The history of Ichthus Ministries, Inc. must begin with the very origins of our name. Early Christians, those in the early 100s A.D., often used the fish as a symbol to identify themselves as Christians. The word "ichthus" actually means "fish" in Greek.(the original language of the New Testament) During the persecution of the early church this symbol was among those used by Christians as a means of identification and to designate a place of Christian gathering.

The symbol of the "ichthus fish" has endured the ages and continues to serve as a sign of the Christian faith. In time this symbol also took on a secondary meaning from an acronym formed from the original Greek letters that spell "ichthus." An outline of this acronym is on the next page.

Ichthus Ministries, Inc. began in 1970 through the insight and creativity of one seminary professor, Dr. Bob Lyon, and a group of concerned students at Asbury Theological Seminary. Its inception came about as a Christian reply and alternative to the 1969 Woodstock festival of upstate New York. On May 9, 1970, this group's response brought into being the first Christian music festival to take place in the nation. The group's intent was to offer the youth of this country an alternative to the lifestyle and music choices which surrounded them in secular society.

In 1975, Ichthus incorporated as a separate non-profit entity from Christian Services Brotherhood, a student organization at Asbury Seminary, and officially became Ichthus, Inc. By the early 80's, Ichthus was beginning to realize that it was set apart from other similar events. Striving to reflect that difference, the organization changed its name in 1985 to Ichthus Ministries, Inc.

By the early 1990's the leaders of the ministry began to realize that changes were going to need to be made if the ministry was to continue. Increasing attendance, a deteriorating rental site, rapid volunteer leadership turnover, strained community relations, and a non-renewable lease led the members of the ministry to seek God's lead for the future.

Governed solely by volunteers and faced with mounting pressure to find a new location for the festival and stabilize the ministry, in 1996 the Board of Directors hired its first full time Executive Director Gary Baker. Faced with the nearing threat of an expired lease, in 1997, the 111 acre Ichthus Farm was purchased four miles from the festival's previous location. In 1999, the first festival was held at this location.

By early 2003 Ichthus Ministries, Inc. made it's next jump as an organization by stabilizing it's first full time management team. What was started in 1970 by volunteers had grown and evolved into a ministry inspired to reach beyond just an annual music festival. With Executive Director Jeff James at the helm, Ichthus has positioned itself for long term growth in broad reaching arenas. Yet, in 2004 Ichthus faced one of its saddest moments in the passing of founder Dr. Bob Lyon. He left a living legacy, one that lives on today in the hearts and lives of many.

In 2005 Ichthus began venturing out by doing more event consultation as well as starting as launched its IO online community. 2005 also marked the launch of the IB Press publishing house which hosted the launch of its first book "Nothing But a Seed" at the Ichthus 2006 festival.