“What does it mean to belong?”
That is a question many have asked within the walls of the Église Évangélique Baptiste de Lyon. It is a question that echoes through its history. The Église Évangélique Baptiste has a rich past.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Lyon in 1850. A group of believers sought a space. They wanted to practice their evangelical faith. They declared the opening of a local. It was for evangelical worship. This marked an early chapter.
Years passed. The Église Évangélique Baptiste de Lyon was officially established in 1906. It became a Cultuelle Association. The church continued to evolve.
In 1928 the Église Évangélique Baptiste de Lyon embraced a group from Villefranche. This group had been active since the century’s beginning. The Lyon church welcomed them. This union strengthened their community.
Life wasn’t always easy. In 1951 the church rented space on Rue Boiron. For over two decades they had been guests. A barrel maker housed them. He offered half of his home’s upper floor. Imagine church services amidst the scent of aging wood.
The Lyon and Villefranche groups became financially independent in 1962. The Église Évangélique Baptiste de Villefranche joined a larger association. It was the Association Évangélique d’Églises Baptistes de Langue Française. The Lyon group sadly disappeared in 1980.
However, the spirit of the Église Évangélique Baptiste de Lyon was resurrected. In 2007 the church found a permanent home. It is located on Rue du Nizerand. This is where it stands today.
Today the Église Évangélique Baptiste de Lyon extends a warm welcome. It invites all whom the Lord leads to them. The goal is to grow together. They want to be like Jesus.
What does this look like in practice? Two services are held every Sunday morning. They start at 9:30 and 11:15. During the summer there is a single service at 10:00. These services take place at 85 cours Vitton.
Families are well catered for. There is childcare available. It is for the very young. There are also activities for children. They are divided by age groups. These go up to 18 years old.
Each Sunday offers a similar structure. There are songs and prayers. The congregation expresses thanks to God. There is also biblical teaching. This is called preaching. The Bible addresses modern issues. It shows God’s relevance today.
Every other Sunday the church celebrates the Lord’s Supper. This is also called the Holy Communion. Bread and wine or grape juice are shared. It remembers Christ’s death and resurrection. Anyone trusting in Christ can participate. They do so according to their conscience.
Small groups meet during the week. These offer deeper connection. They study the Bible together. They discover God’s love in daily life.
The Association Baptiste pour l’Entraide et la Jeunesse is active. It distributes sandwiches to the homeless. It gives food parcels to families in need.
The Église Évangélique Baptiste confesses a faith in ten essential points. These include belief in one God. They believe in the Holy Scriptures. They believe in creation and humanity. They believe in Jesus Christ and salvation through him.
The Église Évangélique Baptiste de Lyon is part of several national organizations. These include the Fédération des Églises Évangéliques Baptiste de France.
Two pastors currently lead the church. Kévin Le Levier focuses on small groups. Thomas Poëtte manages external relations. He also oversees administration.
So as you stand before the Église Évangélique Baptiste de Lyon remember its journey. It is a story of faith, community, and enduring hope.