“Jesus erleben und weitergeben” is not just a motto. It is a lived reality here at the Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling. This small yet vibrant community embodies faith in action.
The Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling began in an adapted family home. Since 1954 this building has been a place of gathering. It is located at the beginning of Englisch Feld Gasse. The building suits its visitors.
Imagine a place where everyone knows your name. A place where the garden becomes an extension of the church itself. Depending on the weather, community life happens inside or outside. That is the Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling.
Every Sunday at 10 am, the community gathers for worship. Services include music, sermons, prayers, and important community updates. There is something for everyone here. Even children enjoy age-appropriate programs during the service.
Once a month, the Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling celebrates communion. It is a meaningful part of their worship. A shared lunch follows. When the weather is nice, they eat together in the garden.
But the Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling is more than just Sunday services. During the week, there are opportunities for Bible study. Small house and prayer groups meet. They share their faith experiences. They discuss and deepen their understanding. It is an authentic expression of faith.
Creativity and music are hallmarks of this special community. The Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling hosts various events. These events highlight these two areas. Guests are always welcome.
Baptists are one of the oldest evangelical free churches. They share much with Protestant churches. Membership is based on a personal and voluntary faith response to God. Only those who consciously want to live their lives with God are baptized. Children are seen as beloved by God. They are blessed as infants.
The Baptist movement started in Amsterdam in 1609. The first Baptist churches in England were founded in 1612. Thomas Helwys, a founder, advocated for freedom of thought. He also wanted freedom of belief, religion, and conscience for all. The first Baptist church in Vienna was founded in 1869.
The Baptists have been recognized in Austria since August 26, 2013. They are part of the “Free Churches in Austria”.
Baptists share the belief that Jesus Christ is central. The Bible is the foundation of their faith. This is shared with all Christian denominations. This unity is expressed through cooperation. They work with the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria. They also work with the Evangelical Alliance. Also, they cooperate with the Round Tables for Reconciliation. The Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling is part of the Association of Evangelical Churches in Austria.
Worldwide, Baptists are one of the largest structured Protestant churches. The Baptist World Alliance includes 214 national churches. These churches are in over 120 countries. It is a community of 110 million people. In Europe, including Central Asia and the Middle East, Baptists are represented by 51 national churches.
In 1918, after the monarchy fell, Austria had only 700 members. Today, the Baptist Union of Austria includes 30 congregations with over 1,500 members. Most Baptist churches in Austria are in the state capitals. More than 2,000 people attend weekly services.
The Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling demonstrates practical assistance and solidarity. They work with Herzwerk. This association helps women in forced prostitution in Vienna. The Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling supports four Dalit children in India. They provide basic needs and education. They support a community project in South Africa. “Christmas in a Shoebox” is a fixed part of their social outreach. The community also supports AKSANTI. This is a street children project in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Baptistengemeinde Wien-Essling is a testament to the power of community. It shows the impact of living out one’s faith. It is a place where everyone can experience Jesus and share that experience with others.