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Netherlands
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Capital: Amsterdam
Border Countries: Belgium, Germany |
The Netherlands has a rich Christian
heritage, but Christianity has mostly
disappeared from the country today. Many
church buildings have been converted to
shops, apartment buildings, or event halls.
Some Christ-following congregations still
exist, though many have let societal norms
affect their teaching. The message of
salvation through faith in Christ is largely
gone. Most churches are declining in size;
evangelical churches are the only ones
growing. About 2.64 percent of Dutch
follow Christ. In general, the church is not
seen as an institution that impacts society.
The Dutch say that they have faith, but that
they want the church only for christenings,
marriage blessings, and funerals.
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God has given Christians in this postmodern country a vision to see people following Jesus. In one city, believers from various churches meet monthly to pray that the Dutch will come to know Christ. Volunteers at ministry centers reach out to prostitutes and drug addicts, meeting practical and spiritual needs. Missionaries and Dutch believers host weekly Bible studies, and the number of study groups is increasing. Also, because of the Dutch people's interest in learning English, they attend events like an annual international English Christmas service, where they hear the Gospel.
Many immigrants have come to the Netherlands recently, and this has caused cultural and social tension. Christ-followers can reach out to these immigrants, who can take the message of Christ to closed countries. Also, in light of a high Dutch divorce rate and the fact that children tend to be allowed to "run" families, parenting-skills classes are popular. Christ-followers can meet this felt need
through training and share the Gospel as they build relationships. Another opportunity exists to reach out to prostitutes, alcoholics, and drug addicts at ministry centers that offer free coffee or low-cost meals and the chance to talk to someone. Christians are already making an impact among these "unreached people groups."
- Pray that God will raise up Dutch leaders to serve His church.
- Ask God to protect evangelical churches from negative cultural influences and to revive churches that have lost their focus on Christ.
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