Sweden

The Navigators ministry in Sweden began in 1956. During the 1960s and 70s, the work grew steadily, particularly among university students, supported by both Swedish and international staff. Sweden also contributed several staff members to international Navigator ministries. 

In the 1990s, the student ministry began to decline and eventually ceased in the early 2000s. However, in 2017, the Swedish board took a bold step to restart the work by hiring Mikael and Kristina Avaheden, a married couple with deep Navigator roots. Since then, the ministry has slowly and steadily grown. 

Today, there is an established ministry in Gothenburg focused on students and young adults. Several groups meet regularly, including an international group, and a local leadership team supports the work. Two younger leaders now co-lead the Gothenburg ministry alongside Mikael and Kristina. 

In Uppsala, another university town, a smaller ministry has been developing over the past three years. In addition, a new network for young professionals called Next Step was launched this year, expanding the reach of the ministry beyond student life.