On 6 and 7 May, the Southern Europe Assemblies of God Fellowship (SEAGF), established in 2011, brought together leaders to share experiences and resources, as well as to strengthen joint communication and future strategies across the continent.

National Pentecostal theological seminaries agreed to work towards increased academic collaboration, as well as an International Day of Prayer in September 2026.

The focus of the meeting, attended by around fifteen representatives, was on “service and sacrifice” as they look towards a future in which they anticipate even more Pentecostal churches being planted across Europe.

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In 2024 alone, 452 new Assemblies of God churches were planted on the continent, a significant increase compared to previous years.

The situation in Italy, Spain, Portugal and France

The Assemblies of God in Italy spoke of the growth of churches, baptisms and missionary opportunities, but also of the challenge posed by the retirement of around 200 pastors from their churches over the next decade.

Representatives of the Pentecostal movement in Spain (with around 600 churches and mission points) highlighted the generational renewal of church leadership against a backdrop of an “urgent need for spiritual revival in the nation”. A key aspect of “renewal and vision” is the National Congress of the Assemblies of God in Spain, which broke attendance records in 2026.

Portugal has some 400 Assemblies of God churches and a notable presence on the ground. As in other parts of Europe, secularisation and the revitalisation of historic churches are identified as needs. The urgency of training new leaders and “contextualising evangelism to reach the growing immigrant communities from India, Nepal and Bangladesh” was also raised.

France representatives spoke about the vibrant Christian faith of many young Christians across the country, which will be displayed at the event 'Called' later this year, in which 8,000 are expected. The cultural and theolofical diversity of the coutry continues to be a challenge as the Assemblies of God seek more unity among their churches. 

Taking a broader view, participants agreed that Europe “needs to move from a mindset of maintenance to a mindset of multiplication”. The Assemblies of God’s ‘MM33’ vision, focused on 2033—a symbolic date in Christianity—aims to improve leadership training, plant new congregations and develop structures geared towards the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

Looking ahead to the World Congress in Ghana

The meeting served to strengthen personal bonds among the fifteen or so participants through times of prayer, worship and devotions. A new executive committee was also elected, comprising Yan Fontaine (chair), Gaetano Montante (vice-chair) and Isaac Reis (secretary).

“Beyond the reports and strategies, the gathering reflected a shared desire to walk together as one body, strengthening fellowship between nations and keeping alive the Pentecostal passion for reaching Europe for Christ,” explained the magazine Fiel of the Assemblies of God in Spain on its website.

Beyond Europe, the Assemblies of God globally is preparing for the 2026 World Congress in Ghana, which will feature plenary sessions, practical workshops, planning sessions and networking. The last Global Congress was held in Madrid in 2023, and Evangelical Focus reported from the field.