We are an interdenominational and international English speaking church, providing Christian nurture through worship, teaching, pastoral care and fellowship.
Whether you've just landed in Cairo or you've called Egypt home for years, there is a seat for you at our table. We are a warm congregation of expats and locals who love God and welcome all.
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."Deuteronomy 31:8
Dear visitor,
Welcome to Heliopolis Community Church where the body of Christ from around the world comes together to worship our living Savior. Whether you are just vacationing in Egypt or moving here to stay, we invite you to come to worship with us.
HCC is an international and interdenominational church. On any given Friday there may be over 20 different nationalities represented in our service. Our goal is to make everyone feel comfortable as they come into God’s presence to worship. Every time we meet, it reminds us of Revelation 7:9 which says that there were people… “from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” We truly lay aside all our differences and focus on what we have in common, the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Being in the crossroads of the Middle East, we are constantly welcoming newcomers, and saying good-bye to others. However long your stay is, we invite you to consider making HCC your church home in Egypt. Our worship service starts at 10am on Friday mornings. Plan to stay a little extra time after the service, if you would like, and “hang out” in the garden for informal fellowship to get to know people of our church. We also have home groups which meet at various times during the week in different homes.
We trust that your time here in Egypt will be a blessing to each of you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us, we’d love to have you as part of our family!
"To make fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who love God, love people, and transform their world."
Everything we do — the worship, the teaching, the life groups, the community — exists to serve one purpose: people encountering and following Jesus, and becoming more like him in every dimension of life.
HCC is not just a church in Cairo. It is a landmark of Cairo — a place where generations of expatriates, travellers, and locals have found community in the heart of Egypt.
1979
Intern pastor Dean Bard and Provost Derek Eaton reach out to expatriates in Heliopolis. What begins as a community-building effort becomes HCC's first worship service — likely the first new Christian congregation established in Egypt in fifty years.
1979 – Early 1980s
Pastor Mike Shelley arrives as HCC's first permanent pastor, finding a six-month-old church with no constitution, no council, and no Sunday School. He and Joanne build the foundations from scratch — and in doing so, model the HCC spirit that endures today.
2004
HCC celebrates its 25th anniversary — a milestone marking thousands of arrivals, departures, baptisms, marriages, friendships, and moments of faith. Former members write from around the world, calling HCC "an oasis — streams in the desert."
Today
More than 45 years after those first services, HCC continues to gather every Friday at 8 Seti Street. The faces change constantly — and yet something essential endures. The welcome is as warm as it has ever been. The garden is still full after the service.
We are a trinitarian, evangelical church rooted in the Apostles' Creed. Our faith is anchored in the historic confession of the Church universal.
We believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth — sovereign, personal, and good.
Genesis 1:1 · Matthew 6:9
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son — born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, buried, risen on the third day, ascended and coming again.
John 3:16 · 1 Cor 15:3–4
We believe in the Holy Spirit — the Lord and giver of life, who leads, empowers and sanctifies the Church and each believer.
John 14:16–17 · Acts 1:8
We believe in one holy, universal Church; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Scripture is our authoritative guide.
2 Tim 3:16 · Eph 4:4–6
HCC is a place where all are welcome regardless of their story or spiritual condition. The following standards apply specifically to those in leadership — paid, stipend or volunteer — as the shape of life we ask leaders to pursue.
Leaders model honesty, transparency and trustworthiness in every area of life — private and public.
We hold to the biblical vision of sexuality within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.
Heb 13:4 · 1 Cor 5
The abuse of alcohol or substances — where substance controls the person — is contrary to biblical leadership.
Phil 4:8 · 1 Tim 5:22
Racist conduct or expression is incompatible with our community, which is built on the truth that all bear the image of God equally.
James 2:1–4 · Col 3:10–11
Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll be in touch to help you find your place at HCC.
We'll reach out via WhatsApp within 48 hours. We're so glad you're here.
The worship team leads HCC's weekly service with a blend of contemporary praise and timeless hymns. Whether you play, sing or run sound — this team creates the sonic atmosphere in which God moves every Friday. You don't need to be perfect; you need to be available and passionate about worship.
We rehearse on Thursday evenings. Auditions are relaxed and relational.
Every child who walks through our doors is seen, known and loved. Our children's ministry runs every Friday, providing age-appropriate teaching, worship and creative activities while parents are in the main service. We need passionate, patient and playful volunteers who love kids and believe in the next generation.
Volunteer training is provided. Background checks required for all children's workers.
Teenagers and young adults in Cairo face unique pressures — cultural complexity, questions of identity, the weight of a rapidly changing world. Our youth ministry is a place where those conversations are welcomed and where young people can encounter Jesus authentically, build lasting friendships, and find their voice.
Youth gatherings are held twice a month. Leaders mentor more than they manage.
The first face someone sees at HCC shapes their entire experience. Our hospitality team creates an atmosphere of genuine welcome — guiding guests, offering refreshments, preparing the space and ensuring no one walks in alone. This ministry is the front line of HCC's culture of belonging.
Serve once a month or every week — flexibility is part of how we operate.
Behind every powerful moment of worship and teaching is a skilled tech team running sound, projection, livestream and lighting. If you enjoy technology and want your gifts to serve the church in a behind-the-scenes but high-impact way — this is your home. No experience required; willingness to learn is everything.
Training provided. You'll shadow an experienced operator before going solo.
The prayer team is the engine room of HCC. They intercede before and after every service, carry the community's requests with confidentiality and faith, and maintain a culture of dependence on God. If prayer is a deep part of your life and you want to use it in service of others — this is where you belong.
Prayer sessions are held before each Friday service. Remote intercession opportunities also available.
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