Beginning on 30 October 2022 we began "blazing" a new path of ministry. Home Group Fellowships (HGF) have become essential to our calling as a church in Baku. We have sensed that God desired for us to place a higher priority on HGF because of the depth of community and growth in personal discipleship that we experienced through the months when we were unable to meet in a larger group. Therefore, we are meeting in a large group worship gatherings every other week. On the alternative weeks, we are gathering in Home Group Fellowships.
On the weeks that we meet for large group "Celebration Worship" gatherings, we in are either the Guba Ballroom or the Hyatt Hall of the Hyatt Regency Complex located on Ismir Street. Please watch the Facebook Page for which of those two locations at the Hyatt we will be gathering in. People begin arriving at 10:00am when coffee and tea are served. This is a great opportunity to connect with others. You’ll be greeted by one of our hospitality greeters. Feel free to ask them questions and to show you around. The service begins at 10:30am.
Home Group Fellowships are formed to be intentionality diverse culturally and demographically. We work towards "organic" growth and multiplication of these groups. People who wish to be a part of a HGF should complete the application form.
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
Hebrews 13:1
Our focus is not on what a person wears, but whether people are connecting with God and others. You will find that most people dress casually.
Our intention is to “facilitate” (make it easy) for people to connect with God. We have a very broad cross section of life stages, culture and religious traditions in our church family and therefore we have a worship style that integrates and blends together contemporary, traditional as well as some liturgical elements. The foundation of our music selection is God’s Word and the heart of the worshipper.
International churches are a bit unique in that there is such a huge turnover of people coming and going so that it is important to connect quickly. During the opening announcements, the host will give opportunity for people who are visiting to introduce themselves giving their name and their passport country. Sometimes people will also share what they are doing in Baku. We don’t want people to feel obligated to share, but it is a great chance to begin connecting with others in the English-speaking community. Sadly, we also give a few moments for people who are leaving Baku to be recognized and pray for them as they move on.
During the worship gathering our church will worship the Lord with the giving of tithes and offerings. BIF is a self-supporting church. We do not have any supporting organization but rely on the financial gifts and offerings of God’s people. Please see the information "Giving" page to see how you can contribute online and also receive a receipt for tax purposes.
For those who will be living in Baku for either a long period or just a couple of months, we encourage you to take the initiative and connect with others as soon as possible. Home Group Fellowships are the ideal way to regularly connect with others and grow together in your faith. Let us know you are interested in being a part of a Home Group Fellowship.
If you are interested in jumping right in and serving in some manner, let us know here!
We celebrate the Lord’s Communion usually on the first Sunday of the month. We invite people to come forward to receive the elements. Our communion table is open to all who have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and have properly examined their hearts and lives before Him. We believe that parents are the best judges of whether their children have made a proper commitment to the Lord and may take communion.