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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.

 

 

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