Kassel – Germany’s “Federation of Evangelical-Free Churches” lost nearly 1.000 members during the past year, a drop of approximately 1,1%. It now has 84.098 members. The number of baptisms declined to 1.992, a decrease of 14,3%. It was reported at the Federation’s national conference in Kassel that this amounts to an all-time low. The Federation’s President, hospital director Emanuel Brandt (Hamburg), expressed deep dismay regarding the news: “These numbers call on us to increase our evangelistic efforts.” He simultaneously called on the assembled not to respond with despair to the lack of positive results. “Start fishing anew!” he exclaimed, referring to Jesus’ appeal to his disciples after a night of futile fishing.

Friedrich Schneider (Oldenburg), head of the Department for Congregational Development, explained that the drastic drop after years of stagnation was due primarily to the withdrawal of two Russian-German congregations and a number of larger groups. Additional causes are erratic fluctuations among non-German-speaking congregations and a high number of deletions, withdrawals and departures. He expressed regret that many congregations are apparently mired in “internal crises” leading to the departure of members: “That absorbs a lot of our strength.” On the other hand, the Fellowship of Brethren Congregations (AGB) within the Federation contrasts strongly with the general trend. Membership among the 132 Brethren congregations rose slightly by 0,6% to attain a membership of 9.113. Yet their number of baptisms dropped sharply by 22% to 240.

Brandt also spoke out against an “unfortunate” debate on fundamentalism. The members of his denomination are not fundamentalists, but rather “a Bible movement desiring through its faith in Christ to comprehend God’s word as its foundation”.

General-Secretary Regina Claas (Elstal near Berlin) regretted developments in some congregations resulting in the total lack of evangelistic efforts. “Many congregations are totally encompassed with the struggle to survive and therefore live apart from their actual calling.” Internal conflicts cost a great deal of energy: “We have power struggles – but there are ethical conflicts, too.” The General-Secretary called on the delegates to buck the trend with “saving love”. More “passion for the lost of our time” is needed. A deep inward conviction is necessary “if our federation and congregations are to hope for a renewed future”. Friedbert Neese (Elstal), Department Director for Ordained Workers, lamented the “major conflict” between pastors and congregational leadership in some instances. “It troubles me that we have narrow-minded pastors and narrow-minded congregations.”

In the ensuing discussion a Baptist specialist on ecumenism, retired theology professor Erich Geldbach (Marburg) proposed that theology students study only at the church’s seminary in Elstal: “We have a terrific, high-quality seminary.” He also criticised the theological lope-sidedness of many contemporary worship songs describing God as a king and ruler residing on a throne. God had also expressed his solidarity with the slaves in Egypt.

Numerous international guests were invited to the conference including the General-Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, Neville Callam (Falls Church/USA). He thanked the German Federation for its efforts in the name of the World Alliance. Irrespective of the number of members, German Baptists play “a significant role” among the world’s 36 million Baptists. The German Federation’s efforts in Europe and beyond are exemplary. Germans are to be thanked not least of all for the Baptist conviction that mission must remain a priority. The German model for the independence of the local congregation is worthy of emulation elsewhere. Leading representatives from the Baptist Unions of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Estonia and Turkey were also present in Kassel.

One high point was a “birthday party”: celebrating the educational centre in Elstal, which is now 10 years old. Diverse educational programmes, as well as the seminary, are located in Elstal. Elstal is also the church’s administrative seat.