Is it true that the Eglise Évangélique de Reveil in Geneva started with a spiritual awakening? It did. This unique church has a rich history rooted in a desire for deeper faith.
After the Reformation a new spiritual wind swept through Anglo-Saxon countries. This was in the 18th century. Pastors saw great misery from rural exodus and harsh mining conditions. They prayed. These pastors experienced the Holy Spirit. This spiritual awakening then spread to Switzerland France and Germany.
Young pastors within Geneva’s Reformed Church were also touched. They organized Bible studies in believers’ homes. The goal was to grasp the Bible’s full depth. A new experience emerged in Geneva. Individuals and groups felt touched by the Holy Spirit.
The first Évangélique de Reveil church in Switzerland was born from this impulse. It was November 20 1935. The location was on the third floor of the Reformation building in Geneva. The church held meetings in various rented halls. The most famous location was the Conservatoire de Musique on Place Neuve. There the church had a considerable impact.
Adolphe Hunziker the founder echoed George Jeffreys’ message. It was called “the Gospel to the 4 corners.” Hunziker emphasized Jesus Christ’s ministry. Jesus saves people from separation from God. This separation was caused by the fall. He heals. He baptizes with the promised Holy Spirit. The disciples received this after His resurrection. And He returns. He wants His disciples to be where He is.
The Église Évangélique de Reveil freely associates with churches in Switzerland and France. It is part of the Swiss Evangelical Network. It also belongs to the Union of Evangelical Revival Churches of France. This Union is a member of the Protestant Federation of France. Each church independently appoints its pastor. They manage their activities and assets. These associations allow them to identify as French-speaking Christian churches. They participate in joint missionary programs. They pray together.
The Union Évangélique de Reveil connects to the larger family of Evangelical Christian Churches. They praise God for His grace in Jesus Christ. They rejoice in fellowship with Him. They also enjoy fellowship with each other through the Holy Spirit.
The church affirms the Bible’s complete truth. It is God’s inspired Word. It is the only infallible rule for Christian faith life and action. The Old and New Testaments form a unique document. It cannot be modified. It reveals divine messages. The Holy Spirit gives understanding.
Église Évangélique de Reveil affirms faith in the living and unique God. He created and preserves all things. His reign is eternal. He revealed Himself to humanity. One God exists in three persons: Father Son and Holy Spirit.
The church believes in the virgin birth of God’s eternal Son. Conceived by the Holy Spirit He became human in Jesus Christ. He did not stop being God. They believe in His sinless life and miraculous ministry. They believe in His redemptive death and bodily resurrection. They believe in His ascension to God’s right hand. He intercedes faithfully. He will return to take His own. He will establish His glorious reign. Then He will judge the living and the dead.
The Église Évangélique de Reveil recognizes the necessity of repentance. People must acknowledge their sin before God. They should humbly ask for forgiveness. They must convert to Jesus Christ. Accept Him as Savior and Lord. Salvation is God’s gift. His Son made it possible by His sacrifice on the cross. He died for all. This salvation is received by faith. It will be fully seen at Jesus Christ’s return.
Remember the long road traveled by those who chose to obey God. Their common journey established a testimony. This testimony remains their reason for being. The future depends on faithfulness to the received calling. Continue the race with the Bible in hand.