Experiencing the Realities of Church Life in Italy

Italy, renowned for its rich culture, long history, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, holds within its borders a unique tapestry of evangelical churches. The tapestry of scattered evangelical churches in Italy is covert throughout the land, often found only in small storefronts along secluded streets. These bodies of believers, largely unknown to the everyday person living in Italy, paint a vivid picture of the challenges and intricacies of church life in Italy.

A Glimpse into Italian Church Culture

There is a stark contrast between Italy's grandeur of mega-church structures known to many worldwide and the intimate settings of most true (biblical) churches in Italy. With congregations typically ranging from 10 to 40 individuals, walking into a cozy Italian church can feel like stepping into a small cult gathering rather than a proper place of worship.

Cultural Obstacles and Surprises

For an Italian accustomed to proper food etiquette and a refined lifestyle, the informal, small, and packed settings of Italian evangelical churches can be disconcerting. The sophisticated Italian person encounters a clash of expectations when, curious about the gospel, he finds himself in unconventional church spaces that challenge the cultural norms and all he's ever known. On one hand, the familial feel of the gathering feels so right for those who claim to follow Jesus. On the other hand, it feels so wrong that the true people of God would lack proper resources and worship spaces that reflect the true majesty and power of God Almighty. It is an excruciating process for an Italian just to venture out and step foot in an evangelical church!

A Call to Action: Impacting Italy for the Gospel

As we delve into the nuanced dynamics of church life in Italy, it becomes evident that there is a profound need for furthering[1] the Gospel in Italy, supporting biblical missions in Italy, and praying for the believers in Italy. Practical Missions Cohort is committed to informing US believers about Italy's needs, teaching about biblical missions and evangelism, involving the church in the work of discipling Italy and planting biblical churches that reflect the character of God and equip families to live all of life unto Christ. There are unique challenges regarding mission work in Italy, but our Lord always makes a way when there seems to be no way[2].

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. - 2 Cor. 2: 14-16

By spreading awareness, sharing resources, and actively participating in missions, individuals and churches can significantly trigger a true reformation and transformation in this forgotten mission field. If you have come upon this post, for example, why not consider sharing it with someone else in your church? Or perhaps you can organize a small group of friends to come experience things firsthand on a PMc Vision Trip!

How You Can Make a Difference

To learn more about how you or your church can personally get involved and support missions in Italy, visit practicalmissions.org/serve. We have various avenues of participation for the everyday follower of Christ and for biblical churches looking to get involved in biblical missions to unreached people groups. Your participation and contribution can help empower local churches, spread the message of the gospel, and foster vibrant Christian communities that can grow, multiply, and transform Italy.

In conclusion, as we reflect on the intricate landscape of church life in Italy, let us be inspired to cultivate a heart of gratitude for how the Lord has blessed us with vibrant Christian churches and fellowship throughout the US. Let us also be moved to support faithful missionary labor around the world. Let us heed the words of Hebrews 13:16, "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." By God's grace, may we strive to understand better the Great Commission and the role we have in supporting Biblical Missions Proper.

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. - Luke 10: 2

Written by Jesse Schreck | founder, director, and missionary church planter in Italy with Practical Missions Cohort

Footnotes

Philippians 1: 12 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,↩︎
1 John 5: 4 - For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.↩︎