Sharing the Gospel Among Farmers in Germany – by Michael Dressel

Michael Dressel and executive director Dan Janzen standing in front of a display of artifacts Dan contributed to the Answers in Genesis Museum

From northern Germany comes a remarkable story of how one farmer’s vision is transforming rural communities with the message of Christ.

In recent years, a dairy farmer in Rugendorf, Germany connected with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) and began exploring how this ministry model could be introduced to Germany and eventually to other parts of Europe. After meeting with FCFI executive director Dan Janzen, discussions are underway about building a local branch or network focused on reaching European farmers.

A Need for Clear, Biblical Teaching

In many parts of Europe, farmers face a spiritual challenge beyond the daily pressures of their work. Local churches have become increasingly liberal, often avoiding topics like sin, hell, salvation, and the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. At the same time, changes in work schedules and societal attitude have negatively influenced farmers away from regular attendance at worship gatherings. As a result, countless farmers live without hearing the full Gospel message.

Recognizing this need, the Michael Dressel decided God was calling him to take action — to start a local church and bring the Gospel directly to the countryside and to familiar surroundings.

Hosting Harvest Services in the Barn

Twelve years ago, they began holding an annual thanksgiving and harvest service in the family’s barn. Attendance started modestly, with around 80 people at the first service. Over time, word spread, and last year’s gathering welcomed more than 320 farmers and neighbors.

These services do more than celebrate the harvest; the clear message of salvation in Christ is presented, not as a cultural tradition, but as a personal and transformative faith. Through this outreach, several farmers have come to faith, started attending church, and shared the message with their families. Many testify to real change in their lives and in their outlook on farming and daily struggles.

A Vision for Wider Impact

Inspired by these local results, there is now a vision to expand this ministry across Germany. Plans include:

The goal is to build a network of farmers who can bring the Gospel to their colleagues, recognizing that farmers often hold trusted roles in rural communities and can influence their regions for good.

Hope for the Future

This emerging movement demonstrates that faith can thrive even in places where churches may feel distant or silent. By meeting farmers where they are — in barns, fields, and local gatherings — this approach offers a practical, relational way to share the hope of Christ.

As this vision takes shape, there is hope that it will inspire similar efforts not only in Germany but throughout Europe, encouraging farmers everywhere to rediscover faith and bring lasting change to their communities.

We are hoping that FCFI farmers may find ways to interact with the Dressels and encourage their ministry. Perhaps we can organize a trip to visit Germany. Let me know if you are interested in helping extend the mission of FCFI to Europe. Farmers in at least half of the countries in Europe are very oppressed by the extreme environmental agenda. They need truth and transformation. Email me at dan@fcfi.org or call me at 309 365-8710.