East Dijon Church

A Church That’s Grown Beyond Its Walls

The East Dijon Church, part of the Charis Alliance in France, has outgrown the building that has faithfully served its needs since 2002. 

Church membership continues to grow each year, with this year’s nine new members pushing the total over 60, along with a number of non-members and unbelievers attracted to the worship services. Because of this, their 80 chairs are often full. As they strive to create a welcoming space for congregants and community members through various ministries, such as an annual women’s clothing swap and Christmas programs that attract many unbelieving visitors as well. 

But the ministry and mission of the church are held back by limited space. Even more, uninsulated walls eat away at the budget due to extra heating costs, certain windows are impossible to open, and the ceiling is starting to fall apart. 

The building is already much more than a physical place. It represents conversations that linger long after the service has ended, meals shared around tables packed tight with chairs, and newcomers being welcomed and remembered by name. Countless times, these newcomers have turned into long-term members who stay thanks to the family they have found. 

A larger building will allow the church to nurture the relationships, already at the foundation of their mission. As owners of their current property, they plan to demolish the building and build a new one, increasing their space from approximately 2,150 sq ft. to 4,300 sq ft. 

Where Young Faith Takes Root

Their spatial challenges also extend to their youth programs. They believe that young people are not the future of the church but are active participants today. Yet a small church building means these children and youth don’t have the space they need to flourish and reach their full potential—in their relationships with one another and with Christ. 

For example, in one class, 15 kids are packed into a 110–130 ft2 room. More space would allow these children to integrate into the very life of the church, finding and claiming their own place within it instead of watching from the side. 

United by a Shared Mission 

To keep costs down, the church members are committed to doing as much of the work as possible themselves, but the project is still a significant step of faith. Their goal is to raise about $58,000 (of the total $780,000) from outside donors.

The East Dijon Church is amazed and overjoyed by what God has provided in the last 20 years, and while they await God’s continued providence, they ask you to join by helping build not just a physical building but a home and a community for God’s people. 

Would you prayerfully consider contributing to the East Dijon Church’s ministry and mission?