Mission and Work

The mission of the church district „An Sieg und Rhein“ is rooted in the Protestant Christian faith and the insights from the reformation. It supports congregations in their core tasks, including worship, pastoral care, education, and community life. At the same time, it takes responsibility for shared services.

The church district understands is committed to social responsibility, solidarity, and participation, and it encourages dialogue with people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences.

Diaconal Services, Youth Ministry, and Adult Education

Key areas of work within the church district include diaconal services, youth ministry, and adult education.

Diaconal work is carried out by congregations and through the Diakonie An Sieg und Rhein. It focuses on social responsibility and practical support for people in need. Diaconal services include social counselling in areas such as pregnancy and family support, Refugees and migrants, and for example help for people affected by drugs or alcohol problems. The Diakonie addresses social challenges and promotes dignity, participation, and inclusion within the region.

Youth work is coordinated by the Evangelical Youth Ministry Sieg, Rhein and Bonn support and connects youth work in congregations. It offers educational programs and events for children, teenagers, and young adults, for example a summer camp called Mini-Siegburg.

Adult education is provided by the Evangelical Adult Education An Sieg und Rhein. Its programs address faith, society, culture, and personal development and are part of the church’s understanding of lifelong learning and public responsibility, for example the successful Project called Digital-Café.

Leadership and Governance

The Evangelical Church District An Sieg und Rhein is led by The Dean (Superintendentin) Almut van Niekerk. She is responsible for the spiritual and organizational leadership of the church district and chairs its central governing bodies. In addition, she serves as Chair of the Board of the Diakonie An Sieg und Rhein.

The church district is governed democratically. Its central decision-making body is the district synod (Kreissynode), which consists of 130 voting members representing congregations and district services. The synod sets the strategic direction of the church district and decides on key issues such as mission, finances, and structures.

Between synod meetings, leadership and oversight are carried out by the district synodal board (Kreissynodalvorstand). The superintendent is the direct superior of the pastors and employees of the church district.

Organization and Administration

The church district maintains a central administrative structure that supports congregations and church services. This includes responsibilities such as personnel administration, financial management, organizational support, and coordination of church institutions, including early childhood education facilities and pastoral services in jail, hospitals and schools.

Region

The Evangelical Church District An Sieg und Rhein is a regional body of the Protestant Church in Germany. It is part of the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland) and brings together Protestant congregations in a region of western Germany. The Church District includes part of the city of Bonn and the region around the rivers Sieg and Rhine.

The region includes urban and rural settings and is shaped by a variety of social, cultural, and economic contexts. This diversity influences the life and work of the congregations and church institutions across the district.

Congregations and Size

The church district comprises 27 Protestant congregations (Evangelische Kirchengemeinden). Together, these congregations serve approximately 94,000 church members. Church life is shaped by the board called Presbyterium. Members are pastors and lay people called Presbyter and Presbyterinnen. The board is responsible for worships, pastoral care, education, and community engagement.

Values, Cooperation, and Outlook

The Evangelical Church District An Sieg und Rhein is committed to openness, dialogue, and cooperation. It values ecumenical exchange and works together with churches, social organizations, and partners in civil society. The church district understands itself as part of the global Christian community and is open to international and ecumenical partnerships.

Author: Jeremie Niyiguha