General
International Churches in Eindhoven
Most expats come to Eindhoven for work, study, or love. While here, many find more ways to connect with people. Christians often look for a church where they can connect with others who share their faith. There are three English-speaking churches in the Eindhoven area: the International Baptist Church (https://ibc-eindhoven.com/), Cornerstone Baptist Fellowship (https://cbfeindhoven.org/), and Trinity Church (https://trinitychurcheindhoven.org/).
I have been attending the International Baptist Church (IBC) since I moved to Eindhoven 6 years ago. IBC has services on Sunday mornings from 10:30-12:00. While the adults sing, read the Bible, listen to a sermon, and pray, babies and toddlers are cared for in the creche, and children up to age 12 have their own classes with Bible stories and craft activities. Every week there is time to connect with one another after the service over a cup of coffee or tea, and once a month we share a potluck lunch.
People who attend IBC come from all over the world and have varying professions and ages. Many are young families. Since the children go to local schools, they speak Dutch but not necessarily English, so the children’s classes are in Dutch (with English translation for those who need it).
The teens join the adults during the Sunday service, and meet as a group on Friday evenings at one of the leader’s homes. They usually watch a video clip together and then discuss the topic. Many adults also meet together in groups of up to 8 people during the week to study the Bible, discuss, and pray together. It is in these small groups that the closest friendships are formed.
During the pandemic we have found different ways to stay connected. The Sunday services and weekly small groups are meeting online (using Zoom). During the summer we gathered for picnics in the park after the Sunday online service. Children have been watching youtube videos recorded especially for them (in both Dutch and English) and meeting together through play dates organised by parents. Like everyone, we are looking forward to when we can meet together in person again.
Whether you are a Christian, interested in learning more about the Christian faith, or just looking for people to connect with, feel free to get in contact with an English-speaking church in the Eindhoven area through the websites above.
written by Nicole Spruijt
