Volunteer lecturers save Thuringian churches from extinction!

Volunteer lecturers save Thuringian churches from extinction!

There is exciting news in the quiet community of Winterstein in Thuringia: 21-year-old Joel Kleditz recently led his first church service. This decision is part of a larger initiative by the Protestant church, which is looking for new ways to keep its congregations alive due to falling membership numbers and an increasing shortage of pastors. Loud MDR It is inevitable that many of the 1,896 churches in Thuringia remain empty on Sundays because church services are often canceled. A circumstance that forces the church to act.

Kleditz is not a trained pastor, but is studying international relations and has decided to become active as a lecturer. The Protestant Church has assigned a central role to lectors, who independently design and lead church services. This is done through prepared sermons provided to the lectors by the church. “All baptized parishioners can become lectors,” says Kleditz, “but you need a commission and possibly training-related support.” Regular training courses are essential to ensure the quality of the preaching, as shown on the website Center for Annunciation can be read.

Volunteer lecturers on duty

The Protestant Church has recognized a growing need for volunteer lecturers in recent years. They are required to actively support the congregations while the number of full-time pastors is continually decreasing. In 2024, the church in Thuringia recorded 5,149 departures, while only 124 new members were added, which has a direct impact on church tax revenue and is further exacerbated by the staff shortage.

The shortage of personnel is also an issue that Pastor Christiane Kleditz addresses. 20 years ago there were three full-time positions in her church area, today she is the sole responsible person. “The church is trying to maintain local services and to strengthen the role of volunteers,” said the pastor. Kleditz plans to take on a total of six to eight church services per year and also lead nativity plays.

The proofreader program: a successful model?

By being commissioned and trained as a lector, it becomes possible for many community members to become active. The requirements are clear: you need to be of legal age, ideally confirmed, and willing to undertake further training in order to enter the lecturing or teaching service. The priest and the dean must support the candidates, and at the end of the training they must lead church services independently. Information about these processes can be found in the flyer “How do I become a lecturer, how do I become a lecturer?” to find, which is also from Center for Annunciation is provided.

Kleditz's successful start in Winterstein, where 50 visitors were present at his first sermon - normally there are only between five and ten - shows that the church's initiative can certainly take fruitful paths. Even though his work is unpaid, he seems to have the right feel for the community. The church's future may depend on its ability to attract more young people like him and keep its events vibrant.