City Church Update July 2025
Lithuania
In a region shadowed by geopolitical tension and historical trauma, the gospel is blooming. City Church in Lithuania is igniting a church planting movement in one of the least reached corners of Europe—what many call “Putin’s backyard.” Lithuania, a small Baltic nation bordered by Russia and Belarus, lives under the constant reminder of potential invasion. Yet amid this uncertainty, lives are being transformed, and Christian faith is flourishing.
The Outreach Foundation began partnering with City Church in 2023, drawn by its extraordinary ministry among Ukrainian refugees displaced by Russia’s war. Since then, The Outreach Foundation has visited the church three times—most recently in June—accompanied by teams from Crestwood Presbyterian (Midlothian, VA), First Presbyterian (Colorado Springs, CO), and Lincoln Presbyterian (Stockton, CA). Their visit included prayer walks, leadership training, and site visits to City Church’s growing network of church plants. It was a chance to witness firsthand the bold and hopeful response of believers living within arm’s reach of conflict.
A Vital Local Leader and a Global Vision
City Church stands as Lithuania’s largest single Protestant congregation and remains the only one actively planting churches in the country. With several hundred members, its size is remarkable for the context. Pastor Saulius Karosas has served faithfully for over two decades, often without pastoral support, as many Lithuanian leaders who study abroad rarely return. Those of us who have met him agree that Saul is one of Europe’s strongest Christian leaders. His leadership is one we can get behind, and the time has come to help him build future leaders.
To address this, City Church developed “Next Gen,” a leadership training institute focused on equipping church planters for ministry in post-Soviet settings. The church now oversees four plants, with a fifth emerging near Vilnius, the capital.
One of the leaders spearheading this movement is Dovaldas, a gifted organizer and host whose impact was felt deeply during The Outreach Foundation’s latest visit. “It’s always a surprise that people from the U.S. come to such a small place in God’s kingdom,” he shared. “But we become friends. We stay in contact and pray together. It’s more than support—it’s understanding.”
The team met several Next Gen leaders who joined the trip, sharing meals, ministry, and vision. “Seeing each other, interacting—that’s what expands our perspective on how God is moving,” said Dovaldas. For many young Lithuanians, the fear of proximity to Russia is real. Yet their hunger to grow in faith and leadership is contagious.
What’s Next for City Church?
Momentum is building, and there is much to celebrate. More U.S. congregations are expressing interest in forming sister relationships with City Church and its plants. Bishop Oscar Muriu of Kenya, a globally respected pastor, has taken notice—opening doors for Next Gen graduates to spend a year in Kenya while Kenyan leaders do the same in Lithuania. This two-way exchange offers rich intercultural formation.
This August 24th, City Church will host its first elder ordination, with Outreach Associate Director Tom Boone invited to speak remotely. Pastor Saul will soon relocate to Vilnius—not only to access better medical care for his special needs children, but also to lead the church’s strategic expansion into Lithuania’s urban center.
Meanwhile, the U.S. churches that visited in June are working together to bring City Church leaders to the ECO National Gathering in February. It’s a pivotal opportunity for ongoing conversation, collaboration, and vision casting.
The Opportunity
The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support the mission and ministry of City Church in Lithuania. All gifts of any size are welcome to help City Church Lithuania live out God’s call and mission for their church, not only in Lithuania but also in additional regions of the world. Your partnership helps cultivate leaders through the Next Gen Institute and extends gospel impact across Eastern Europe. You may make a gift by sending a check to the address below or you may make an online gift via the button below.