April 28– Christian Local Economic Development

EMERGENCE 32

Location: Auch (32)

Represented by Xavier Dufour

Current Context

New connecting spaces for a new way of living as the Church

Over several years now, we have been observing new places where daily life takes place. Known as “tiers-lieux,” translated “third-places,” they are springing up all over France. Figuring in between the workplace and the home, they encourage encounters with others, knowledge-sharing, and the experience of “doing things together.” Accessible to all, these ‘third-places’ open up unique prospects for connection, promoting social intermingling and responding to the emerging needs of our contemporary societies.

Against this backdrop, many churches in France have created and developed spaces such as coworking zones, private offices, training rooms and themed workshops. These initiatives respond to specific needs identified in their respective areas. Motivated by the desire to serve their neighbors and have a wider social impact, Christian communities are mobilizing to create new spaces for living and connecting, rooted in Christian values. 

The EMERGENCE 32 association, located in Auch (southwest France, near Toulouse), illustrates this dynamic. In September 2023, this ”third-place” center, initiated by Réseau Nouvelles Connexion (or RNC, meaning New Connections Network), opened its doors in the heart of the city’s historic center.

Since its inauguration, EMERGENCE 32 has welcomed a diverse public: individuals, professionals, young and old. The center offers themed workshops, notably on IT, social networking, and foreign languages. These activities encourage the sharing of knowledge while meeting the concrete needs of participants. The interactions that take place there help to forge links, develop professional projects, and contribute to a dynamic that fosters hope and solidarity.

In a gloomy economic climate, this place presents itself as an oasis of hope, faith and love. Many participants have also had the opportunity to discover the Christian faith, by taking part in worship services and embarking on a spiritual journey with God. This authentic encounter between the Church and individual concerns highlights the importance of opening up spaces for sincere, relational dialogue.

In addition, EMERGENCE 32 has developed momentum among Christian entrepreneurs in the city of Auch. Twice a month, professionals of different backgrounds and ages meet to exchange ideas, and encourage each other.

Driven by Christian values and the desire to embody the kingdom of God, the initiators of these projects demonstrate creativity and adaptability to meet needs on the ground. These innovative, open spaces build bridges between people, while reflecting the love and hope of the Christian faith.

Xavier Dufrour

Pasteur – Project manager – Emergence 32

Prayer requests

1. Pray that “third-places,” will emerge in new neighborhoods, touching even more lives, and that men and women will rise up to be present in these communities, bearing witness to God’s unconditional love through their hospitality and professionalism.

2. Pray that the necessary financial resources will be provided so that these “third places” will not only endure over time, but thrive and multiply, and that the people benefiting from these spaces can discover real life and be transformed by hope and faith.

Further information

1. EMERGENCE 32 on the Impact France website: impactfrance.org/emergence32 

2. EMERGENCE 32 website: www.emergence32.fr