Faith in the neighbourhood – pioneering projects in the Netherlands

Fresh expressions of faith are spreading throughout the Netherlands and impacting local communities and beyond.

In 2020, The Salvation Army in the Netherlands launched the Geloven in de Buurt (Faith in the Neighbourhood) program.

The aim is to build strong social networks in Dutch neighbourhoods, resulting in fewer people experiencing livelihood insecurity and having to seek professional help. Since the scheme began, about 25 new locations have opened, including a series of fresh expressions (pioneer projects).

Faith in the Neighbourhood is a collaborative project of The Salvation Army Church and the Army Welfare and Health Foundation, which includes both corps and community rooms.

Because it’s not possible for everyone in the Netherlands to be reached through a community centre or corps, a total of seven fresh expressions or pioneer projects were started. Most of these innovative communities focus on teenagers and young adults.

The Flex Workspace

The Flex Workspace is located in the university city of Wageningen. This site offers young adults a place where they can work and study.

Visitors especially appreciate the structure offered: a daily program with fixed hours of quiet, and moments for breaks and conversations. From time to time, there are also study evenings, shared meals and celebrations.

The Walking Church

The Walking Church is one of the latest Dutch fresh expressions. This ‘church’ sees the outdoors as a cathedral. The Salvation Army organises walks through this cathedral with moments of silence, reflection, conversation and picnics.

This concept particularly targets students in the cities of Utrecht and Wageningen. It also meets the need for more exercise because, of all Europeans, the Dutch sit the most! 

The School for Compassion

The School for Compassion operates in Amersfoort and Hilversum. This fresh expression focuses on seekers of meaning and so-called new spirituals.

It is a training ground for compassion, where The Salvation Army wants to give people a taste of what it is like to live as Jesus did: in love for God and each other. The programme consists of exercises, conversation, meditations and rituals.

Sports in the Neighbourhood

Dutch pioneers can be found on the streets several times a week playing sports with children and teenagers, enabling links to be forged with conversations about faith.

In Utrecht, this fresh expression has a home base: a community centre with a wide range of fitness equipment available. For those who want to take part, there are Bible studies and meetings.

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For more information on the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory, click here.