A global evangelical movement fostering church planting and missions with a Pentecostal Charismatic ethos.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Evangelicalism
Founder: Jimmy Seibert
Founded: 1995
Location: Waco, Texas, United States
Size: Over 100 churches worldwide
Other Names: Antioch Community Church, Antioch Ministries International
Website: antiochcc.com
The Antioch International Movement of Churches, rooted in Waco, Texas, has a significant presence in the contemporary evangelical landscape, emphasizing church planting, missions, and an experiential faith that intersects with daily life and global evangelization efforts. Founded in 1987 by Jimmy and Laura Seibert, Antioch started as a discipleship school and has since expanded into a network of over 45 churches in the United States and more than 80 locations worldwide, under the overarching umbrella of Antioch Ministries International, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Jimmy Seibert’s journey into ministry began at Baylor University, influenced by Campus Crusade for Christ and mentorship under Pentecostalist Robert Ewing. Despite lacking formal seminary training, Seibert’s leadership has steered Antioch towards a model that closely aligns with Pentecostal Charismatic Christianity, focusing on miracles, direct experiences of God, and active evangelization.
Antioch’s theology centers on a literal and authoritative view of the Bible, the Trinity, and a salvation narrative that emphasizes repentance, faith, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They hold traditional evangelical views on social issues, including a strong stance against abortion and homosexuality, advocating for conversion therapy and a marriage definition strictly between a man and a woman.
The movement is known for its emphasis on “lifegroups” or small group communities, which are central to its discipleship and community engagement strategy. These groups engage in bible study, prayer, and mutual support, aiming to replicate a New Testament model of church community. Moreover, Antioch has established various initiatives and programs like the Antioch Discipleship School, Acts of Mercy, and UnBound, focusing on global missions, disaster relief, and anti-human trafficking efforts, respectively.
Antioch’s history of expansion, both within the United States and internationally, underscores its commitment to its vision of global evangelization and church planting. From its early days in Waco, Texas, the movement has pursued an aggressive strategy of growth and influence, marked by events like the World Mandate conference and significant missionary endeavors, including the notable arrest and release of two missionaries by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Despite its growth and the breadth of its activities, Antioch has faced criticism and controversy, notably around its practices related to spiritual authority, conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, and its approach to mental health. They have also faced allegations of spiritual abuse, and risky international missionary activities, including sending missionaries to regions hostile to Christian proselytization.
Nevertheless, the Antioch International Movement of Churches continues to be a dynamic force within global Christianity, with a distinct identity that blends fervent evangelicalism, charismatic spirituality, and a forward-leaning mission to engage with a rapidly changing world.
image via Antioch Fullerton
