Assen’s Protestant community is facing a significant transformation, the Friesch Dagblad reports. Due to declining attendance and mounting financial pressures, the General Church Council has decided to close four out of five church buildings in the city, leaving only the central Jozefkerk operational.
From full pews to financial struggle
While the Protestant Community of Assen boasts 4,000 members, Sunday services typically see only 300 to 500 attendees. This stark mismatch, coupled with increasing expenses, has forced the difficult decision to sell two church buildings (Opstandingskerk and De Bron) and terminate the rental agreements for two others (De Ontmoeting and Adventskerk). The expected two million euros from the sales will be used to address another challenge: the lack of dedicated pastors, currently filled by visiting preachers.
Assen’s decision reflects a broader trend in larger cities, where maintaining multiple church buildings becomes financially unsustainable. For years, the community has discussed the future of its church infrastructure, recognizing the changing realities.
The pandemic’s push
Initially planned for 2030, the consolidation process was accelerated by the pandemic’s impact on church attendance. By January 1, 2025, the new structure will be in place, marking a historic moment in the three northern provincial capitals (Groningen, Assen, and Leeuwarden) – for the first time, only one Protestant church will remain active in Assen.
This decision underscores the profound challenges faced by religious communities today. Adapting to shifting societal trends and navigating financial constraints necessitates difficult choices. As Assen embraces its new religious landscape, it serves as a case study for other communities grappling with similar realities.
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