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Evangelical Community Church, Abu Dhabi in Dubai Directory

The Evangelical Community Church of Abu Dhabi was started in 1972, when a small group of western, English-speaking Christians met together in the home of Carl and Barbara Sherbeck on Hamdan Street. The Sherbecks were members of TEAM, the organization that founded the Oasis Hospital, a Christian hospital in Al Ain. The small congregation soon outgrew the Sherbecks’ living room, and moved to a ware house next door. Soon after, TEAM asked the Abu Dhabi authorities for property on which to build a house for their workers, making it clear that they also wanted to use the property as a place of prayer for Christians. Permission was granted and a plot was allocated just off Airport Road, across from a large open-air mosque. In 1975 the initial buildings were completed, and the church relocated to the new site. By now the English speaking congregation had been joined by an Arabic church and several Indian churches. The Evangelical Community Church continued to grow under a succession of pastors: Carl Sherbeck (1972-1977), Herb Lyon, (1977-1979), Gordon Stinson (1979-1983), Jimmy Smith (1984-1990) and Cameron Arensen (1990-present). In 1990, the use of the property as a place for Christian meetings was challenged by authorities at the Municipality. By now, ten congregations used the Center for regular worship services. After many appeals and much prayer, a new site was allocated for the Evangelical Church Center. A ground breaking ceremony was held in January, 1993, and we moved into our present facility in April, 1994. The ten congregations were soon joined by others, and now 18 different congregations use the Center. These congregations minister to different language and ethnic groups. The Evangelical Community Church has grown in the new facility, and began adding additional staff in 1995. As our Friday morning worship service began to crowd the Lower Chapel, the church experimented with a Sunday evening service for 2 years. This service was cancelled, in lieu of a second worship service on Friday mornings. Total attendance in both services averages around 550. The church’s ministry to children and families has expanded as the church has grown, with over 300 children enrolled in the different programs.

Telephone: 971-2-445-5434
Website: http://www.eccad.org/