Did you know the Gospel Forum in Stuttgart began its journey long before its current impressive building? Its roots trace back to Paula Gassner a remarkable missionary. Returning from England she established prayer groups in Bad Cannstatt between 1935 and 1937. These groups later formed the foundation of the Gospel Forum.
The Gospel Forum Stuttgart also known as the Biblische Glaubensgemeinde or BGG is a vibrant free church. It’s part of the charismatic and neo-charismatic movements. Imagine the challenges faced by Paula Gassner during the Nazi era. She skillfully preserved the Christian community working underground from 1936 to 1944. One incredible story tells of a seemingly miraculous healing. In 1937 a man paralyzed for nine years Friedrich Walker was reportedly healed.
After World War II open-air services took place on Cannstatter Wasen and Schlossplatz. It was here Paula Gassner met Karl Friedrich Fix. They collaborated in an international mission affiliated with the Pentecostal movement. However their partnership ended in 1951 due to theological differences.
In 1955 Paula Gassner founded the Biblische Glaubensgemeinde. Initially services were held in various locations including the Linden-Museum. Baptisms even took place in Cannstatt’s city swimming pool. The construction of a mission house with a large assembly hall in Talstrasse 70 began in 1964. This became the Gospel Forum’s headquarters until 2015. It was a small center but it played a significant role in the growth of the church.
Paula Gassner led the BGG until her death in 1981. She was a unique figure a woman preacher leading a Pentecostal congregation. After her passing membership dwindled to under 100. Peter Wenz became pastor in 1984. Under his leadership the Gospel Forum underwent a spiritual renewal. This led to significant growth and the need for larger venues.
By 1992 the church had 1000 members. The Gospel Forum’s current impressive building in Junghansstrasse was completed in 2001. It boasts a capacity of 2500 people. It includes a Bible school youth and children’s areas a sports hall and underground parking. This architectural masterpiece serves as a central gathering place for the congregation. This modern facility represents the remarkable evolution of the Gospel Forum. Today it’s a thriving community hosting services in multiple languages with thousands of attendees. Its contributions extend beyond Stuttgart. The Gospel Forum actively participates in community projects and international missions demonstrating its significant impact on the city and the world.