Three women’s prayers. That’s where the story of the Freie Evangelische Kirche in Stuttgart begins. Facing the hardships of post-World War II Stuttgart these women found solace in faith. Their friendship blossomed into a Bible and prayer group. Almost exclusively women this group met in Maria Kuhn’s living room. Ruth Dieterich and Gertrud Fischer joined Maria. They formed a close-knit community supporting each other. Ruth Dieterich’s ministry provided guidance. This group had a deep commitment to global missions. Many missionaries visited seeking prayer support. Generous donations and countless care packages went to these missionaries. The women made significant personal sacrifices.
The Freie Evangelische Kirche grew. As the founding women aged a need for a more formal church structure emerged. In 1985 Michael and Dorothee Happle joined as full-time workers. They had recently completed their missionary training. They collaborated with the founding women and the Raible couple. Young people came to faith. They formed families integrating into a warm community. This was a vibrant time. Twenty-year-olds and older generations formed the core membership. Love and gratitude were essential.
Over time leadership transitioned to a council of men. Michael Happle took on additional responsibilities. Thomas Powilleit joined in 1996 followed by his wife Eva in 2000. Joel Fey became a full-time staff member in 2012 focusing on children and youth. The Freie Evangelische Kirche continued to expand.
Initially meeting in a living room the church then used a school hall in Leinfelden. They eventually rented their first premises at Rosenbergstrasse 50/1 in Stuttgart’s western district in 1986. Growing membership necessitated expansions. In January 2000 the church moved across the street. As space again became limited a plot was secured at Zuckerfabrik 18 in Bad Cannstatt. In 2010 the current church building opened. The Freie Evangelische Kirche is now diverse in age and experience. It includes over 300 members. There are around 50 senior members numerous children and families and a young adults group.
The Freie Evangelische Kirche’s missionary focus remains strong. The church now supports 17 missionaries worldwide. Missions are central. The church has strong ties to the “Evangelium für Alle” (EfA) mission. They share the same name. They also share a similar history and mission but are organizationally separate. The Freie Evangelische Kirche prioritizes missions in Europe and around the globe. They offer prayer financial support and sending of workers. Practical support includes pastoral care and assistance during visits to Germany.
The Freie Evangelische Kirche works with various churches thanks to the “Evangelium für Alle” mission. These extend from Schleswig-Holstein to Bavaria and Southern Baden to Switzerland and Austria. There are churches in the Ludwigsburg Göppingen and Northern Black Forest areas. Each church is independent but collaborates. They hold joint events provide reciprocal assistance in preaching and engage in theological exchange. The church focuses on its mission. The acronym E.H.R.E represents five key goals. These goals are Evangelism providing a home for Christians encouraging growth of Christians empowering Christians in service and honoring God. The Freie Evangelische Kirche in Stuttgart stands as a testament to faith resilience and unwavering commitment to its mission.