Belgium's long history is one of division between the Flemish speaking north and the French speaking Wallonian south. These two major languagees, which underscore a division that goes far beyond just linguistics but includes government, economy, culture and social life. This has also influenced the national movements of both sections of the country.

Two pentecostal movements have functioned mostly apart - until recently. In November 2025 and again in May 2026, the two movements combined in bi-lingual conferences to become unified and to join efforts in evangelism and church planting efforts.

We're believing and envisioning that God will raise up godly lawmakers within the government who are inspired with creative means to bring unity. And that our AGWM personnel across Belgium will be agents of unity, sensitive to the cultural differences, yet empowered by the Holy Spirit to see reconciliation. We are believing for Belgian believers to be peacemakers and for a desire for unity that would overcome historical and cultural differences.

With only 1.4% who are evangelical believers, most people in their lifetime will never meet someone who can explain how to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Those who identify as "Catholic" may not believe God exists and may have never even touched a Bible. For the .001% who attend mass, this ritual may be their only expression of faith. Baptism has become a point of hostility, with "debaptism" (Catholics demanding to be removed from the church roster) increasing by 300% since 2019. Secularism's emphasis on the irrelevancy of faith also impacts the 6.8% Muslim population and fuels the rise of those who identify as atheist/agnostic (30%).

Winston Churchill alluded to the unique challenge of integration or governance when he noted that "an opinion rarely satisfies both sides in this manufactured country". Ethnicity can be a first filter, claiming ultimate loyalty over national citizenship, and making patriotism a rare commodity. In 2007, for example, the prime minister launched a scandal when he inadvertently demonstrated that he was unable to sing the national anthem when asked.

Family relationships remain a high priority and communities can be fairly insular with people connecting with a tight circle of lifelong friends. As the economic epicenter of the EU, along with a convergence of international businesses, the global community gathers in Belgium.

And yet, most villages in the nation remain a Gospel desert, dotted with empty, ornate, government-funded Catholic Churches that serve mainly as tourist sites but do not attract a religion-wary populace. Large cities may contain a few evangelical churches, but thousands of towns still do not have any viable faith community, and the sheer distance blocks interested seekers from making the attempt.

The nation desperately needs a new wave of church planting. The Flemish Pentecostal movement (VVP) hovers on the verge of extinction unless a new generation of church planters can be identified, trained and equipped. Average attendance among the 40 Flemish churches is 15 people, with the vast majority of these pastored by older men nearing retirement age. CTS hopesto aid in raising up a new generation of church planters by offering theological training in Flemish within the next decade.

The French-speaking arm of the Belgian A/G (ADFB) is witnessing a slight renewal with some 200+ young people in some of their recent gatherings, and with more pastors of Belgian descent taking the lead in established churches (historically led by French pastors).

Brussels Christian Center is an international church founded by missionaries which joyfully installed a European pastor right before the pandemic. A growing team of AGWM personnel focus on church planting as the stark need of hundreds of communities who lack any Gospel presence remains in Flanders and in the Ardennes region.