Topics related to beliefs, faith, religion, and spirituality in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, are the focus of this portion of our web guide.
These will include ministries and places of worship in Ballymena, regardless of the particular religion, denomination, and sect.
Historically, religion in Ballymena is intertwined with the broader history of Northern Ireland. The town's religious roots can be traced back to the early Christian period, with the establishment of monastic sites and the spread of Christianity by figures such as Saint Patrick.
Over the years, Ballymena has been witness to significant religious events, such as the Reformation, which brought about a shift from Catholicism to Protestantism for many.
The 17th century Plantation of Ulster further shaped the religious landscape of the town. Scottish and English settlers, predominantly Protestant, were encouraged to settle in the region, leading to a significant Presbyterian presence.
Ballymena did not escape the political-religious conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998, known as "The Troubles." Paramilitary organisations such as the Ulster Defence Association, the Ulster Volunteer Force, the Provisional IRA, and the Irish Republican Army (IRA) were responsible for several deaths of Catholics and Protestants during this period by gunfire and explosive devices.
Today, Ballymena is home to various religious denominations and sects.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is one of the most prominent religious institutions, with First Ballymena Presbyterian Church forming the backbone of the local Protestant community.
The Church of Ireland has a significant presence in the town, with St. Patrick's Church being one of its notable churches.
While the Catholic population in Ballymena is small as compared to many other parts of Northern Ireland, it remains an integral part of the town's religious climate. All Saints' Church serves the local Catholic community, offering worship, education, and community service.
The Methodist Church also has a presence in Ballymena, with congregations such as Ballymena Methodist Church offering a welcoming environment and an emphasis on social justice and community outreach.
Ballymena is home to a variety of independent and evangelical congregations, such as Ballymena Baptist Church.
In recent years, the town has seen an increase in religious diversity, with small communities of other faiths and practices, although some of these are meeting in homes and rented locations.
These, and any other places of worship or ministries in Ballymena, are appropriate topics for this category.
Recommended Resources
A member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Ballyloughan Church is in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. The congregation has been serving the community since 1973. It offers two Sunday morning services, one at 9:30 am and the other at 11:00 am, with various programmes for different age groups and interests. Scheduled events and courses are posted on the site, which includes an introduction to its pastoral and prayer support services, and an overview of the Open Door, its cafe.
https://www.ballyloughanchurch.org.uk/
Located on Mount Street, County Antrim, Ballymena, Northern Ireland, the congregation holds services on Sundays at 11:00 am and 6:30 pm, as well as prayer meetings on Tuesdays at 8:00 pm. Affiliated with the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, a statement of beliefs, policy statements, its policies on baptism and membership, a church calendar, an overview of its ministries and programmes, a sermon archive, and online streaming of services are featured.
https://www.ballymenabaptist.org/
Founded in 1993, the Ballymena Church of God offers a blend of traditional and contemporary worship, along with various groups and activities for people of all ages. Situated on Frys Road in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the congregation's pastor, elders, deacons, and trained teams of lay people and group leaders are introduced, along with office hours and contacts, a statement of beliefs, a gallery of photographs, and the history of the church.
https://thechurchofgodballymena.com/
Ballymena Free Presbyterian Church
The Ballymena, Northern Ireland, congregation was founded in 1933 when Pastor James Kyle resigned his position at Hill Street Baptist Church to begin a separatist witness. Its first building was the Gospel Tabernacle, built in 1935. The congregation holds services at 11:30 am and 6:30 pm on Sundays, along with various events throughout the week, such as children's meetings, youth fellowship, Bible study classes, and outreach services. Schedules, leadership introductions, and contacts are posted.
https://ballymenafpc.org/
Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
The CPRC in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, is a congregation of Reformed believers. They hold worship services every Sunday at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm, and also offer mid-week Bible studies and catechism classes, as well as special lectures, discussion groups, and other activities. Located on Clarence Street, the congregation is a sister church of the Protestant Reformed Churches in the US and Canada, and the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore. Office hours and contacts are posted.
https://cprc.co.uk/
Located in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the congregation is associated with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Its location, worship and programme schedules, upcoming events, and online streaming of its services. Its ministry team, support staff, and contact data are posted on the website, along with a gallery of photographs, are included, along with a sermon archive sorted by speaker, series, topic, and book. An informational blog is included.
https://www.highkirk.org.uk/
Holding regular worship services at 11:00 am, the Mid Antrim Vineyard Church is affiliated with Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland. Planted in 2019, the congregation has been in its current location at Woodside Industrial Estate in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, since 2021. Its history and a statement of values are posted on the website, along with service schedules, a calendar of events, a map showing its location, an email address, and an online contact form are featured.
https://www.midantrimvineyard.co.uk/
