Faith
God’s Call to Renew Europe’s Faith
Faith Facts
- Rev. Jan C. Wessels urges European Christians toward repentance and renewal by 2026.
- He warns against eroding religious freedom, church disunity, and the rise of nationalism and materialism.
- Wessels calls for faithfulness, unity, and true discipleship to confront these challenges.
God has not withdrawn His presence from Europe, even as society faces significant trials.
Rev. Jan C. Wessels, Co-General Secretary of the European Evangelical Alliance, asks if the church is ready to repent and follow God’s lead in these times.
In his address, Wessels highlights spiritual and societal divides, such as religious freedom being threatened and increasing secularization.
He also notes a positive movement toward stronger discipleship and outreach, particularly among youth and newcomers to Europe.
“Europe stands at a decisive moment in its history.”
“The continent that once sent missionaries across the world now finds itself a mission field again — contested, fragmented, restless, yet deeply loved by God.”
“The year 2026 confronts European Christians with urgent challenges that demand spiritual discernment and prophetic courage.”
“But it also presents God-given opportunities that call for repentance, renewal, and faithful obedience.”
He describes a battle for the soul of Europe—one rooted in both ideas and spiritual struggles.
Wessels warns that foundational freedoms tied to the biblical worldview, such as religious liberty, are at risk in a time of rising hostility to faith.
“It is a war against foundational Western values such as freedom of religion or belief, values that did not emerge accidentally but were forged in societies shaped by the biblical vision of human dignity and responsibility before God.”
“Today these freedoms are increasingly eroded by autocratic impulses, cultural hostility toward faith, and the stigmatization of Christian convictions.”
Referencing Romans 1:18, he stresses that when truth is replaced by wickedness, injustice arises.
Wessels affirms defending religious freedom as a way to protect the Gospel and the dignity of every person.
Confronting division within the church, Wessels mourns the growing disunity among believers over issues of baptism, church roles, and human sexuality, which undermines Christ’s message of reconciliation.
“Jesus’ words cut sharply through our ecclesial debates.”
He reminds the church of Luke 11:17:
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined.”
“Truth matters — but so does love.”
“Orthodoxy without humility becomes a clanging cymbal.”
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Wessels continues, drawing on 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, that all Christians carry the ministry of reconciliation.
He says the church should storm division with Christ-like humility and unity.
Addressing nationalism, he notes that while patriotism is not wrong, making nationhood ultimate transgresses the Kingdom call, and reminds: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20), and God’s saving love reaches the whole world.
He cautions the church against adopting fear and exclusion, warning that prioritizing borders over people opposes the very heart of the gospel.
Materialism and comfort, even inside the church, are highlighted as dangers; these diminish sacrificial discipleship and contradict Christ’s humility and service.
He cites Matthew 6:24:
“Jesus’ warning remains prophetic: ‘You cannot serve both God and Mammon.’”
Finally, Wessels urges European Christians to consider their responsibility for the stewardship of God’s creation, warning against ignoring the cries of the earth and the impact on global neighbors.
This is a time for repentance, courage, and prophetic obedience so the church can bear faithful witness to Christ in a changing Europe.
Faithful discipleship rooted in Biblical values is the path leading our families, nations, and continent back to God’s freedom and hope.