Why Aix en Provence, France?

“Europe has excluded God from the public conscience in a manner unknown before now to humanity, radically contradicting Christianity and all other religious and moral traditions…There's no longer evidence for a need of God, even less of Christ…The so-called traditional churches look like they are dying." --- Pope Benedict XVI
Today in France less 1% of people claim to have and active relationship with Jesus. Enlightenment thinking caused man to question everything, and more and more faith in God was forced to the background. Instead, hedonism, multiculturalism and materialism are the supreme values. France, although materially rich, is spiritually destitute.
Most Christians are aware that the gospel came to Europe in the first century. Yet Europe itself has become a mission field again. It’s not that people have no interest; the problem is that the churches often cannot communicate to their world in a way the world can understand. Church-decline is sky-high; churches are getting older and closing their doors.
There are those in the International missions community who argue that Europe has had it’s chance; it is now the time for the unreached people groups of the world, or the people living in the 10-40 window… it goes on and on. We cannot agree with this. We do not think such thinking reflects the heart of a Father who is always looking down the road for his prodigal son to return. Our mission is to the people of Europe who are looking for real life, real spirituality, and real community - and there are lots of them! If God is a God of grace, than Europe deserves a second chance. Most Europeans alive today never had a first.
We believe that new forms of Christian expression and community are needed to reach the world of the future. As Pope Benedict XVI put it, “The so-called traditional churches look like they are dying." Most Europeans think of Christianity as an institution, rather than a life-changing message of God’s love in Jesus Christ. It is our desire for them to hear the gospel message clearly communicated and see it dynamically expressed through vital, witnessing, loving bodies of believers. Furthermore, it is our desire to see those who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord incorporated into a local church where they grow to spiritual maturity and are empowered to serve.

Europe’s influence reaches to virtually every nation on earth. Europe is at the forefront of global cultural trends philosophically, socially, artistically, and politically. To a large degree, as goes Europe, so goes the world. When we make a difference in Europe, it is felt around the world.

Aix-en-Provence, France is a unique place of ministry. The city of Aix has approximately 160,000 people, with as many as 50,000 English-speaking residents. It is home to a huge international community with a large (15,000) student population and many people on business with their families. Most are out of their comfort zone and experiencing what is commonly known as “culture shock.” Faced with these enormous changes, they are forced to think about or question things they may not have in their home culture (ie spirituality or a relationship with God).

The International Christian Community of Provence provides a place of love and grace for these people. We have had numerous conversations with people that express how much ICCP has meant to them during their time of transition. Those that would have never found themselves in a church community are drawn into the community of ICCP. ICCP seeks to be a community of grace, one for connection with God and each other.

Paul preached to the Gentiles in the hopes that the Jews would see the love they had for each other and for God and be drawn to that. We are following that pattern. We have created an English speaking international community in the hopes that the French would be drawn to the community and enter into a relationship with Christ because of it.

We are very excited about the amazing potential that this church has in reaching both the international community and the French people with the love of Christ. They need to know that God values them, they are loved, and they have a bigger purpose on this Earth. We long to be lights in this dark culture through serving our community, friendships filled with grace, and most importantly loving beyond reason. The potential for outreach and growth is staggering!