Sharing the Gospel in Spain a Work in Progress

Walking through Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica felt bittersweet for Rev. Guillermo Serrano. The cathedral is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2026.

On the one hand, he enjoyed experiencing the magnificent beauty, but he also lamented the fact that the building’s primary purpose seemed to be missed among all its tourists.

“It’s more like a museum than a worship center,” said Rev. Serrano, who serves as ReFrame Ministries’s Spanish ministry leader.

Rev. Serrano said that much of the church in Spain is like the Sagrada Familia—rich in its history, yet increasingly post Christian.

“Today, many people refer to Spain as a graveyard for missionaries,” said Rev. Serrano.

Media Workshops Encourage Believers

To encourage and equip those who are sharing the gospel in this difficult context, Rev. Serrano visited Barcelona and Madrid this past fall. There, he and other members of BTGMI’s Spanish ministry team led two week-long workshops centered on media ministry.

“We provided training on best practices for using social media, audio, video, blogs, and podcasts, to effectively share the message of the Gospel,” says Rev. Serrano.

“We were pleased with the outcome,” said Rev. Serrano, who added with a laugh, “although it was difficult to convince some of the men that it’s okay to use makeup when making videos.”

Rosa, who leads worship for a small church near Madrid, said, “Thanks for being so clear on the purpose of using social media to people who are in darkness. I will use my programs to continue announcing the gospel.”

“I give thanks to you and your team for coming to help,” added Pedro, who attended the workshop in Barcelona. “Preaching is the way to convey the best news to people. I learned from you that this mission is sacred.”

The Work Continues

Along with leading workshops, BTGMI’s Spanish ministry team also interviewed some of the media ministry leaders they met in order to add unique perspectives to the television and radio programs they produce.

Just like the Sagrada Familia, Rev. Serrano knows that sharing the gospel in a context in which fewer people attend church is a work in progress.

“We say to Rosa and Pedro—and our other brothers and sisters in Spain—that we have to continue on this mission,” added Rev. Serrano. “We shared with them that we have churches and believers like you who are praying for us and providing financial resources to help us continue preaching, teaching, and training believers to do the good work.”