While Germany was the seat of the Reformation 500 years ago, Christianity today is widely perceived as irrelevant and marginalized. In Western Germany post-war affluence has been one of the major factors; in the East, it was Communism. In Eastern Germany about 80% are unchurched, and are at least a generation removed from any real Christian influence.

In both parts of the country the occult and New Age worldviews are on the rise, as well as radical groups, especially in the East. Refugees of every stripe are a growing phenomenon, as well as the increasing numbers of Muslims.

That having been said, there is a willingness or even openness to investigate the claims of Christ when strong churches with a vital evangelical witness are obviously present; this is often happening outside of the established churches. German Evangelicals in all denominations are less than 2.5 million, but are slowly growing in numbers. Between 1988 and 1993 there were 800 new free churches planted, and between 1992 and 1995 a further 228.