Interdenominational Foreign Mission Association of North America

Association of Evangelical & Fundamentalist nondenominational mission agencies; founded in 1917 by several nondenominational mission agencies which no longer felt compatible with the growing ecumenical movement. On behalf of its members, IFMA coordinated annual conferences, provided a liaision in some governmental matters, offered endorsement on members' behalf to the Christian public, and assisted members to establish effective and responsible administrative practices. IFMA served the general Christian public by disseminating missions information and helping local congregations establish their own mission programs. IFMA declined an offer from the Evangelical Foreign Missions Association in 1946 to merge the two associations; they nevertheless worked cooperatively in scheduling concurrent annual conferences, developing joint committees, and providing training seminars. Until 1950, IFMA headquarters were located in facilities provided by the missions of IFMA's elected officers; permanent headquarters were located in: New York City, 1950-1960; Ridgefield, New Jersey, 1960-1973; and Wheaton, Illinois, 1973-present. IFMA's general secretaries included John Percy (1956-1963), Edwin L. Frizen (1963-1991).

From the description of Records of the Interdenominational Foreign Mission Association of North America, 1934-1983. (Wheaton College). WorldCat record id: 26449157