April 30 – The Regeneration of French Territories through Church Networks

Today, we being praying through Theme 2: THE CHURCH OF FRANCE.

French National Council of Evangelicals (CNEF)

Location: France, including overseas territories – based in Paris

Represented by Erwan Cloarec

Together on Mission

This prayer campaign is all about “Regeneration.” With its text Together on Mission, the members of the French National Council of Evangelicals (CNEF) recently made a landmark commitment to unite their gifts and strengths for God’s mission in France under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Together they will work towards the regeneration and multiplication of French churches. 

Following what we observe in the New Testament regarding the importance of unity within churches, we know that if we want to make an impact for the Kingdom, we need to stay away from an individualistic mentality. The approach Paul uses throughout his ministry should inspire us as we seek to spread the Gospel: send, evangelize, train new disciples, plant and then strengthen new churches. As churches emerged, God would raise up new workers whom Paul would mobilize (cf. Acts 16.1-3), and the cycle would repeat. 

It seems to us that new church-planting must coincide with the care and development of existing churches. Keeping this model in mind, we aspire to grow church partnerships at national and local levels. By doing so, we can live out an evangelical witness in both urban and rural areas, so that everyone can have access to the Gospel. Let’s pray for this together!

Erwan Cloarec

Chairman, CNEF

Further information

1. The CNEF on the Impact France website: impactfrance.org/cnef 

2. CNEF website: www.lecnef.org/page/170867-le-cnef

Charis France— Location: mainly between Lyon and Dijon

Represented by Jérémie Biancheri

Current Context

The Charis Union took form during the second half of the 20th century by American missionaries of the Grace Brethren church. Today, 9 churches and 4 church plants work together to support one another and make the Gospel accessible in areas without officially established churches. After decades of relative indifference, we’re seeing a renewed interest in spiritual matters as churches work to welcome seekers and offer to help them take the next step in their faith journey. Churches used to suffer from isolation but today, most of them work in networks to better manage resources and help each other be effective witnesses, so that the Gospel can spread more effectively.

The first generation of our church planters started 5 churches in the Saône and Loire areas where the fewest Evangelical Christians in France resided. Many people were touched by the Gospel which has created lasting impact in various training institutes. The current generation of workers is revitalizing the movement as 3 churches have been planted since 2010 and 5 new projects are underway, so we are literally seeing God regenerate us. 

A young African mother with a Protestant background joins our church, discovering God’s grace and says: “I’d heard about God’s grace, and now I’ve accepted it.”

A man with a Catholic background who grew weary from searching spiritually, comes to church and accepts the Gospel. He feels “naked” before God since there are no longer clergy, rites, or sacraments keeping God at a distance. Jesus has accomplished everything and the man discovers his new responsibility to live a life of trust in God. 

May God continue to regenerate us!

Actions taken and results achieved in 2024

• Implemented a process of multiplying disciples in our churches to support new believers as they take the next step in their journey: from discovering the Gospel to taking living out their faith. We have been able to shepherd 200 new believers between 2023-2024.
• Launched a program to place new pastors into ministry with the churches in Lyon. There are now 5 new pastors in training.
• Began a holistic outreach ministry in a low-income neighborhood in Lyon. A team from the Villeurbanne church organizes sports, leisure and cultural activities to revitalize the neighborhood. Around 100 families are in contact with brothers and sisters in the church and 60. children take part in the “Horizon Camp,” where they can discover Jesus Christ.

Projects in 2025

We want to make more disciples in 2025. By 2030, we hope to train 10 new pastors for Charis Union or wherever there is need in order to support new and existing local churches.

Prayer request

Pray that our churches will make enthusiastic, radiant disciples of Jesus Christ so that the Gospel touches new lives.

Additional information

1. Charis on the Impact France website: impactfrance.org/charis 

2. Charis France website: charisfrance.fr