Why Europe Continued...

Church attendance in non-Catholic denominations has declined from 10% in 1900 to 3.4% of the population in 2000.  Just the term ‘Protestant’ has a political connotation. Yet the Church of Ireland (Anglican), the Presbyterian Church, the Methodists and the Baptists have all seen growth. A new survey conducted by the Evangelical Alliance Ireland in 2005 shows that the 30,000 people attending Evangelical churches, up from 10,000 in 1995. The survey goes on to report that in the last 25 years 63% of all Evangelical Chruches have been started.  There are 400 Evangelical Churches in Ireland.

Ireland is a young country, with half of its population of 4 million under 30 years old. Today, these young people are turning away from the Church. Their spiritual need is underlined by the dramatic rise in suicides, unwed mothers and marriage breakdowns. They are responsive to the gospel when they see it’s relevance for their life.  By reaching this group we impact the country and by impacting the country of Ireland, we can then in turn reach Europe.

**Evangelical – Christians who are committed to a belief in the power of Jesus Christ & His message to transform people’s lives, to a need to share that message with others, & to the Bible as our final authority. Defined by the director of the Evangelical Alliance Ireland.