Meet Jorge Álvarez, the New President of the Alliance of Spain

The Alliance church in Spain has elected Jorge Álvarez as national president, highlighting unity, church growth, and prayer needs for mission in underserved regions.

In a country where many people have little connection to an active faith, the Alliance church continues to grow—quietly, steadily, and with purpose.

That reality framed a key moment for the church in Spain.

During the national assembly February 27 and 28, 2026, leaders from across the country gathered to pray, discern, and look ahead. There was a shared sense of direction as decisions were made and reports were received, pointing to both progress and the work still to be done.

“At this year’s assembly, there was a spirit of unity and joy,” said Virginia Ordóñez, director of the missions committee. “Unity in making important decisions, and joy in hearing about the advance of God’s work in Spain, and in being part of it in this time.”

At the center of the gathering was the election of Rev. Jorge Álvarez Villarreal as the new national president, marking a new chapter for the Alliance in Spain.

The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) church in Spain began in 1978 through missionary efforts and has since grown into a diverse network of churches. In recent decades, that growth has been shaped in part by immigrant communities who have found both faith and belonging within the church. Today, the Alliance reflects a mix of cultures, united by a shared commitment to the gospel.

Yet the need remains clear.

In many parts of Spain, especially in the north, churches are fewer and openness to the gospel can be limited. This context gives weight to the role Rev. Álvarez now steps into.

“My dream is that our Alliance in Spain would be a strong and united family that extends across every province of our country and beyond our borders,” he said. “I ask for prayer for the National Council as we carry forward the mission entrusted to us.”

His story reflects a journey shaped by calling and service.

Born in Peru, Rev. Álvarez came to faith as a teenager during a difficult season in his family. The church became a place of refuge and direction, leading him to pursue ministry. Years later, that calling brought him to Spain, where he has served for more than a decade, investing in local churches and leadership development.

The election of Rev. Álvarez comes at a time when the Alliance in Spain is both growing and being stretched.

During the assembly, ten workers were recognized for pastoral ministry. As they received their credentials, leaders gathered around them in prayer. This moment reflected both gratitude and urgency, as churches continue to need more workers across the country.

At the same time, new work is taking shape in areas with less presence of the church.

In northern Spain, a church plant that began five years ago is now preparing to establish a third congregation. The work has also been strengthened through international partnership, with a missionary couple from Chile beginning ministry in the regional capital. These developments point to steady progress alongside continued need.

“This assembly showed us that the Alliance in Spain continues to grow and mature,” said Pastor Enrique Méndez of Barcelona. “At the same time, there is expectation as we look toward the changes and improvements needed to continue extending the Kingdom of God.”

Looking ahead, leaders are calling the Alliance family to pray. There is a desire to resume a national retreat for pastors, asking God for the means and availability needed. There is also a need for strengthened pastoral teams, with prayer for provisions, wisdom, unity, and spiritual growth.

At the same time, leaders are asking God to continue shaping a missionary vision across the churches, with the hope of sending new workers to serve in areas of need beyond Spain.

As the February assembly ended with communion, the transition in leadership was marked by both gratitude and responsibility.

The mission continues.

Across Spain, the Alliance church is moving forward together, seeking to bring the gospel to communities where many are still waiting to hear.