But I don’t like Music

Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham

Ishmael / Ish  (Rev’d Ian Smale) has been travelling around internationally in a ‘full time’ music capacity since 1970.

Having completed a couple of years training at a Pentecostal theological college, he went on to spend some years in the Elim pastoral ministry in London and the north of England.

Following that he moved back to West Sussex and for 16 years as well as travelling he was also part of a ‘charismatic new church’ leadership team.

He has written and recorded over 400 songs (inc. Father God I Wonder) released around 40 albums of his and other writer’s songs, having produced 15 of these.

He has also released 5 music DVD’s.

Ish has authored 11 books and 3 booklets, some of which have been translated into German, Dutch, Czech, Danish and Romanian.

He has been on national television / radio many times.

Up until recently he has ministered at all the ‘Spring Harvests’ except 2 (due to illness) and nowadays when not at the Cathedral his travelling time is divided into preaching, teaching, evangelistic concerts, Sunday morning all age services and family musical celebrations that he calls ‘Praise Parties’.

In the past Ish 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 last but by no mean least a couple of trips to South Africa.

Ish and his wife Irene have three grown up children Joseph, Daniel and Suzy.

Ish was ordained into the Anglican Church in 2007 and is now licensed to Chichester Cathedral as their non-stipendary, ‘Missioner Deacon’ and is affectionately known to the Bishop, Dean and Chapter, and congregation as ‘Deacon Ish!’

He was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2008 but is now well into remission having completed 3 years of chemotherapy treatment. He now still visits his old hospital ward as a volunteer Chaplain and also spends time praying for and encouraging many cancer sufferers.

He is now well and truly back on the road for Jesus…Praise God!