The International Baptist Convention is a fellowship of English-speaking Baptist churches, missions, and other religious entities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and elsewhere.
The IBC began with the work of the Association of Baptists in Continental Europe and the mission work of the Southern Baptist Convention. The first congregation in what was to become the IBC was Immanuel Baptist Church, formed in 1957 in Wiesbaden, Germany. Bethel Baptist Church was established the following year, and these two churches organized the Association of Baptists in Continental Europe. Over the next two years, these churches sponsored other churches and missions.
When churches in England joined the Association, its name was changed to the European Baptist Convention. The organization's growth continued through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, during which its work was largely among United States military personnel overseas, and their family members.
The dismantling of the Berlin Wall opened the way to a mission field in Eastern Europe, and twenty new churches were created. However, the United States closed several of its overseas military bases, resulting in the closure of as many churches.
In 1997, the first church outside of Europe joined and, in 2003, the EBC was renamed the International Baptist Convention. Churches from Central, South, and North America joined, and Africa also joined the Convention.
Having already expanded its geographical focus, in 2014 the Convention redefined and expanded its mission to include strengthening and multiplying churches, empowering leaders, building connections, and developing resources for ministry.
While approximately two-thirds of its membership is made up of military personnel and their families, the International Baptist Convention also includes English-speaking expatriates who are working in a foreign country, on diplomatic assignment or studying abroad. Member churches often include the word "international" in their name, but others are also affiliated with other denominations or fellowships and may carry another name.
Like most Baptist associations, local churches are autonomous, having their own constitutions, bylaws, and statements of faith. As a Convention, members of the International Baptist Convention hold to the doctrine of the Trinity, with Jesus Christ as the only savior, in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, a personal relationship with Christ, the priesthood of believers, the baptism of believers by immersion, and religious liberty.
The International Baptist Convention is based in Frankfurt, Germany, and the Convention partners with International Baptist Church Ministries, headquartered in Richardson, Texas.
Recommended Resources
Bethel International Baptist Church
Organized in 1956, the English-language Baptist church was formed in Frankfurt, Germany to serve United States military personnel who were serving in post-war Germany and their families. Its history, beliefs, and missions are outlined, along with its age-group programs, Sunday services, Bible classes, home groups, special events, and a calendar of events. Volunteer opportunities, German classes, and leadership contacts are published.
http://www.bibc.org/
Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Catalyst is an arm of the International Baptist Convention, charged with planting English-speaking churches throughout the world. Its history, vision, mission, and leadership are put forth, along with its policies and procedures for planting a church, its focus cities, and an interactive map showing churches affiliated with the IBC. Church planters are introduced, and contributions may be made online. A blog is also included.
http://www.internationalchurchplanting.com/
Emirates Baptist Church International
EBCI is a Baptist church in the United Arab Emirates that is made up of English-speaking expatriates living in the UAE. Worship service and Bible study schedules and locations are posted to the site, along with an overview of its preschool, youth ministries, and other programs and events. Its membership policies, leadership contacts, volunteer ministry opportunities, announcements, and a sermon archive are posted to the site.
http://ebci.org/
International Baptist Church Ministries
Incorporated in 1997, IBCM partners with the International Baptist Convention to assist Baptist churches in Europe, originally, and is now supporting churches in other parts of the world. Churches and ministries that have approved grant applications to ICBM, with web addresses. A membership application is featured online, and donations may be made through the site. News from the mission field and a history of the organization is presented.
http://ibcmworld.com/
International Baptist Convention
The IBC began as a ministry to English-speaking military personnel and their families living abroad, which continues to be a large part of its ministry, although it has expanded its mission to include multiplying churches, strengthening churches, empowering leaders, building connections, and developing resources, which are highlighted here, along with a list of member churches, a calendar of events, and career opportunities.
http://ibc-churches.org/
