Montenegro is one of the smaller countries in Europe and the last one to receive the gospel. With a population of about 650,000 and only 300–400 Christians in the whole country (of whom 70–80 are native believers), it is among the least evangelized nations in Europe. “But the last will be first, and the best wine is kept for the end.”

The first missionary to come to Montenegro was Dušan Kljajić from Serbia in 1989, followed by Vladimir Čizmanski in 1991. Dušan began his work with one elderly couple and my wife Vesna (Miličković) Novaković, who was among the first converts. Together they succeeded in starting the first Protestant Evangelical church in 1996.

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After graduating from the Faculty of Theology in Serbia, Vesna returned to Montenegro. She became the first female elder, later a pastor and teacher. She walked through every stage of church life and eventually became the first female leader who was also Montenegrin by birth. As the first native Montenegrin in many areas of ministry, Vesna also translated more than 25 Christian books from English into our language. With her faith and devotion to the Lord, she planted another church community in 2014, which I now lead as pastor. Sadly, she passed away prematurely in 2023, but she left behind a spiritual inheritance—an eternal seed that will bear fruit in God’s time.

At present, Montenegro has seven registered churches (the first four of which are situated in the capital, Podgorica):

1. Hrišćanski centar “Svetionik” (Lighthouse Christian Center) – led by Dragan Novaković (Me)

2. Jevanđeoska Crkva “Riječ Božja” (Evangelical Church “Word of God”) – led by Vladimir Čizmanski

3. Crkva Hristovog Jevanđelja (Christ Gospel Church) – led by Boris Ćurčić

4. Zajednica Jevanđelja Isusa Hrista (Gospel Fellowship of Jesus Christ) – led by Siniša Nadeždin

5. Hrišćanska zajednica “Mozaik” (Christian Fellowship Mozaik) – led by Danijel Stračinski, in the coastal town of Bar

6. Biblijska Hrišćanska Zajednica (Bible Christian Fellowship) – led by Staniša Šurbatović, in Nikšić

7. Crossroads Church – led by Vukašin Baošić, also in Nikšić

In addition, there are several small groups and house fellowships meeting as Non-Governmental Organizations in coastal towns (Bar, Sutomore, Kotor, Budva, Kamenari) and in the northern city of Berane.

Despite denominational differences, for the last two years we have been meeting together once a month as churches and congregations, praying for unity and for an awakening in our nation. We also stand united before the government, as we are currently in negotiations with the state of Montenegro about signing an official agreement on cooperation and recognition as Evangelical Christians.

Next year we are preparing a gospel concert together in the main square of the capital, and next month we will hold a national Christian conference with international speakers. Every weekend, my church community also goes out to the city squares, preaching the gospel openly.

I believe all of this is preparation for the revival that God will bring in His time.

Our churches are still small in number, and without a move of God we cannot have a greater impact on this land. Since we are the first generation of Christians in Montenegro—and our children are the first generation to be raised in Christian homes—we carry a great responsibility both toward them and toward new believers, to lay a strong foundation in Christ for future generations.

And if necessary, we are ready to lay down our lives for Christ, just as my wife Vesna did. Glory to the Living God. Amen.

By Dragan Novaković