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The History of YIBC

A brief Introduction to Yokohama International Baptist Church

In 1951 members of the U.S. Armed Forces, feeling the need for a firm Christian witness in Japan, organized into the Yokohama Baptist Fellowship.  In 1960, the growing conviction that a church was needed in the Yokohama community resulted in the establishment of the English speaking Yokohama Baptist Church.  The first service was held on 27 November, 1960 at the Yokohama Silk Center with Reverend W.H. Jackson as the Pastor.  YIBC joined the Japan Baptist Convention from its inception.

The present church building was completed in 1963 and renovated in 2001.  In the late 1960s YIBC sponsored a Japanese Mission congregation that grew into Yokodai Baptist Church, which has in turn sponsored several other Japanese missions. Our history is rich with the contributions of many devoted pastors, all of whom were Southern Baptist missionaries, supported by the International Mission Board, S.B.C.  Many people have been called into the ministry during their time at YIBC, and now serve as pastors, missionaries, and other kinds of workers around the world.

With the gradual decline in the number of U.S. Military personnel in Japan in the 70s and 80s, the membership of YIBC changed gradually from primarily U.S. military personnel to our present diverse mixture of expatriates from many different nations and English-speaking Japanese.    

Our vision is to be a truly international congregation reaching out to every language or cultural group in the diverse international city of Yokohama. We warmly invite you to experience the love and good news of Jesus Christ with us at YIBC!

Mission Statement

“Our mission is to glorify God by reaching out to the international community, including Japanese, to share the love and good news of Jesus Christ."

Ministry Statement

The YIBC Ministry Team coordinates and facilitates the ministries of YIBC. Our team goal is provide a venue for every member to grow and be involved in each of the five areas of relationship with Christ:

  • Outreach (both personal and corporate witnessing)
  • Worship (both personal and corporate)
  • Discipleship (knowing Christ and becoming more like Him)
  • Fellowship (through participation in a small group)
  • Ministry/Missions (using spiritual gifts to expand the kingdom of God)

YIBC's Distinctiveness

Our church enjoys a richly diverse fellowship of people from around the world.  The Lord has graced us to share His love and unity in a very special way. Most people describe YIBC as being “like heaven" because we are truly a  “Church for the nations."

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