Church Planting in the Post-Modern West

Behind Paris’s beauty lies a deep spiritual need. A City of Light follows local pastors and their churches as they bring gospel hope to one of Europe’s most secular cities.

This in-depth documentary explores what it means to plant churches in a Post-Christian culture—where Christianity is often seen as antiquated, foolish, or even offensive. Through vulnerable testimony, historical reflection, and biblical conviction, this film captures both the struggles and the joy of planting churches in Paris.

Full Documentary Premieres November 1st, 2025

Ways to Pray

In response to A City of Light, let the following list guide your prayer for the city of Paris and the churches represented in the film.

Paris

Pray that the Lord would give Parisians eyes to see and ears to hear. Pray that he would send many more gospel-believing, church-centered workers into the harvest field, and that French churches would be strengthened and multiplied.

Église de la Montagne | 5th Arrondissement

This French-speaking congregation held its first service in September of 2025. Join them in gratefulness for the provision of a meeting space. As they seek to bless their neighborhood, pray for creativity, proximity, and energy for the church leaders and members. Pray also for the salvation of the students who are participating in weekly introductory studies of the Bible.

Église Saint-Lazare | 9th Arrondissement

This French-speaking congregation has outgrown the walls of the cinema and recently moved to a larger auditorium. As the church increases in number, pray for the development of leaders and elders, the increase of internal giving, and a greater love for their neighbors. Pray that the pastors would be filled with vision, patience, and love from the Lord for their church.

Emmanuel International Church Rive Gauche

Pray for this English-speaking congregation planted in 2023, which seeks to engage the 3-4 million English speakers, including expats, students, and refugees living in Paris. As EIC Rive Gauche expands its vision to include two services and locations, pray for another building that would be willing to host their congregation and the establishment of an elder team to shepherd the church well.

Ways to Give

Are you interested in financially supporting the gospel work in Paris?

Listed below are a few ways to partner with the churches and pastors of the film:

Église Saint-Lazare

Give

Église de la Montagne

Give

Emmanuel International Church, Rive Gauche

Give

Endorsements

  • “A City of Light captures the urgency and beauty of difficult gospel work in Paris, a big city with only a small evangelical presence. Watch it, and you'll be provoked in your spirit and stirred in your heart—to pray and partner with laborers in this harvest, with faith that the good news of Jesus will one day radiate from global cities.”

    Trevin Wax | Vice President of Resources and Research, NAMB

  • “I watched this documentary in Atlanta as I headed to Copenhagen to encourage church planters and other Christians in some of the world’s most secular cities. As these interviews show, their work is important and difficult. It’ll bring you to the end of yourself, where you meet God’s calling and provision. They do not bear this burden alone. I pray more will go to join in this work, in Paris or Copenhagen or another similar city. For the rest of us who stay, may this documentary bring us to pray more fervently and provide other tangible support to these brothers and sisters in Christ.”

    Collin Hansen | Editor in Chief, The Gospel Coalition

  • “A City of Light left me stirred and galvanized. In 40 minutes, I caught a glimpse of what God is doing in one of the world's most iconic—but famously secular—cities. Nothing I could watch on Netflix would be nearly as edifying as this. I love how the film incorporates analysis of French history and its contemporary post-Christian culture, alongside glimpses into the good gospel work being done. The result is an inspiring, well-made film that will inspire you to pray for and support these faithful gospel sowers in the hard soil of the City of Light.”

    Brett McCracken | Senior Editor, The Gospel Coalition

  • “Paris has long been an epicenter for the global spread of atheism. But what if it could be turned into a hub for the spread of the gospel? This video beautifully shows the great spiritual need there—and the opportunities, if its churches can be supported.”

    Michael Reeves | President and Professor, Union School of Theology

  • "City of Light is an insightful and inspirational film. But it's also a beautiful film. Yes, it's beautifully produced. Yes, it's about a beautiful city, but it's more than that. It's beautiful because its focus is on God's church, which is truly beautiful.'

    Dr. Daniel Strange | Crosslands Forum, Fellow, Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics