The adoption of secularism in the Nordic countries of Northern Europe has left many people searching for meaning and purpose, with the message of the Gospel being the solution.
Mention the Nordic countries of Northern Europe: beautiful landscapes, cutting-edge technology and a generally thriving economy probably come to mind. But even prosperous nations need the love and saving power of Jesus Christ, and this region is prepared for a new move of God.
Assemblies of God World Missions Europe Regional director Larry Henderson and Northern Europe Zone Director Stephen Wallace note that the Nordic countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, share the problem of secularism. Sources such as the Joshua Project show majority Christian percentages in these countries, but the number of actively engaged evangelicals is much lower. Although Pentecostal movements in the Nordic countries have a rich history of faith and missions, the region’s numbness to religion has taken its toll.
Wallace recalls that early in his ministry in Helsinki, Finland, a tour guide explained that a local cathedral was now used only for weddings and similar occasions, with the church having become largely irrelevant.
“Secularism could be considered the predominant faith in the region,” says Wallace, “even though traditions and customs are deeply rooted. It is not uncommon to hear songs at school graduations containing references to the Christian faith because it is a tradition. But this is starting to be called into question.”
“There is a self-centered approach,” adds Henderson. “It’s not necessarily atheism. People just don’t see God as relevant. There is a “legalistic-conservative” experience coming from Lutheran or Catholic backgrounds, but few people actually go to church, he explains.
But changes are happening, most of them happening within immigrant communities and on college campuses.
As conflicts erupt around the world, the Nordic countries are home to large groups of displaced people. They are also popular with international students seeking advanced degrees in technology and business.
Among these populations, international and internationally-friendly congregations have the potential to have a significant impact. As larger cities welcome more students, even smaller communities have welcomed many newcomers, and local churches have been strengthened as they reach out to these growing international groups.
Reaching these people requires authentic relationships, says Henderson.
“We pray that the Holy Spirit will show effective ways of evangelizing,” he adds. “People are not impressed by the church as a spectacle. They must learn that a true encounter with Jesus Christ gives peace and identity.
With so few pastors in many communities, the Nordic nations present a golden opportunity for missionaries moving to the region to serve by getting involved in their communities, hosting small groups, helping with planting English-speaking churches and simply building friendships.
Jérémie and Lisbet Siebert do exactly that. After pastoring a mission-oriented church in Oregon for 15 years, Jeremy felt an unmistakable impulse while praying at a pastors’ summit. God called the two men to plant a church in Norway. In a phone call, Henderson informed them that the country’s Pentecostal leaders had just told the leadership that they needed church planters, especially those willing to reach out internationally.
Lisbet is Norwegian, but despite her origins, the Sieberts had to face cultural adjustments. Their 21-year-old son is helping plant the church. Their 19-year-old returned to the United States to attend college, and their 12-year-old son had to adjust to a new school environment. They also faced challenges due to the secular culture.
“Norway is such a rich country,” says Jeremy. “The welfare system does a lot of things that traditionally churches would have done. Instead of seeking help from God or even the Church, people turn to the government. Even Norwegian churches receive much of their funding from the government.
Despite these difficult circumstances, Jeremy emphasizes that God is still at work as these hungry people search for meaning and purpose.
Daniel Almgeneral superintendent of Pingst, the Swedish Pentecostal Alliance for Independent Churches, recently shared with Wallace:
“In Sweden we try to remain faithful to the call and mission launched on the day of Pentecost, in a culture where secularism seems to be the new religion and where individualism also poses challenges to the Church. But This situation also offers many opportunities. People are alone and need God.
At a recent pastors’ conference, 200 foreign participants joined 650 Swedish pastors. The Swedish movement aligns with broader efforts, praying for new church planting efforts and more leaders. Swedish Pentecostals have joined with Nordic brother movements to form the Pentecostal Nordic Fellowship, addressing key issues of leadership, church planting and social involvement.
Øystein Gjerme, leader of the Norwegian Pentecostal movement (Pinsebevegelsen), is also enthusiastic about unity and collaboration among Pentecostals in the Nordic countries. Already sending missionaries to countries on four continents, Norwegian leaders are focusing on unreached groups and urban mission, while also helping migrant church leaders in Norway. Gjerme hopes to see the Church address these challenges by building caring communities.
Across Sweden and Norway, Pentecostal denominations are making historic strides toward unity in their mission to see the people of their nations recognize Jesus as Lord. Wallace adds that having more workers, even Americans, will be a critical part of these renewed efforts.
“In many countries around the world, it is not uncommon for our workers to work in partnership with Nordic missionaries,” says Wallace. “I pray that we will do the same here among their nations in the days to come. I appreciate the heart of our Nordic leaders and how they support, resource and believe together. We need more workers because, through the eyes of faith, we see the harvest coming to these vast lands.
This article was originally published in World Vision review. Used with permission.