“Why does the Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft matter?” I ask. It’s a question worth exploring as we stand here. The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft e.V. is closely connected to the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland. It stands as one of the largest Christian associations in the country. It operates as a non-profit organization with a supporting foundation.
The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft has a rich history. It was founded in 1933 by Heinrich Coerper. He created it as part of the Liebenzell Mission. It became independent under Alfred Gajan in November 1991. Initially, it operated in Württemberg, Baden, and Bayern. Wilhelm Heinsen was in charge of setting it up. Paul Achenbach took over from him in 1948.
The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft is part of the Protestant, Pietistic, and Evangelical spectrums. It is connected to the Protestant regional churches. Its local communities exist within their areas. The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft is a member of the Evangelische Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband. It also belongs to the Diakonisches Werk Württemberg. It maintains close ties with the Liebenzell Mission and the Süddeutschen Gemeinschaftsverband.
The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft has a widespread presence. It is divided into 47 community districts. These districts cover about 220 locations in Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Rheinland-Pfalz, and Hessen. Its main office is in Bad Liebenzell. Around 130 community pastors, community workers, and youth pastors are active there. Numerous volunteers also contribute. The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft engages over 19000 adults, young people, and children through its events. These events take place both regionally and locally.
The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft also organizes initiatives beyond regional work. The Arbeitskreis Frauen creates programs for women. These programs include the Frauentag in Bad Liebenzell. Alisa Ott leads the women’s working group. The Arbeitskreis Israel supports social work among Jewish people in Israel. It also organizes trips to Israel. The annual Süddeutsche Israelkonferenz raises awareness among Christians. It focuses on Israel’s importance and informs project supporters. Holger Totzeck leads the Arbeitskreis. Andreas Schlegel chairs it.
The Arbeitskreis ISBB-Seelsorge runs a counseling center in Calw-Hirsau. They offer training to become a “Begleitender SeelsorgerIn.” They also organize seminars on marriage, family, crises, and conflict resolution. Gebhard Weik is the lead counselor. The Liebenzeller Diakoniewerk coordinates the association’s social work. It offers support in Baden-Württemberg and Bayern for children, youth, and integration.
Martin Siehler has chaired the Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft since 2022. Lydia Scheuvens is the executive director. Michael Piertzik is the head of personnel. Thomas Ritter leads the community work since 2024.
The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft publishes several periodicals. “Augenblick mal” is a missionary magazine. It appears monthly with the Süddeutschen Gemeinschaftsverband. “gemeinsam.glauben.leben” is a bi-monthly magazine. It includes Bible studies and articles for daily life. “Single-M@il” is a magazine for singles. It is published three times a year. The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft’s work is about glorifying God. Their community aims to reflect service “upwards,” “inwards,” and “outwards.” It welcomes everyone regardless of background. It emphasizes faith, love, and hope in its service. It connects with people through personal contacts and engaging events. It supports global missions and diaconal service. It takes on social responsibility. The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft seeks to share the Gospel. It aims to help people live according to God’s will. It strives to build loving relationships. It focuses on prayer and sharing faith experiences. It offers guidance and support to those in need. The Liebenzeller Gemeinschaft invites us to live out our faith.