Baptist in Ireland
The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland is a group of 118 autonomous churches in Ireland which have voluntarily agreed to work together.
(Search for a church at irishbaptist.org/churches/)
These churches have well over 8,500 members and represent a Baptist community of about 20,000 people. As autonomous the churches are self-governing. The Association only acts on behalf of the churches for the work which the churches have agreed to do together. Churches enter the Association by application followed by a vote of the Churches’ Council. They may withdraw at any time they wish.
Administration of the Association and its College is located close to Moira at the new Baptist Centre (The Baptist Centre, 19 Hillsborough Road, MOIRA BT67 0HG).
The Association holds its Annual Assembly in May. The Churches’ Council meets during that week and in November, to receive reports and conduct common business. Routine matters are handled by an Executive Committee elected by the churches at the May Churches’ Council meeting.
The Missions Department, known as Baptist Missions, maintains staff in Ireland, Peru, and Europe.
Its Youth Department has a varied programme of activities for children and young people and provides training and resources for those involved. The Amazing Journey is an amazing ministry of Baptist Youth
Baptist Women is a vibrant ministry to women in our churches and community.
There is a Welfare Department which handles practical and financial assistance for orphans and retired workers.
The Education Department embraces the Irish Baptist College which facilitates the training of men and women for Christian ministry at home and overseas and Irish Baptist Historical Society which promotes research and investigation into Baptist life and witness in Ireland and beyond.