When most people think of Europe, they picture grand cathedrals, ancient cities, and centuries of Christian heritage. But behind the beautiful architecture lies a sobering reality: although it was the birthplace of Western Civilization, Europe is now one of the most spiritually barren continents in the world. In most European countries, less than 3% of the population identifies as Protestant. The light of the Reformation that once shaped society has, on the one hand, been replaced by secularism and relativism, and on the other, by the rapid rise of Islam. Consequently, many Europeans can go their entire lives never interacting with a follower of Christ. Europe is post-Christian, postmodern, and increasingly indifferent—if not hostile—to the message of the cross. Christianity is often viewed as little more than a dying cultural tradition of the past.Yet God has not left himself without a witness. In the very lands that once sent missionaries to the ends of the earth, the Lord is quietly and faithfully building his Church again. With a population of almost three quarters of a billion people, many of whom are refugees and immigrants from Africa and Asia, Europe is at a unique point in history for the gospel.In Milan, where I serve as pastor, we are seeing God gather his people through the ordinary means of grace: Word, sacrament, and prayer. The gospel is being preached, souls are being nurtured, and disciples are being made. Our church is part of a growing effort to plant and strengthen confessionally Reformed and Presbyterian congregations across Italy. The goal is not merely to start local churches, but also to establish a faithful, unified Reformed denomination that can serve the next generation. Currently, there are no Reformed or Presbyterian denominations in the country. This work is slow, often unnoticed by the world, but it is also deeply encouraging. Christ promised to build his church and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it.The work in Italy is not happening in isolation. Across Europe, there is a renewed hunger among pastors and congregations for biblical fidelity and confessional unity. This is where partnerships have been invaluable. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working alongside other WSC alumni serving in various European contexts: Rev. Vincenzo Coluccia in Lecce, Italy; Dr. Zack Purvis in Edinburgh, Scotland; Rev. Mihai Corcea in Bucharest, Romania; and Fikret Böcek in Izmir, Turkey. Together, we are learning that in post-Christian Europe, cooperation is not optional, but essential.One highlight this year was participating with pas-tors Böcek and Corcea in a theological conference marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council (AD 325). Held in Izmir, Turkey, the event drew a remarkably diverse crowd: Protestants, curious non-believers, and even many Muslim theology students from nearby Islamic seminaries. The atmosphere throughout the day was very encouraging, both because of its theological precision and spiritual hospitality. Over lunch, during breaks, and throughout the panel, conversations blossomed, full of sincerity, reflection, and a desire to understand.Yet the greatest blessing came the following day, during the Lord’s Day service at Izmir Protestant Church. The liturgy was rich with Word, sacrament, and the singing of Psalms. More than fifty visitors joined the congregation, some drawn by the conference the previous day. Many heard the Gospel for the first time. The best part is that eight adults were baptized, all former Muslims who had been discipled and catechized by Pastor Böcek. It was a moment of great rejoicing, a testament to the living power of the Word in a land where Christ’s name is rarely honored.As a missionary in Europe, I am deeply grateful for the training I received at Westminster Seminary California. WSC shaped me in ways I only fully appreciate now that I am on the field. The rigorous study of Scripture in its original languages, the deep immersion in covenant theology, and the emphasis on the ordinary means of grace gave me both the convictions and the tools I need for ministry in this challenging context. More than that, WSC instilled in me a love for the church—not as a platform for personal ambition, but as the flock of Christ, purchased with his blood and nourished by his Word.The need for well-trained, confessionally Reformed pastors in Europe is immense. The fields may not appear “white for harvest” in the way we often imagine, but the opportunities are real and the doors are open. We need laborers who are willing to commit for the long haul, learn a second language proficiently, preach Christ faithfully, and shepherd God’s people with patience and love.My hope is that readers will see Europe not merely as a vacation destination or the birthplace of Western Civilization, but as a needy mission field. The same gospel that turned the world upside down in the first century is still the power of God for salvation today. Please pray for the churches in Italy and across Europe. Pray that God would raise up more workers to join in this work. And pray that through the ordinary, steady ministry of Word and sacrament, the Good Shepherd would gather his sheep, even in the most unlikely places.Rev. Michael G. Brown (MDiv ’04; MAHT ’09) is pastor of Chiesa Rifor-mata Filadelfia in Milan, Italy, anda missionary of the URCNA. He has authored and contributed to several books, including Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored, Christ and the Condition, and a commentary on 2 Timothy in the Lectio Continua series.This article is from our Fall 2025 edition of UPDATE Magazine, Local Training, Global Reach.
