In 1994 a group of pastors returned to Milan. They had a dream to start a new church in the north of the city. The Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Gesù Vive was born. On September 4th 1994 their first service was held. Pastor Angelo preached. The title of his sermon was I have given you (Joshua 1:3-9). This marked the beginning of the church’s ministry. Early services were held in a home. The church was officially established on October 12 1994.
As the congregation grew they needed more space. Services moved from homes to rented rooms in Milan. The need for a permanent building became urgent. Finally in September 1995 the church found a home in Quarto Oggiaro. The church continued to grow. The first baptisms were performed. In September 2000 Sandra Porro left her secular job. She dedicated herself to full-time church work focusing on children’s ministries. Emanuela Schipani joined as a secretary in January 2002.
A significant event occurred on June 27 2002. Pastor Angelo was appointed Minister of Worship. This meant that marriages performed by him now had civil legal status. In March 2003 small group meetings or “cell groups” began. This allowed members who lived far from the main church building to connect during the week. In January 2004 the church moved to larger premises in Baranzate. The new building offered 1000 square meters of space. The first service in the new location was held on January 4th 2004.
That New Year’s Day Pastor Angelo and a group of believers received a message. It spoke of entering a new “territory”. Deuteronomy 11:10-12 spoke of a land different from Egypt. It was a land that needed nurturing and care. This message signified a new phase of growth. The new location was ready to receive God’s word and bear abundant fruit. Today the Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Gesù Vive boasts over 300 members and around fifteen “home groups”. It stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community.