Our Vision

Church planting is at the heart of the vision of ICS ever since the first chaplaincies were started or planted to reach English-speaking communities across Europe. This vision is of course an ancient one, commissioned by Jesus before ascending into heaven:  

‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’ (Mt 28:19) 

Our chaplaincies have been working faithfully to reach and minister to English-speaking people in their cities and regions, for many years this has extended well beyond resourcing expats to include English-speaking people from all over the world. We play our part alongside many other churches in Europe. However, across the continent there are many millions of people who have not heard or responded to the call of Christ. We also see a huge influx of refugees and asylum seekers, expatriates, students and professionals from other parts of the world. Who will proclaim the gospel to these people? 

ICS has launched a ten-year vision to respond to this need. It is time to refocus on planting new congregations in fertile areas where expertise and support can be mustered. We aim to plant many new Anglican congregations across major European cities and towns, to proclaim the gospel in culturally relevant ways, foster collaboration with other denominations and congregations, and become catalysts for further church plants. To achieve this vision, The Revd Canon Ben Harding (also Chaplain of Trinity Church Lyon) was recruited as the Church Planting Enabler for ICS in 2025. We look forward to Ben’s ministry alongside ICS meaning to inspire and equip church planting teams to pioneer new expressions of church alongside our existing chaplaincies working collaboratively with the Gregory Centre for Church Planting (CCX) and established Anglican church planting networks. 

Our evolving strategy focuses on three phases: Identify, Develop, and Plant. In the ‘Identify’ phase, ICS builds relationships with potential church planters, sending churches, and organizations, while addressing unique European challenges. Strategic locations, such as Liège and Bordeaux, are identified, and funding from donors and trusts is secured. During ‘Develop’, ICS nurtures these church planters through tailored training, contextual coaching, and collaboration with early adopters. The ‘Plant’ phase supports church planters to realise their plans, enable healthy growth and make plans to self-replicate in contextually appropriate ways. 

Please join us in praying for and supporting this vision as we negotiate challenges around funding and capacity, so that together we can join in with God’s multiplication of His church in Europe. And if you want to get involved, let us know and contact Ben!