The South France Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church inaugurated Espace Potenciel, in Lyon, France, on January 19, 2025. This center of influence welcomes young people, particularly students, to a friendly and relaxed environment.

Espace Potenciel has implemented an alternative approach to traditional church formats to reach an audience that is often wary of religious institutions. It offers a space for work, connection, and relaxation, as well as recreational activities, debates, and spiritual moments.

The pastoral team offers counseling and listening sessions for young people in spiritual search. This support is intended to be respectful and caring, based on Christian values.

Espace Potenciel will also serve as a meeting place for the Youth Alive group in Lyon. This Adventist General Conference (GC) program addresses themes related to personal development and mental health, and is aimed at young people, believers, and non-believers. The GC is the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The project is led by Lucas Rosamond, manager and chaplain of Espace Potenciel, supported by the pastoral team in Lyon and Skovamiléna Rosamond, in charge of communication. Many volunteers contribute to the management and implementation of the activities. The initiative benefits from the financial support of the GC, the Franco-Belgian Union, the France Sud Federation, and local churches.

The inauguration brought together representatives of local churches and the Board of Directors of the South France Conference, as well as various personalities. Adventist leaders dedicated Espace Potenciel to helping young people discover their potential and give meaning to their lives by committing themselves to serving others. The center's slogan,“To see higher,” expresses leaders' ambition to raise the gaze of young people and inspire them to live in the image of a “church outside its walls.”

The original article was published on the Franco-Belgian Union news site.