Affiliation:
1. Freie Theologische Hochschule / Giessen School of Theology, Giessen, Germany
Abstract
Free churches traditionally operated in a “revivalistic mode,” primarily reaching those who had already been religiously socialized. Within post-Christendom, however, they find it increasingly difficult to reach the growing segments of the population that are thoroughly unchurched. Against this backdrop, we assume that free church websites are mirrors of their ecclesial identity and missional mentality. This qualitative study of the online presence of German free church congregations not only sheds light on these churches’ basic missional mind-set but also reveals whether the well-tried “mode of revival” continues until this day or whether a more sensitive contextual awareness is already emerging.