Portugal

Portugal is known by by three F’s:  Fado, Fátima and “Futebol” (soccer). Fado is the melancholic blues of longing for the glory of the past, sung in tiny little bars after midnight. Fátima is one of the three major European shrines dedicated to Mary; “Futebol” is the most popular passion shared by the Portuguese. They are also proud of their beaches, sunshine, food and festivals. “Our food is the best, of course!” they say.

Portugal was described by one of its epic poets as a “garden planted by the ocean”, but many Portuguese think that they are in a forgotten desert. The glory of the past as the nation of the Discoverers has dimmed. The majesty of stone cathedrals does not bring life to their thirsty hearts.

Most Portuguese have a reverence for the Roman Catholic Church but struggle to see how God is relevant to their lives. Postmodernism co-exists in their minds with superstition and mysticism. There are still 45 entire counties without an evangelical church. We in TEAM wish to join efforts with the Portuguese Evangelical Alliance to reach them.

There are three TEAM Portugal ministry initiatives in the north:  1) NorteVerdadeiro, a new church plant in the university community of Braga, 2) O Caminho, a Portugese church, that is embracing the city of Ermesinde with the arms of God’s love, and 3) a counseling retreat ministry to help believers, nonbelievers, pastors and missionaries experience the abundant life in Christ.

Contact us at  infoTEAMportugal@gmail.com

Purpose Statement

TEAM Portugal exists to promote a network of healthy reproducing churches that are both relevant and lively, where people’s lives are being transformed to be like Jesus.