Rev Pieter Boom, pastor of CGK Delfzijl since October 2023, on crisis, opportunity and change in the church.
In the Netherlands, the number of believers is decreasing, leading to a shrinkage in churches. This also applies to the congregation in Delfzijl, Groningen, where membership has steadily declined in recent years. Despite these challenges, there is a strong will within the congregation to continue and build a future. To secure this future, the renewal project 'Where we build on' was launched in 2022, led by Rudolf Setz. The aim was to involve the entire municipality in developing a shared vision.
In October 2023, the congregation welcomed Rev Pieter Boom as their new pastor. In this interview, he shares his insights on the past few years, the steps taken to revitalise the congregation, and his vision for the future. The interview was conducted by Rev. Jelle Nutma, Petra de Jong and Mariska van Laar. We discuss the structural changes within the congregation, the role of circle meetings, and how the vision process has contributed to a renewed focus on discipleship and community. Let's dig deeper into the opportunities and challenges he faces in this important phase for the CGK Delfzijl.
A few years ago, the Delfzijl municipality was experiencing vacancy and crisis. Can you briefly outline something about the situation in recent years?
The Delfzijl congregation was in a difficult situation. Cooperation between churches had gone awry, the corona crisis had flattened many activities and the congregation was struggling with emptying out. Younger families were moving away or about to do so. All this created a sense of hopelessness. At the time, a missionary consultant visited the congregation and put them in touch with Rudolf Setz. Rudolf started a visioning process with the congregation. This trajectory identified strengths and weaknesses and helped the congregation to see new perspective again. When I was appointed pastor in Delfzijl at the end of that process, it gave me the confidence that there was room to build something.
What has changed in the municipality since then?
We have made two important changes. First, we have divided the congregation into five larger circles, which serve for both pastoral care and community activities. This allows people to get to know each other better. In addition, we have established a core team that focuses on practical matters, allowing the church council to focus more on spiritual leadership.
How does this work in practice?
The core team ensures that the practical side of the congregation is well organised, such as coordinating youth work and managing committees. This allows for a better division of responsibilities, creating more space for pastoral tasks. Although the system is still under development, it is already working well.
The circles meet once every two months, often around a meal or a joint activity such as a walk. They also prepare services, which helps them become more deeply involved in church work. In this way, members, including newcomers and people from abroad, feel more connected.
What does the concept of 'integral mission' mean for the church community in Delfzijl?
We are always looking for that. The challenge remains to integrate a missional focus into every service. In the training for circle leaders, we reflect on ways to invite and involve our neighbours in congregational life. What has the change in the structure of the congregation meant for the families who initially doubted whether they would stay? Many changes took place before my time, but the visioning process with more focus on youth activities has helped. Families who were about to leave have stayed. There is now a children's service every fortnight and more focus on youth programmes.
Are the children also involved in the circle structure?
Some circle meetings are in the evening without children, such as preparing a service. In other activities, such as a meal, we try to involve them as much as possible. There is also extra attention for children during services, such as a colouring table, a children's moment and a children's song of the month.
Do you feel more community has emerged?
Sure. Whereas previously an activities committee organised occasional activities, we now involve a larger part of the congregation. On the last kick-off Sunday, all kinds of initiatives came from congregation members through the circle leaders.
Has the fixed pastor structure had a positive effect?
Absolutely. During the vision process, efforts were made to establish a number of permanent pastors for the worship services. This was done in cooperation with another vacant congregation in the Groningen classis. This has been a blessing. A vacant congregation with a different pastor every Sunday lacks continuity. With permanent pastors, a clear line in the preaching has emerged, which has created peace and structure in the congregation.
Do you think this model could also work for other small municipalities?
Yes, continuity in Sunday preaching is crucial, especially small congregations without a permanent pastor notice this.
How is your relationship as a small Reformed church with the city of Delfzijl and communities such as expatriates and asylum seekers?
We have contacts with the asylum seekers' centre, organise a language café and collect people for church services. We have our service schedule posted at the port office, so inland boaters know where they can attend services.
Is your congregation a regional congregation or do most members come from Delfzijl?
It is a combination. Native Dutch people come mainly from the region, while we also have immigrant members, such as Armenian and Syrian families. We try to promote interculturalism by using foreign-language songs and scripture readings, for example.
How do the structures within your congregation, such as the visioning process, help promote discipleship?
The circles help us get to know each other better and set out together in following Christ. Although we are still in a start-up phase, the vision process has helped us set clear frameworks. It provides direction and ensures that, as a congregation, we work on our vision together.
Would you recommend other churches to take a visioning course?
Absolutely. It helps a municipality see where you are and where you want to go, and ensures that everyone is involved and takes responsibility together.
How did the visioning process help you take up the profession in Delfzijl?
It gave me confidence that the congregation was not looking for a pastor to solve everything. There were already clear frameworks in which we could work together for the future. That makes the work as pastor more bearable and gives space to really build the congregation.
Were there any challenges or vulnerable moments in the changes you went through?
Yes definitely, our municipality is small and there are only a limited number of people who take on many tasks. It can be difficult to find replacements if someone can no longer combine. That can also create pressure for a pastor. Sometimes it feels like jumping on a moving train. Fortunately, I had guidance from my pastor Rudolf Setz in the beginning, but the pressure remains.
Did your education prepare you for such a situation?
Largely yes. I did a minor in missiology, which gave me experience of other cultures, such as in Brazil and at ICF Apeldoorn. That certainly helps, but practice also teaches you a lot. Collaboration with experienced pastors is crucial to handle this kind of trajectory.
How do you see the role of a pathway supervisor like Rudolf in this process?
An outside facilitator is essential. A preacher already has a lot on his plate, and an outside facilitator can look more objectively and focus on the change process without depending on you as a preacher.
It sounds like you are on your way, but that it is still a fragile process.
Yes, it is a process of years. We have laid the basic structures, but growing outwards will take time. We are a small congregation, so we have to be patient with the changes we want to make. This renewal process provides opportunities for the congregation to grow and become stronger, but it also requires patience and dedication from all involved.
This article is reproduced with permission from Ambtelijk contact 2024, number 4.
Read also: Space for meeting In Doorgeven 2024, number 2.
