About CIC

A multicultural family united in worship, rooted in God's Word.

From our Finnish heritage to our heart for the nations, Canberra International Church is a place where people from many backgrounds come together as one family in Christ—worshipping, growing and serving together in the heart of Australia's capital.

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A photo of the front entry sign at Canberra International Church, with green grass on a sunny day.

Our Story

Canberra International Church has a rich history shaped by faith, mission and a love for God's Word. Our roots run deep in the Finnish community, and for decades we have embraced our heritage while opening our doors wide to people from every nation and background.

What began as a gathering of Finnish believers has grown into a vibrant, multicultural congregation that reflects the diversity of Canberra itself. Today, we continue to honour our heritage through a Finnish language service each Sunday at 12 pm, while our English service at 10 am welcomes people from all walks of life.

At CIC, we are more than a Sunday gathering—we are a family. A community where people of all ages can grow in faith, discover their God-given gifts and serve Him together with joy and purpose.

Our Leadership

Meet Our Team

A photo of Pastor Ben and Hetaffia together at church.

Pastor Ben & Hetafiia

Pastor Ben was born in Canberra and grew up in the church, spending part of his childhood on the mission field in Papua New Guinea with his parents. In 2008, he moved to Finland to attend Bible school, where he met his wife, Hetafiia, in 2009. They married in 2010 and have since been blessed with three children.

Ben began pastoring in 2016 at a Pentecostal church in Finland before he and his family returned to Australia in late 2022. Together, they carry a heart for God's Word, missions and serving people, with a desire to see lives transformed by the love and power of Jesus.

Ben has been the senior pastor of Canberra International Church since the beginning of 2023. Pastor Ben and Hetafiia would love to meet you and walk alongside you on your faith journey. Their heart is to see the church as a family—a place where you can grow in faith, discover the gifts God has placed inside you and find joy in humbly serving Him together.

A photo of the three elders at Canberra International Church.

Our Eldership

Our leadership team is here to guide, serve and support you. Alongside Pastor Ben, our elders provide spiritual oversight, biblical teaching and pastoral care for the CIC community.

Together, they are committed to ensuring that CIC remains a place where God's Word is honoured, people are loved and Christ is lifted high.

Our Mission

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Our mission is simple:

To share the good news of Jesus Christ.

To disciple believers in faith and godly living.

To support local and global mission partners.

We see a church that is equipped, empowered and committed—serving God and people both in Canberra and beyond. Every ministry, every service and every gathering at CIC exists to fulfil this calling: to make disciples who love Jesus, live for His glory and reach the world with His hope.

Ministries at CIC

Click a ministry card to discover more ways for your whole family to engage and grow in faith.

Kids Church at CIC

Helping children discover God's love through fun, faith and friendship.

CIC Youth

A place for young people to connect, grow and encounter God together.

Young Adults at CIC

Connection, prayer and growth for the journey ahead.

Bible Study at CIC

Digging deeper into God's Word, together.

Friendship Group

Fellowship, faith and connection in a relaxed setting.

Prayer

Coming before God together in faith and expectation.

Mens Ministry at CIC

Building strong men through faith, fellowship and encouragement.

Women's Ministry at CIC

Celebrating biblical womanhood through fellowship, learning and creativity.

Mission Ladies

Praying, giving and supporting women and children around the world.

Come and See

Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or looking for a new church family, you are warmly invited to join us. At CIC, you'll find a community that values God's Word, genuine relationships and a shared mission to serve Christ together.

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