In the 19th century, Sweden was a land of contrasts. While much of society leaned toward secularism, small groups of determined believers refused to let go of their faith. These “Bible readers,” as they were called, met in secret, staying true to their beliefs even when it meant facing persecution. Their resilience and commitment to their faith eventually led many of them to leave Sweden, seeking freedom to worship in the United States.

The Birth of Converge: A Movement of Faith

These Swedish immigrants brought with them a simple but powerful faith. In 1856, they formed what would later become Converge, a movement of independent churches united by a shared mission: helping people encounter Jesus. 

Their approach was straightforward—unity on the essentials, freedom on the non-essentials and love above all. This spirit of cooperation and focus on life transformation became the foundation of a movement that would grow to include about 1700 churches across the U.S.

Over the course of a century, Converge’s impact in Sweden waned. And in the meantime, the country’s spiritual landscape has changed dramatically, making it one of the most secular nations in the world. Today, only 2% of its population of 10 million are part of an evangelical church, and over the past two decades, more than 1000 evangelical churches have closed their doors.

A Story of Perseverance: SOS Church in Västerås

Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. One such story is that of SOS Church in Västerås, led by Josef and Isabelle Arnfjell. Their journey is a testament to the impact of Converge’s work in Sweden and the power of perseverance.

In 2012, Josef and Isabelle led a small group that met in their home. They were passionate about their mission but exhausted and on the verge of giving up. 

“We actually had decided to quit,” Josef recalls. “We sat down and told our mentors, Jim and Lynn Jarman, that we didn’t have what it takes. We were done.”

But the Jarmans, who were part of Converge’s efforts to support church planters in Sweden, didn’t let them walk away. Instead, they asked a simple but profound question: “What is the Holy Spirit saying to you now?” 

That question reignited something in Josef and Isabelle. They went home, prayed and decided to keep going, trusting that their work was part of something bigger.

What started as a small gathering in their home has grown into a thriving church. Today, SOS Church meets in a large facility and regularly sees over 100 people on Sundays. But what’s even more remarkable is their commitment to sending people out. 

“It’s not about how many people come,” says Lynn. “It’s about how many people leave changed and go out to do the work of the Great Commission.”

Reigniting a Spiritual Movement in Sweden

This focus on multiplication is at the heart of Converge’s mission in Sweden. The movement isn’t just about planting churches; it’s about raising up leaders, building trust and creating communities where people can encounter faith in a personal way. 

“The culture here is based on trust,” said Johannes Stenberg, a church planting coordinator in Sweden. “When you invite people into your home, share a meal and get to know them, that’s when they start to open up. And as a result, people come to faith.”

The Arnfjells’ story is just one example of how Converge is making a difference in Sweden. Through mentorship, resources and partnerships, Converge is helping to reignite a spiritual movement in a country that once sent missionaries around the world. 

Jimmy Smith, who leads Converge’s Nordic-Baltic Initiative, sees this as a way of giving back. “One of our desires for Converge is that we would have this desire to pay back to the nation that built into us the DNA of church planting.”

But the work is far from over. Sweden still needs people willing to step up to the challenge. As Isabelle puts it, “Sweden needs people who are not afraid to be bold, to show the love of Christ and to build His kingdom here.”

A Legacy of Faith and Resilience

Converge’s history in Sweden is a reminder of the power of faith, resilience and community. From the small circles of Bible readers in the 19th century to the growing churches of today, the movement has always been about one thing: helping people encounter Jesus, one by one. And in Sweden, that mission continues, fueled by the same spirit of unity and love that started it all.