Introduction

In  the congregation of KIBC, we have seen the unmistakable work of God's Spirit.  The ministry of KIBC has always been challenging as people move into and out of the Kobe area.  Yet God has been faithful to bring the right people, at the right time  into the body of Christ at KIBC.  People whose gifts have helped to extend and establish the kingdom of God here in Japan through ministry to one another and the community.

Beginnings

For many years a group of missionaries met for fellowship and encouragement. The group varied from a couple of families to several families. In 1983 some of the group were meeting Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. in Kobe Baptist Church for fellowship. After a while business people became interested and the group began meeting at 8:00 a.m. for worship. At 9:30 a.m. the youth had Sunday School at an apartment as the Japanese services would be in progress. There was frequently a potluck supper and fellowship at 5:00 p.m. at someone's home. Since the missionaries were members of the Japanese churches, the group continued to meet in the evenings (the Japanese churches did not have an evening service). Several business families joined the evening group meetings. The suggestion was made to organize as a church and on January 1, 1984, Kobe International Baptist Church was formed with 24 charter members. Milton Womack became the first pastor of KIBC. On June 11, 1984, a request was made through the Japan Baptist Mission of the Southern Baptist Convention for a missionary to serve as a full time pastor for KIBC.

Early Organization & Development

The constitution and bylaws were approved October 1, 1984. On December 2, 1984, the first deacon board was approved by the membership and Milton Womack resigned as pastor (he was returning to the USA). The first quarterly business meeting was held January 27, 1985. The ministries at that time included a Bible Adventure Hour (evening Sunday School), Bible study for men & women, High school youth program, music, and "speakers". Speakers were the group of men chosen to share the preaching responsibilities for each Sunday. A report to the Japan Baptist Mission for 1985 states that there were 9 members, 25 enrolled in Sunday School, and 45 attending the evening service. In May of 1985, the church sent a letter to the Mission confirming a continued interest in a full time pastor.
In the beginning the church met in the facilities of Kobe Baptist Church in Kitano-cho. On July 1, 1986, KIBC began to meet at the Friendship House in Mikage and continued to meet there until December 31, 1986.

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