VEM - online Seminar Indonesia - Germany

The Future of our Churches in a Secular World – GenZ 
“Have young people left the church, or has the church left young people?” 

In this online seminar, we take an honest look at common challenges and different circumstances.  

“If there is currently a concern that young people will leave and no longer need the church, the question may be whether it is the young people who are leaving the church or the church that is leaving the young people in its ministry, failing to find creative ways to reach them.” (Irma Sirmanjuntak) 

The online seminar aims to provide insights into social trends in Germany and Indonesia and their impact on church communities, and to contribute to understanding the perspectives of young people in both countries: their needs, values and expectations. We compare where the church is gaining relevance, strengthening its visibility and creating spaces of trust – in both countries.  

The focus is on the role of young people: What tasks and potential do young people have in Germany and Indonesia? What expectations do young people have of the church today – from digital offerings to community formats? We also highlight cultural, social and political factors that influence personal attitudes and church action. 

We look forward to your participation and a fruitful exchange on the future of our churches in a secular world – comparing Germany and Indonesia. 

Online seminar (live),   

Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026 

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (CEST) 
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Jakarta time) 
 

Speakers: 

Rev. Prof. Binsar Pakpahan, Rector of Jakarta Theological Seminary
Miriam Albrecht, Coordinator on Young Ecumenism & Climate Justice; Brot für die Welt; “Exit Fast Fashion” project, Oikos Institute of EKvW
Christian Uhlstein, Regional Youth Pastor, Head of the Office for Youth Work of the Protestant Church in Westphalia (EKvW)

Team: 

Rev. Matthias Schmid, Regional Service, UEM (Chair) 
Rev. Jurcelyn Boncales Astudillo, Head of Regional Office Asia, UEM 
Rev. Claudia Latzel-Binder, oikos Institut, EKvW 
Kristina Neubauer, Partnership officer, UEM 
Irma Simanjuntak, Officer for Advocacy Program, UEM 

Speakers:  

Experts from the church, youth work, communication and theology – with a focus on Germany and Indonesia (names to follow) 

Registration:  

Registration deadline: 5 May 2026 

The seminar is free of charge. Donations are appreciated. 

The seminar will take place online as a Microsoft-Teams Event. It will be held in English. 

This is a UEM event. 

Please register here