Éditions CLÉ: The Publisher Unlocking the Gospel for the French-Speaking World

“In the 1980s, if you walked into a Christian bookstore in France, you’d find maybe two shelves of Christian books,” Florent recalls. Resources were scarce. Pastors and believers longed for tools to help them understand Scripture—but there just weren’t many available in their language. 

That longing is what gave birth to Éditions CLÉ (Key Publishing) in 1988. The name means “Key Publishing,” which is fitting for a ministry devoted to providing “keys” to understanding the Bible. Over the years, “CLÉ” has faithfully lived up to its calling by providing keys to Comprendre Les Écritures (Understanding the Scriptures) and Communiquer L’Évangile (Communicating the Gospel). 

What began as a missionary-led effort has quietly grown into a fully French-run publishing ministry, now distributing approximately 20,000 books per year. In 2012, Éditions CLÉ took a major step forward by partnering with Logos Bible Software to make their resources digitally accessible across the French-speaking world. Today, pastors, students, and everyday believers can read books by trusted biblical voices like Don Carson, Timothy Keller, and others in their own language. 

While the ministry is based in France, its impact extends far beyond the country’s borders. French is spoken across five continents, with some of the greatest need in French-speaking Africa. That’s why Éditions CLÉ is actively pursuing ways to serve the church there—and the fruit is already visible. 

There is one pastor in Africa who recently started using Éditions CLÉ’s resources to teach the Bible book by book to his congregation. “The last time I was in Africa,” Florent says, “that pastor ran up to me and thanked me, saying, ‘Our church has been totally transformed.’” 

The ministry’s impact was also seen when one missionary woman wrote a book about forgiveness. Her son had been tragically shot and killed, but in her book, she walks the reader through the pain, anger, and grief before finally reaching the topic of forgiveness. “We’ve heard stories of so many people letting go of their own bitterness because of her book,” Florent says. 

We’re deeply moved by the lives God has changed through the quiet faithfulness of Éditions CLÉ over the past 38 years. But as with many ministries, it’s currently facing some financial uncertainties. Please pray that God would sustain this vital work and continue using Éditions CLÉ to unlock hope for thousands of French speakers around the world.