Germany’s history is widely known and taught around the world. From a church history perspective, however, Germany played a particularly significant role during the Reformation, beginning with the work of Martin Luther and the separation from the Roman Catholic Church. For centuries, Germany produced influential theologians and shaped Protestant thought worldwide. Today, however, the spiritual landscape has changed dramatically. The historic state churches are declining rapidly, and even many evangelical churches are becoming more theologically liberal. Large parts of the country—especially East Germany and regions like Bavaria—are spiritually difficult contexts. At the same time, we see new openness and significant opportunities for church planting and the spread of the gospel.
GERMANY
MEET THE TEAM
SPIRITUAL DEMOGRAPHICS
Germany is often described as a post-Christian society. While many people are formally members of the historic churches, active faith and regular church attendance are very rare. In many regions, especially in East Germany, a majority of the population identifies as non-religious. Even in traditionally Catholic areas like Bavaria, biblical Christianity represents only a very small minority. Evangelical believers make up well under 1% of the population. At the same time, immigration and cultural change are reshaping the country. This creates both challenges and significant opportunities for gospel ministry, discipleship, and church planting in a largely secular and spiritually searching society.
MINISTRY OUTLOOK
Our church, Kirche für Aschaffenburg, has recently transitioned from a young church plant into a growing and stable congregation. We now have over 50 committed adult members and more than 100 people gathering on Sundays in the city center, including many children and families. As we continue to grow, we are exploring new facility options in downtown Aschaffenburg. At the same time, we are taking first steps toward planting another church in a nearby rural region. I have also begun serving part-time with the Acts 29 Network to help develop and strengthen the network in the German-speaking world, where currently only four partner churches exist. Our vision is to see Aschaffenburg become a hub for assessing, training, and sending future church planters (Aschaffenburg has a strategic location in the middle of Germany and very close to the International Airport Frankfurt.).
COUNT ME IN
Acts 29 Europe Vision Trips – Saturday 31 Oct. to Monday 2 Nov.
$500 registration – includes meals, hotel accommodation, ground transportation, including a ride to and from the airport.
FAQ
Vision Trips are designed for pastors, elders, and other leaders from Acts 29 U.S. churches who want to explore a potential church-to-church partnership after the conference.Who are these Vision Trips for?
The goal is to help guests explore a possible church-to-church partnership by spending time with a host church in its local context.What is the purpose of a Vision Trip?
No. A Vision Trip is a season of discernment, not a commitment. Guests are asked to come with serious, prayerful consideration, but there is no expectation or obligation that the trip will result in an official partnership for either the guest or the host church.Am I expected to commit to a partnership by coming?
The trip begins immediately after the conference. On Saturday, after the conference ends, you will travel with your host pastor to their city and begin learning the local context. On Sunday, you will attend worship, share meals, hear the story of the church, and meet members and leaders. Monday is typically the day to travel home, though you may choose to extend your trip at your own leisure.What should I expect the trip to look like?
For most guests, the Vision Trip is centered on the days immediately following the conference: Saturday travel, Sunday with the host church, and Monday departure. Some guests may personally choose to stay longer, but the core trip is intentionally short and focused.How long is the Vision Trip?
You are responsible for your own airfare to and from the host city. A $500 registration fee covers meals, accommodation, and local ground transportation during the Vision Trip.What costs should I plan for?
You should expect to travel to the host city after the conference ends on Saturday, typically in coordination with your host pastor. We recommend waiting to book airfare until you have consulted with your host and confirmed the travel plan.Do I need to arrange my own travel after the conference?
After returning home, guests are given space to pray and discern. Within a month, the Acts 29 Europe team will follow up to help guests identify possible next steps.What happens after the trip?
Contact europe@acts29.com, and we would be happy to answer your questions and help you decide if a Vision Trip is right for you.Still have questions?
