a historic milestone, laying the foundation for the growth and expansion of Sharon Fellowship Church.

Through the efforts of the Bible Institute’s students and faculty, several new congregations were established in the areas surrounding Thiruvalla. Around the same time, a number of independent local churches also joined the Sharon fellowship. By 1955, the fellowship had grown to include about twenty churches.

Alongside Pastor P. J. Thomas, leaders such as Pastors J. Varghese, T. K. Thomas, P. K. Abraham, K. C. Cherian, P. V. Varghese, C. K. Joseph, K. T. Thomas, Sadhu John, K. C. Samuel, Mrs. Eliamma Thomas, and Sister P. V. Saramma played significant roles in leading and developing the fellowship.

In 1957, the Sharon compound in Thiruvalla became the venue for another major revival meeting. This time, American missionaries Rev. A. A. Allen and Rev. Shambach led the services. Divine miracles and mighty works were reportedly manifested during these meetings. Lasting for several weeks, the revival strengthened the ministry of the then-young Sharon fellowship. Soon afterward, churches were established in various parts of Kerala.

Over the years, through the efforts of the leaders and workers whom God raised up for the church, the ministry expanded beyond Kerala to other parts of India and to foreign countries. Today, Sharon Fellowship Church has grown into one of the leading Pentecostal denominations.

Following the long tenure of its founding president, Pastor P. J. Thomas, Pastor T. G. Koshy assumed leadership of the church. At present, Pastor Abraham Joseph serves as the International President, while Pastor Johnson K. Samuel serves as the National President, providing leadership for the church’s ministries. They are assisted by a 33-member Church Managing Council, which shares responsibility for the administration and governance of the denomination.