CRM - Empowering Leaders

The nation of Hungary, located in the heart of Europe, has always been an important bridge between the East and the West. From the 13th to 17th centuries, it was the eastern defense, first against the invading Tartars and later against the Turks.  Hungary was then part of the great Austro-Hungarian empire until the end of the first World War, when two-thirds of its land was taken away. After World War II, it became the western edge of the Iron Curtain. Presently, Hungarians are glad to be back where they feel they belong historically and culturally--as part of western Europe and a member of the European Union.

In spite of this, Hungarians are still wrestling to establish their own identities after the emergence from Communism in 1989.  After a brief season of spiritual openness, people turned to materialism and became impatient and discontent with the corrupt national leadership and slow growth. This, coupled with the confusion of post-modernism, has made Hungary a chaotic place where people long for authenticity and genuine role models. Although Hungary has been a "Christian" nation for over a thousand years, today only 16% of Hungarians say they attend church regularly, and most research experts estimate the percentage of evangelical believers to be only 2-5%. Hungary is a place of great opportunity for the Church and for mission, giving those with the commitment and patience to raise up and support strong, godly leaders much to do.

The capital of Hungary is Budapest, the commercial center of the nation with two million residents.  When CRM first arrived in Hungary in 1986, this beautiful, historic city was chosen as the center of missions activity, with discipleship and church planting as the primary focus. Over time, however, the team quickly realized that the future of the Hungarian church rested with national pastors and leaders, as they possessed the most potential to reach the entire nation with the Gospel. As a result, the ministry’s focus shifted to developing long-term mentoring relationships with key church leaders while also developing church planting and renewal materials to strengthen and expand the existing church. The team took on the name of "Barnabas Group" and like Barnabas in the early Church, the desire and goal became to work alongside the Hungarian "Pauls" by providing encouragement, support and training as needed. In short, the Barnabas Group works to see more and better leaders for more and better churches so that Christ may be known throughout Hungary and beyond!

This ministry is a CoNext partner. To learn more about CoNext partners, please click here.