In land mass, Finland is the eighth-largest country in Europe and the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. During the summer in the far north, the sun does not set for about two months, creating the white nights of summer, and during the winter the sun does not rise for the same time. Finland has a 100-percent literacy rate and is one of Europe's most educated and prosperous nations.
The spirituality of Finland has been defined historically by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, a state church. A few decades ago, membership was held by 98 percent of the population. That shared historical connection provided a national identity fulcrum for the Finns. To them, the Lutheran Church was synonymous with Christianity. Today that connection has weakened and membership has slipped to 72 percent of Finns.
The Pentecostal-Charismatic movement is strong and grows virtually unopposed throughout all the Christian denominations. Ecumenical cooperation between churches is continually increasing.
Finns hold to a multicultural worldview promoting humanistic values. This has sidelined biblical Christianity as irrelevant dogma, better to be ignored. Some view Christianity as dangerous and contentious in their sophisticated, postmodern society.
1980
Tom and Linda Ruhkala moved to the city of Tampere in July 1980. After learning the Finnish language, they began meetings and Bible studies in their home. For five terms their ministry was conducted primarily in Finnish. They found most Finnish people to be indifferent to matters of eternity and uncomfortable speaking about their relationship to God, although they are willing to read printed materials. Tom wrote and published tracts and sermons and saw several books translated and published in Finnish. In 1996 the Ruhkalas organized a Baptist church, Perinteinen Baptistiseurakunta, with seven adult charter members.
In 2007, an English-speaking ministry directed to reach Finland’s growing international population was launched as part of the Ruhkalas’ church, whose English name became International Baptist Church of Tampere. That year, the Lord graciously provided for the small Finnish/international congregation to purchase their own meeting place in a good location.
The Ruhkalas retired in 2018, and the church (now known as Armon Baptistiseurakunta—Grace Baptist Church) is led by a capable Finnish national, whom Tom discipled. The ministry in Tampere continues to see steady progress.
The establishment of vibrant biblical churches is vitally important in a land where Christianity has been reduced to a code of ethics rather than a transformation of the heart.
We currently have no missionaries in Finland, but missionaries who are burdened for this country will find opportunities to serve. Church planters are needed to plant Bible-believing local churches in other parts of Finland. Opportunities are available to work alongside International Baptist Church’s Finnish pastor to start youth ministries, Bible institutes, camps, and radio/TV ministries that they could wholeheartedly recommend to the Finns. Also, most of the Christian literature currently published in the Finnish language promotes the views of either the Lutheran state church or the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement and is therefore unprofitable to their ministry. Opportunities for Christian service are unlimited.
Finnish believers need media tools to help them grow and spread the gospel in their spiritually needy land. There is a need to start radio and/or TV ministries. Book publishing is also a need as most of the Christian literature currently published in the Finnish language promotes the views of either the Lutheran state church or the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement.
The need for biblical Christianity in Finland is great. Finland’s state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, has grown cold and is losing members. This void has been met by experienced-based religion and unbiblical doctrine. While spiritually lost, Finns are among Europe’s most educated people. The door is open, and God desires to empower willing servants.
Are you skilled in media ministry? God has a place for you in Finland. Follow His lead and let us help. Contact us today!
BMM’s Finnish partners are seeking those qualified to lead the launch of a Bible training program to help them raise up trained disciples that can carry the work forward. Missionaries desiring to participate will work alongside a Finnish pastor and the congregation in his town.
The need for Bible-believing churches in Finland is great. Finland has historically had a state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, that has grown cold and is losing members. This void has been met by experienced-based religion and unbiblical doctrine. While spiritually lost, Finns are among Europe’s most educated people and desire to learn.
Your skills and training in theological education can be used for God’s glory in Finland. If you are willing and desiring to serve long-term here and learn the language and culture, trust God to prepare the way. Complete our Next Steps form to get started today.
BMM’s Finnish partners need your help to launch a camp ministry which will reach children, teens, and adults. Work alongside a Finnish pastor and the Baptist church in Tampere to launch this important tool.
The need for Bible-believing churches in Finland is great. Finland has historically had a state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, that has grown cold and is losing members. This void has been met by experience-based religion and unbiblical doctrine. Camp ministry with its unique relational approach and natural setting can be an effective tool to meet the spiritual need.
If you are interested in camp ministry abroad and have experience, contact us. God’s promise of His presence is certain. Will you obey His command to go?
BMM Europe is seeking missionaries who are willing to work alongside a Finnish pastor to reach Finland’s youth. Youth outreach in Finland uses a variety of methods and means to establish relationships. One-on-one discipleship remains most effective.
The need for Bible-believing churches in Finland is great. Finland has historically had a state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, that has grown cold and is losing members. This void has been met by experienced-based religion and unbiblical doctrine. While spiritually lost, Finns are among Europe’s most educated people.
If you are a team-oriented servant and willing to patiently learn Finnish culture and language, you will fit well in this work. Shape Finland’s future through reaching her youth. Take the next steps by contacting us today.
Finland needs those willing to partner with a Finnish Baptist church to establish more churches in the country. BMM missionaries have established a work in Tampere that desires to reproduce itself and pour more evangelical resources into this dark culture. The need for Bible-believing churches in Finland is great. Finland has historically had a state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, that has grown cold and is losing members. This void has been met by experienced-based religion and unbiblical doctrine. While spiritually lost, Finns are among Europe’s most educated people.
Those trained and experienced in ministry and willing to follow Christ to make disciples in Finland should contact us today.