The culture and society of Spain remains closely tied to the Catholic Church, which has influenced the country for centuries. For much of the twentieth century, Catholicism was the only officially sanctioned religion. Religious freedom was finally granted in 1992. But as that freedom opened the door for evangelism and church planting, it also lead to rapid secularization.

Government statistics list 96% of Spaniards as Roman Catholic – but only about one-third claim any kind of active church involvement. For the majority of Spaniards, Catholicism consists of following traditions and practicing "social piety". Superstition plays an important role, reflected by the fact that there are five times more fortunetellers in the country than priests. Many people tend to be indifferent to God, while others are more skeptical, especially towards Protestant Christians. There is a fear that involvement in other religious groups will jeopardize the salvation guaranteed by the traditional Catholic faith.

Spain has its share of social problems along with this religious indifference. Unemployment is higher than average for European Union nations, especially among the youth. Alcohol and drug abuse are also well above average. According to some statistics, Spain has the highest rate of AIDS among EU member nations. Gambling is also a national passion, and the government is dependent upon the revenue it provides.

Because of the centuries of Catholic dominance, less than 1% of all Spaniards are evangelical Christian. Roughly nine out of ten Spanish towns or villages of more than 5,000 people do not have an evangelical church. In spite of government guarantees of religions freedom, Protestant congregations still find much opposition as they attempt to rent or purchase buildings, or receive permission for community activities.

Liebenzell began work in Spain in 1996. Workers have ministered mostly in the southern coastal area of Spain, involved primarily in evangelism, church planting, discipleship and retreat ministries. In some cases, the work has been to help existing churches grow with community outreach. In other cases, church planting work is underway in areas with no gospel witness.

Marbella is an exclusive tourist town in Spain's "Costa del Sol" region. The area has four times more inhabitants during the summer months, including many of Spain’s wealthy and prominent people. Liebenzell missionaries work with a small existing congregation, conducting small group ministries and evangelism outreach.

Málaga serves as a hub for ministry activities in the region. The "Bible Bus" makes weekly visits in several communities. A Spanish evangelical website, LamparaEs.com, receives over 100 inquiries each day, from all over the world.

In Montilla and Grao de Castellón, Liebenzell missionaries partner with the European Christian Mission International (ECMI). Discipleship and evangelism ministries focus on helping growing churches reach maturity to call a Spanish pastor for full-time service.

Near Seville, Liebenzell missionaries partner with Fundación ABRE, Alianza Biblica de Restauración Evangélica. Church planting work is conducted in Olivares, a town of about 8,000 people with no evangelical church.