Baptisten? Does this word sound strange? The Gemeinde im Oberdorf is rooted in this term. It comes from the English “to baptize”. This means to “taufen” in German.
This highlights a special feature of our Gemeinde im Oberdorf. People are only baptized when they have consciously decided to follow their faith. Age doesn’t matter. The personal decision to accept Jesus and God as Lord in their lives is what counts. Newborns and toddlers receive a blessing here with their parents and siblings. They are entrusted to God’s protection.
The Gemeinde im Oberdorf is “Freikirchlich” or free church. This means it operates independently. It is not funded by state-collected church taxes. It is organized within the Bund Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden BEFG or Association of Evangelical Free Churches. The Gemeinde im Oberdorf is autonomous.
Its full-time staff and other expenses are funded by voluntary donations. Members and friends of the Gemeinde provide these donations. Many give what they can. They often give a “Zehnten” or tithe. This is ten percent of their income.
Together with all evangelical congregations, our faith is based on the gospel. Beliefs, lives, and actions follow the example of Jesus Christ. The Bible is the foundation of our faith at the Gemeinde im Oberdorf.
The Gemeinde im Oberdorf consists of many different people. We want to help and support others. We want people to find faith in Jesus Christ. Together, we want to grow personally in faith. We focus on the resurrected Christ and honor God.
We are happy when people contribute their talents and skills. They enrich the life of the Gemeinde. Together, we can serve the people in our city. You are welcome to rest here. You can find strength and enjoy security. Celebrate with friends and family. Laugh and share your sorrows.
Eat together, talk, and learn. Build each other up and share your faith. Ask questions, have doubts. Experience God’s unconditional love here at Gemeinde im Oberdorf.
Welcome home to the Gemeinde im Oberdorf! Arrive and be yourself. We look forward to seeing you! We celebrate services in different ways. Every fourth Sunday of the month, we celebrate in small groups. On all other Sundays, we celebrate as a whole Gemeinde in the Gemeindehaus.