What We’re Seeing in Europe

When I’m asked about the work of RTIM in Europe, I’m eager to respond. The light of the gospel is shining throughout the continent, despite the growing secular worldview. For now, I’ll highlight four major categories of our ministry in Europe. The first category paints a dark picture, but the final three are cause for praise and thankfulness. 

Spiritual Darkness

Europe is plagued with a secular postmodernism. Skepticism is pervasive. Questioning the idea of truth is the norm. Most Europeans lack of any biblical framework for life. And yet, most countries in Western Europe have some kind of state church that is closely tied to the government. So the church is often tied to one’s cultural and national identities. As a result, Christianity is often seen as an unwelcome, out-of-date, baggage-laden relic. 

Only about 10% of Europeans attend any kind of church weekly; some countries average even lower than that. Most Europeans identify as non-religious or atheist. Many have never met a single genuine Christian. Post-Christian Europe is home to the fewest Christ followers and is likely the most unreached continent in the world. 

Significant and Effective Networking 

But the news isn’t all so discouraging. Recently, a number of likeminded churches and pastors throughout Europe have started building relationships. And these relationships are starting to bear fruit. For example, pastors are deepening their theological and ecclesiological commitments by participating in different training events. They’re meeting like-minded pastors from their region and coming alongside one another in meaningful partnership. In some instances, pastoral assistants and interns have been provided to churches that don’t have the means to invest in young men themselves.  

I’m thankful for networks and associations such as Pillar International, Evangelium 21, and the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, among others. They believe the local church is the means and end of missions in Europe. Their work shows it.

Recognizing the Need for Intentionally Mentoring Young Men

The secularization of Europe has emptied churches of young men. With little to no interest in spiritual matters, they’ve abandoned anything approximating religion. However, we’re seeing a growing interest in the gospel and the church. I’ve met many young men who are seeking to fill the spiritual void created by secularism. Some are coming to Christ and growing as they listen to faithful preaching and teaching. Pastors and elders are intentionally investing in these young men as they’re trained as potential future elders. RTIM has several workers in Europe that are heavily engaged in the discipleship and mentoring of young men. 

While this is encouraging, the need is still pronounced. European churches need more young men. They need men who aspire to ministry. They need trained and elder-qualified men to come alongside existing churches to enable these churches to move toward health and to train up their own leaders. Pray with us for wisdom as we work with churches to meet this need. 

New Healthy Church Plants and Revitalizations

Finally, we’re encouraged as new healthy church plants and revitalized congregations are becoming more numerous in Europe. In one particular RTIM church plant in Europe, several believers have begun to attend after not attending any church for several years. They said they couldn’t find a church of like faith in their entire city. This particular church plant is in a city of over 500,000 people. Thankfully, we’ve heard similar stories from all throughout Europe. 

The gospel is beginning to shine brighter through more healthy churches in Europe. Please be in prayer for our RTIM workers. There are currently 21 units (family or single) that serve in 10 countries. From the cold wind of Iceland to the sunny sea of southern France, these men and women are laboring daily to bring the gospel to so many dark, needy places. The challenges are numerous and formidable. But the light of the gospel, when displayed through the ordinary means of grace in a local church, can break through the darkness.