case for support

Reestablishing a Reformed Church
in the land of the Reformation

A reestablished Reformed Church in the land of the Reformation

1

our vision

We envision a future where confessionally Reformed churches once again take root and flourish in Germany – a land once ignited by the gospel, now in need of deep renewal. We long to see faithful congregations gathered in every major region, where the Word of God is faithfully preached, the sacraments are rightly administered, and churches are governed according to biblical order, in unity with Reformed churches worldwide.


Just like the Reformers then, we are not simply looking for „conversions“, short-term missionaries preaching the gospel, not even simply for a few churches to be planted. We have a thoroughly churchly view of the necessity of reformation in Germany.

2

state of the church

Over the centuries, both orthodoxy and orthopraxy in the German churches declined since the Reformation. Movements like pietism, theological liberalism, and a broad, diluted evangelicalism took root. As a result, the landscape changed: confessionally Reformed churches, those holding to sound doctrine, historic confessions, and biblical church order, became nearly extinct in Germany.


Today, there is a growing interest in Reformed theology, particularly among younger believers who first encountered it often through English-language online content, social media, podcasts, or books. Yet despite this hunger, churches that faithfully embody the Reformed confessions in doctrine, worship, and governance remain rare – and there is no vibrant, visible Reformed denomination to gather and support them. While some churches in Germany identify as Reformed, such as Reformed baptist or independent protestant churches adapting the 5 points of calvinism – they differ significantly in theology and church practice, and do not reflect the historic Reformed confession in its full ecclesiastical expression.


Now is the time to respond – by God's grace the planting and rebuilding of Reformed churches that are fully Reformed in conviction and committed to long-term gospel ministry in Germany has begun. Continue reading to learn about the ministry we are supporting.

3

beneficiary and mission strategy

beneficiary and strategy

Exclusive beneficiary of our funds is the Selbständige Evangelisch-Reformierte Kirche (Independent Evangelical Reformed Church) Germany. The SERK is a confessional Reformed denomination that fully subscribes to the Three Forms of Unity and holds to the Church Order of Dort. Two congregations are already established, and with faithful theological candidates currently in training, more church plants are being prepared to bring a robust Reformed witness to additional cities across Germany.

1

church

plantings

11

theological

training

111

publishing

and media

A three-fold mission strategy reflects the historic heartbeat of the Reformed church and offers a compelling model for the SERK churches for today. From the Reformation onward, faithful churches have advanced by planting congregations rooted in Word and sacrament, equipping pastors through rigorous theological education, and spreading biblical truth through accessible, high-quality teaching.


Right now, the work is small but significant: two church plants are active, and an informal support program exists to assist theology students from within the churches. In media, gifted and eager members are ready to contribute to publications in German language – but there is no infrastructure or capital to launch sustained outreach. The need is real. The vision is in place. What’s missing is the resourcing to turn opportunity into impact.


In the next section, you’ll find specific initiatives and funding priorities for each of these three pillars – church planting, theological training, and media.


A three-fold mission strategy reflects the historic heartbeat of the Reformed church and offers a compelling model for the SERK churches for today. From the Reformation onward, faithful churches have advanced by planting congregations rooted in Word and sacrament, equipping pastors through rigorous theological education, and spreading biblical truth through accessible, high-quality teaching.


Right now, the work is small but significant: two church plants are active, and an informal support program exists to assist theology students from within the churches. In media, gifted and eager members are ready to contribute to publications in German language—but there is no infrastructure or capital to launch sustained outreach. The need is real. The vision is in place. What’s missing is the resourcing to turn opportunity into impact.


In the next section, you’ll find specific initiatives and funding priorities for each of these three pillars—church planting, theological training, and media.

4

funding initiatives

Although the SERK is growing and steadily moving toward financial independence, the need for external support remains significant. Planting new churches, training leaders, and building lasting infrastructure all require resources that exceed the current capacity of the small but faithful congregations within the denomination.


All financial activity and funding priorities are carefully overseen by a board of trusted pastors and respected Christian leaders. This oversight takes place in close collaboration with the leadership of the SERK churches to ensure faithful stewardship and alignment with real ministry needs. Below, we distinguish between recurring funds (annual ministry needs) and capital funds (one-time investments in long-term capacity).

Recurring funds

Church plantings

Heidelberg congregation

$100,000 / yr

Hannover congregation

$100,000 / yr

Theological training

Scholarship student 1

$20,000 / yr

Scholarship student 11

$20,000 / yr

Publishing and media

Personel

$100,000 / yr

Production costs

$75,000 / yr

Administrative costs

$15,000 / yr

Total annual recurring funds

$430,000 / yr

Capital funds

Building fund

St. Laurentius church Heidelberg

$2,500,000

New plant fund

Start-up amount for one congregation

$250,000

5

trust

Every gift entrusted to this mission is handled with the utmost integrity and accountability. Oversight is provided by a dedicated board of pastors, elders, and respected Christian leaders who ensure that all funds are used in alignment with our shared vision for reestablishing a confessional Reformed witness in Germany. The SERK is a legally registered non-profit organization, subject to local regulations and external audits. Transparency in reporting and faithful stewardship are central to our work – because this mission is not only ours, but one we undertake before God and in service to His church.

6

your engagement

This is more than a project and you can play a vital role. By giving financially, you directly enable church plants to take root, future pastors to be trained, and solid Reformed teaching to spread across Germany. Beyond giving, you can advocate for this mission in your church, connect us with like-minded believers, and join in prayer for lasting fruit. Together, we can see Christ’s church strengthened and a faithful Reformed voice reestablished for generations to come. Find the ways to give listed below.

1

paypal

Give on a one-time or regular basis, donations are possible with Credit Card and without Paypal account.

2

paper check

The Heidelberger Society, Inc.
210 E. 9th Street
Bridgeport, PA 19405

3

bank transfer

(soon)

Any questions about your giving? Let's get in touch.

1

paypal

Give on a one-time or regular basis, donations are possible with Credit Card and without Paypal account.

2

paper check

The Heidelberger Society, Inc.
210 E. 9th Street
Bridgeport, PA 19405

3

bank transfer

(soon)

Any questions about your giving? Let's get in touch.