“Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live rooted and built up in him.”
Evangelical Focus recently reported that evangelical Christianity has emerged as the clear majority among Protestants in France. According to a study by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP), 58% of practicing Protestants now belong to evangelical churches, rather than traditional denominations such as the Reformed or Lutheran churches.
Among Protestants under the age of 35, 53% identified as “evangelical”, while only 47% described themselves simply as “Protestant.” In contrast, among those 35 and older, 74% identified as “Protestant,” and only 26% chose the term “evangelical.”
The spread of evangelical belief also shows a clear connection to socioeconomic background. Just 15% of those in the upper-income bracket identified as evangelical, while 46% of those in the lower-income group did. Evangelical affiliation also increased among those with lower levels of education.
The growth of evangelical denominations in France is particularly striking. In 2010, 56% of Protestants were affiliated with Reformed or Lutheran churches, but by 2024, that number had dropped to 38%. Meanwhile, those identifying with evangelical churches rose from 23% to 33%, and Pentecostals more than doubled—from 5% to 13%.
Religious practice in France is increasingly being seen as a personal choice, rather than something tied to traditional affiliations. Among Protestants under 35, only 19% attend church at least once a month, compared to 27% among those over 35. Weekly worship attendance has declined across all age groups—from 38% in 2010 to 28% in 2024.
At the same time, online worship is growing. 14% of respondents said they attend online services multiple times a month, and 11% attend once a month. This shift reflects how religious life is adapting to changes in the digital environment.
The growth of Protestantism in France is largely being driven by converts from outside the Protestant tradition. In 2010, 21% of Protestants were not from Protestant families; by 2024, that figure had grown to 25%. Notably, 72% of converts said they were previously Catholic, up from 59% in 2010. 31% of respondents said both parents were Catholic, highlighting the ongoing trend of religious transition from Catholicism to Protestantism.
Experts note that evangelical faith in France is not simply inherited tradition, but rather a personal decision rooted in individual conversion and conviction. The data reflects the continued expansion of evangelical Christianity within French Protestantism, particularly among younger generations and those in lower-income communities. (Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper Edited)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:6-8,NIV)
God, we praise You, Lord, for increasing evangelicals among young and low-income people in France, where secularism and anti-Christian ideas are prevalent. We confess that the church with the Lord as its head is not explained by tradition or denominations but only by Jesus Christ. Let the Church of France be rooted and established on the foundation of the Gospel of the Cross and rise further to the church of Jesus in Christ. Let France and all nations be filled with gratitude through the church that stands firm in faith so that the Lord of Salvation may be glorified.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
