EvangelischFreikirchlicher

Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher refers to a group of Protestant churches in German-speaking countries that identify as "free churches." This designation signifies their independence from state church structures and their reliance on voluntary membership and financial support from their congregants. Historically, these churches emerged from various revival movements and Free Church traditions, particularly Baptists and Methodists, in the 19th century.

The term "Evangelisch" highlights their commitment to evangelical theology, emphasizing the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, and the proclamation of the Gospel. "Freikirchlich" underscores their free church principles, which include congregational autonomy, believer's baptism (as opposed to infant baptism), and a separation of church and state. While diverse in their specific practices and organizational structures, these churches generally share a focus on evangelism, missions, and community service. They are often characterized by a more informal worship style and a strong emphasis on lay participation. The largest association of such churches in Germany is known as the Bund Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden in Deutschland (BEFG), which comprises Baptist and other Free Church congregations.