Church-planting in Europe is proving to be one of the toughest continents to reach evangelistically for Christ. Many voices attempt to assess the hindrances to the gospel, yet few are willing to take the risk, or furthermore pay the price required to impact a sceptical populace. The complexities of a 21st-century society whose roots go deep in centuries of tradition make it even more challenging to plot a strategy for outreach.
The first twelve years of ministry were a definite struggle. Following a dozen years of hard work we had an average Sunday attendance of 50 people in services. Furthering the frustration, that had plateaued at that level for three years. We then began attempting to understand the spiritual climate and the newly formed strategy was implemented as a result.
In the following eight years the church has added another 200 people, now averaging over 200 in attendance. We have sent out a couple to Lithuania, providing 90% of their financial support. The membership has purchased a one million dollar property, renovated a facility that will seat 300 when fully completed and has started the process of planting daughter churches.
The biggest challenge at present is to identify, recruit, equip and install leadership.
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