Reaching 'laid back' expats with Christ

The large expat population who sit around Benidorm’s bars and clubs any afternoon all year round are a strong minded, independent bunch. Thousands have made the ‘big move’ and have come to Spain for the laid back lifestyle. They look forward to no work, no time pressures, no stress.

Generally, they no longer like being told what to do, how to live their life or, especially, or what they should believe. Truth is not sought after. After many years of hard graft in the 'rat race' the prospect of a sunny climate and a cool drink, not having to think too much while watching the sunset seems irresistibly appealing - at least for a time.

Then boredom sets in - and a life which is meant to be 'used well' slides into indolence and then into sin. Days can slip by with nothing really meaningful to do except eat, drink and be merry. So there are marriage breakdowns, alcohol and drug abuse and a general lethargy and casualness about life, which is neither healthy nor edifying. Many lifestyle choices are 'normalised', atheistic worldviews and nihilism are commonplace. It is into this culture that the gospel must speak.

Such was the life of Samantha (not her real name) – who has lived as an expat in Spain for many years. She lost her husband seven years ago, increasing her loneliness. During Covid, she was caught up in a maze of conspiracy theories, occultism and new age philosophy.

In March this year, she gave her life to Christ and has been transformed. She is now full of questions about how to live as a Christian, and by God’s grace is growing up in Him. Without the local church, there would be nowhere for Samantha to bring her questions, find healthy friendships and learn the ways of the gospel.

For the Christian population there are also real cultural temptations. So the local church plays a vital role (doesn’t it everywhere?) and has to be particularly cross-cultural in its teaching; and intentional and structured in its meetings and programmes, providing numerous gateways for fellowship, discipleship and teaching. These structures act as helpful markers in the week, staging points for believers to be refreshed and encouraged.

It acts as a reminder that living in a sunny climate does not give you an ‘off ramp’ from discipleship and following Christ. His call to 'deny ourselves' never seemed more relevant.

Along with our regular programme, for seven weeks in the spring we ran a Christianity Explored course – each week diving into the helpful material and learning much from the gospel of Mark. Several newcomers attended.

Such was the encouragement that we are now following up with a Life Explored course this autumn. Regular readings, ‘homework’ and personal study all help provide the missing structure in a society which encourages licence and self-indulgence.

There are always triumphs in the midst of the turmoil!