The Swiss Reformation: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Christ the Center

In this episode of Christ the Center, we’re joined by Kurt Vetterli, pastor of an ERKWB congregation in Basel, and Florian Weicken, pastor of an EPCEW congregation in Zürich, for a rich conversation on the legacy and ongoing work of the Swiss Reformation.

We begin with a guided historical survey of the Reformation in Zürich and Basel, highlighting key figures such as Huldrych Zwingli, Johannes Oecolampadius, and Heinrich Bullinger. From the Affair of the Sausages to the formation of the Second Helvetic Confession, we explore how these cities shaped the theology, worship, and church life of the broader Reformed tradition.

Turning to the present, Kurt and Florian share about their ministries in Switzerland today—what gospel ministry looks like in a post-Christian context, the challenges and encouragements they experience, and how the Reformation heritage still speaks into their work.

We conclude with a call to pray for the Reformed churches in Switzerland and to consider how listeners might support or participate in this important kingdom work.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 06:50 The Historical Context of the Swiss Reformation
• 21:01 Challenges Facing Confessional Swiss Churches Today
• 24:21 The Legacy of Zwingli in Zürich
• 30:33 The Reformation in Basel
• 39:25 Heinrich Bullinger in Zürich
• 44:25 The Second Helvetic Confession
• 47:45 The Loss of the Reformation in Switzerland
• 52:52 The Swiss Church’s Present Needs
• 57:16 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Florian Weicken, Kurt Vetterli