Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
What does it look like to plant and renew churches in one of the most atheistic regions of the world? And how can relational mission bring new life to the church in Europe?
In this episode, Jason Watson sits down with Oliver Ahlfeld, head of Church Planting and Revitalization for the Gnadauer Verband, Germany’s largest evangelical movement. Together, they explore how the gospel is taking root in secular spaces, what’s working in church planting across Europe, and how a relational lifestyle of faith is essential for revitalizing the church today.
Oliver shares personal stories of transformation, practical lessons from revitalized congregations, and a hopeful vision for awakening in Germany and beyond.
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Key Takeaways:
- Relational mission is the key challenge and opportunity — discipleship begins with open homes and open hearts.
- Church planting in secular spaces requires contextual creativity, from coffeehouse churches to “messy church” family gatherings.
- Revitalization starts small— even “five old ladies praying” can spark renewal.
- Collaboration across traditions matters — Pentecostals, pietists, and free churches are learning from one another through the M4 network.
- Simplify discipleship— cut fruitless programs and focus on relationships that bear gospel fruit.
- Hope for Europe — though traditional structures are declining, God is still at work, awakening His church in Germany.
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🎧 Related Episodes:
1. Revival & Renewal: Seeking Awakening Among Europe’s Younger Generations with Sarah Breuel - lausanne.org/podcast/revival-renewal-seeking-awakening-among-europes-younger-generations-with-sarah-breuel
2. Pioneer Church Planting: Establishing Churches on the Frontlines (and Why Discipleship is the Ultimate Goal) with Ron Anderson - lausanne.org/podcast/pioneer-church-planting-establishing-churches-on-the-frontlines-and-why-discipleship-is-the-ultimate-goal-with-ron-anderson
3. Planting Churches, Transforming Cities with Guna Raman - lausanne.org/podcast/planting-churches-transforming-cities-with-guna-raman
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📚 Links & Resources:
- Gnadauer Verband - gnadauer.de
- M4 Europe Church Planting Network - m4europe.com
- Joel Comiskey Group Resources on Cell Churches- joelcomiskeygroup.com
- Lausanne Movement Podcast: lausanne.org/podcast
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Guest Bio:
Oliver Ahlfeld (born 1968) currently serves as Head of the Division for Church-Planting and Revitalisation at the Evangelischer Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband e.V. (Gnadauer Verband), where he coaches teams in urban and rural Germany in launching new faith communities and renewing existing congregations. His vocational journey—from plasterer, driver, and welder to youth worker, teacher of religion, and social pedagogue—has given him a robust, cross-vocational insight into church-planting praxis. Since February 2020, he has been steering the movement of church plants and revitalization efforts in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond, helping leaders move from vision to actionable mission and vibrant community.
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
01:07 Guest Introduction: Oliver Ahlfeld
02:08 Oliver's Journey to Faith and Ministry
06:52 Challenges and Opportunities in Church Planting
10:28 The State of Religion in Germany
19:43 Success Stories in Church Revitalization
25:27 Effective Strategies for Church Planting
29:29 Introduction to Messy Church and Coffee House Movements
30:55 The Importance of Attractional and Relational Church Models
32:36 Challenges in Discipleship and Relational Lifestyle
36:56 The Need for Cultural Change in Church Programs
39:23 Empowering Believers and Developing Resilience
43:51 Encouragement for Church Planters and Leaders
47:43 Call to Prayer and Final Thoughts
What does it look like to plant and renew churches in one of the most atheistic regions of the world? And how can relational mission bring new life to the church in Europe?
In this episode, Jason Watson sits down with Oliver Ahlfeld, head of Church Planting and Revitalization for the Gnadauer Verband, Germany’s largest evangelical movement. Together, they explore how the gospel is taking root in secular spaces, what’s working in church planting across Europe, and how a relational lifestyle of faith is essential for revitalizing the church today.
Oliver shares personal stories of transformation, practical lessons from revitalized congregations, and a hopeful vision for awakening in Germany and beyond.
---
Key Takeaways:
- Relational mission is the key challenge and opportunity — discipleship begins with open homes and open hearts.
- Church planting in secular spaces requires contextual creativity, from coffeehouse churches to “messy church” family gatherings.
- Revitalization starts small— even “five old ladies praying” can spark renewal.
- Collaboration across traditions matters — Pentecostals, pietists, and free churches are learning from one another through the M4 network.
- Simplify discipleship— cut fruitless programs and focus on relationships that bear gospel fruit.
- Hope for Europe — though traditional structures are declining, God is still at work, awakening His church in Germany.
---
🎧 Related Episodes:
1. Revival & Renewal: Seeking Awakening Among Europe’s Younger Generations with Sarah Breuel - lausanne.org/podcast/revival-renewal-seeking-awakening-among-europes-younger-generations-with-sarah-breuel
2. Pioneer Church Planting: Establishing Churches on the Frontlines (and Why Discipleship is the Ultimate Goal) with Ron Anderson - lausanne.org/podcast/pioneer-church-planting-establishing-churches-on-the-frontlines-and-why-discipleship-is-the-ultimate-goal-with-ron-anderson
3. Planting Churches, Transforming Cities with Guna Raman - lausanne.org/podcast/planting-churches-transforming-cities-with-guna-raman
---
📚 Links & Resources:
- Gnadauer Verband - gnadauer.de
- M4 Europe Church Planting Network - m4europe.com
- Joel Comiskey Group Resources on Cell Churches- joelcomiskeygroup.com
- Lausanne Movement Podcast: lausanne.org/podcast
---
Guest Bio:
Oliver Ahlfeld (born 1968) currently serves as Head of the Division for Church-Planting and Revitalisation at the Evangelischer Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband e.V. (Gnadauer Verband), where he coaches teams in urban and rural Germany in launching new faith communities and renewing existing congregations. His vocational journey—from plasterer, driver, and welder to youth worker, teacher of religion, and social pedagogue—has given him a robust, cross-vocational insight into church-planting praxis. Since February 2020, he has been steering the movement of church plants and revitalization efforts in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond, helping leaders move from vision to actionable mission and vibrant community.
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
01:07 Guest Introduction: Oliver Ahlfeld
02:08 Oliver's Journey to Faith and Ministry
06:52 Challenges and Opportunities in Church Planting
10:28 The State of Religion in Germany
19:43 Success Stories in Church Revitalization
25:27 Effective Strategies for Church Planting
29:29 Introduction to Messy Church and Coffee House Movements
30:55 The Importance of Attractional and Relational Church Models
32:36 Challenges in Discipleship and Relational Lifestyle
36:56 The Need for Cultural Change in Church Programs
39:23 Empowering Believers and Developing Resilience
43:51 Encouragement for Church Planters and Leaders
47:43 Call to Prayer and Final Thoughts
