Charismatic Revival Pioneer: Sweden’s Stanley Sjöberg Called Home at 89

By Junaid Qaiser

Stockholm, May 15, 2025

Beloved Pastor and Pioneer Called Home

Stanley Sjöberg, one of Sweden’s most influential Free Church leaders and founder of Centrumkyrkan in Stockholm, has passed away at the age of 89. According to reports, Sjöberg died peacefully on Monday after a lifetime dedicated to Christian ministry spanning over seven decades.

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1936 to Swedish parents Helga and Tage Sjöberg, young Stanley was raised with a sense of spiritual purpose. His parents, feeling exiled from their homeland, prayed for a son who would one day return to Sweden to preach the gospel—a calling he embraced from his teenage years.

Sjöberg began his ministry at just 15 years old and went on to become one of the most recognized voices in Swedish Christianity. His influence extended far beyond church walls as he served as a pastor, evangelist, author, debater, and dedicated columnist for over 60 years.

A Legacy of Building and Innovation

After working alongside notable church leaders Lewi Pethrus and Willis Säwe at Filadelfia Stockholm, Sjöberg founded Centrumkyrkan in Sundbyberg in 1986. This independent free church became a spiritual home for thousands over the decades. Remarkably, the church building—formerly a Baptist church on Prästgårdsgatan—was purchased without bank loans through Sjöberg’s extensive network of supporters and volunteers.

“Stanley Sjöberg has been one of the leading figures in the Christian movement in Sweden over the past half century,” notes Stefan Swärd, pastor, debater, and former EFK leader, in a statement to Hemmets Vän. “I particularly remember events from my teenage years in the early seventies when he became pastor in City Church Stockholm.”

Swärd highlights Sjöberg’s significant contributions: “He introduced both the Jesus Movement and the charismatic revival in Stockholm by inviting the Jesus People from the USA and organizing the Charisma conference in Stockholm in 1972.”

Digital Pioneer and Global Missionary

Well before the pandemic normalized online worship, Sjöberg demonstrated remarkable foresight by establishing Webbkyrkan—a digital congregation that reached thousands monthly. His technological adaptations weren’t driven by personal interest but by missionary zeal to spread the gospel as widely as possible.

His global impact was particularly notable in Pakistan and Indonesia, where he regularly conducted multiple services daily in villages near rice fields and canals. Sjöberg set a personal goal to pray with at least ten people for salvation every day.

These international ministries were often supported by individual Swedish pensioners who faithfully contributed to his various humanitarian projects, including schools and relief campaigns. Known for his financial integrity, Sjöberg lived modestly and ensured all donations were used for their intended purposes.

A Voice of Conviction

Throughout his ministry, Sjöberg was never afraid to take controversial positions when he felt compelled by faith. He engaged in theological debates, sometimes challenging established positions within his own movement. According to those close to him, these positions weren’t taken lightly but emerged from deep internal wrestling with difficult theological questions.

“He was probably the foremost fighter of the Free Church. Always prepared to step out in defense of the faith and to attack the opponents of the Christian faith, he was very bold,” explains Ivar Lundgren, author and former journalist who knew Sjöberg since the 1960s. “At the same time, he had a humble side that perhaps did not always come to the fore.”

One of Sjöberg’s most notable public engagements came when he invited communist leader CH Hermansson to tent meetings in the 1970s—during a period when Sjöberg himself faced threats from extreme leftist groups. This move exemplified his commitment to dialogue across ideological divides.

Prolific Author and Media Presence

Sjöberg’s written legacy is substantial. His columns in Hemmets Vän spanned over six decades, beginning in his teenage years. His direct, no-nonsense writing style resonated with readers who appreciated his willingness to address difficult topics others might avoid.

His published works include influential titles such as “Everyday Faith” (1981), “Future Faith” (1981), and “Christian Faith Gives More” (1983). His book “Community Group and Church Growth” (1978) on cell groups and prayer gatherings was considered ahead of its time in church development strategies.

Later works like “The Ethics of Love,” “Spiritual Security,” and “Honesty and Respect – Between Christians and Muslims” (2005) addressed complex contemporary issues with characteristic clarity and thoughtfulness.

Building Bridges Across Faith Communities

While Sjöberg was known for his strong convictions, he also demonstrated remarkable ability to build relationships across diverse communities. Merzek Botros, Swedish-Arab pastor at Harvest Ministry in Centrumkyrkan Sundbyberg, shared with Hemmets Vän: “We will miss him. He dared to show that he loved Muslims while standing against Islamists.”

Botros credits Sjöberg with providing crucial support for the Arabic-speaking community within Centrumkyrkan: “He opened the church to us and gave us all the support in the beginning… He dared to speak out about things and stood up for the word of God.”

A Lasting Legacy

As news of Sjöberg’s passing spreads throughout Sweden’s Christian communities and beyond, many are reflecting on his extraordinary life and enduring impact. Evangelist Stig Jirénius, who worked alongside Sjöberg at City Church, wrote on social media: “Your evangelistic zeal was contagious. Your ability to communicate the gospel in an often new and fresh way also shaped my thinking… The years together with you were the best evangelistic training of my life.”

Stanley Sjöberg is remembered for his role in initiating the Jesus Manifestation movement in 2008, which brought together Christians from various denominations in public expressions of faith.

Throughout his final years, although less visible in public life, Sjöberg maintained his spiritual commitments through social media engagement, writing, and prayer. According to those close to him, he faced his declining years with the same conviction that marked his first sermon as a 15-year-old—that Jesus Christ remains the hope of the world.

He leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, innovation, and passionate service that has shaped Swedish Christianity for generations.

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