Founded in 1988, the Anskar-Kirche Hamburg-Mitte stands as a testament to spiritual awakening. Here, near the U-Bahn station “Hamburger Straße”, we find a vibrant evangelical free church. The Anskar-Kirche’s story begins with Wolfram Kopfermann. He was a pastor at Hauptkirche St. Petri.
Imagine the 1980s in Hamburg. A spiritual fervor swept through St. Petri. Thousands experienced a renewal through the Holy Spirit. People found Jesus Christ. They embraced worship and understood their identity in Christ. Experiences with healing and spiritual gifts fueled a desire for revival. This revival was to spread across the land.
These charismatic evening services at St. Petri were central. Wolfram Kopfermann, later founder of the Anskar-Kirche, was at the heart of it all. Since 1978, he led the “Geistliche Gemeinde-Erneuerung”. It was a charismatic renewal movement within the Evangelical Church.
But Kopfermann realized that long-term church renewal within the existing structure was impossible. Fundamental questions about the nature of the church arose. These considerations led to the founding of the Anskar-Kirche Hamburg in 1988. It became an independent evangelical free church.
Initially, the Anskar-Kirche met in rented spaces near the Großmarkt Hamburg on Lippeltstraße. By 2003, the church found a permanent home in Barmbek-Süd. They transformed a former carpet store into a community center. This location is conveniently located near the “Hamburger Straße” U-Bahn station. It is also only eight minutes from the main train station. Hence the name Anskar-Kirche Hamburg-Mitte.
From 2008 to 2018, Tillmann Krüger led the congregation. From 2013 he also became the overall leader of Anskar-Kirche Germany. Since 2019, Gabriela Koepsell has served as the lead pastor. She guides the Anskar-Kirche Hamburg-Mitte.
The Anskar-Kirche is part of a larger association. It includes seven congregations in the greater Hamburg area. There are also congregations in Hessen and Franken. In 2019, the Anskar-Kirche had 756 members. The church aims to establish more congregations.
The name “Anskar” itself carries significance. Ansgar was a 9th-century archbishop. He became known as the “Apostle of the North”. He spread Christianity throughout Northern Europe. The Anskar-Kirche honors his legacy. It seeks to build communities for the 21st century. They do not forget their history. The church emphasizes the Bible as God’s Word. It also embraces the work of the Holy Spirit. Above all, the Anskar-Kirche wants to love and honor God. They also want to be there for people.
Today, the Anskar-Kirche continues its mission. It is a place where faith comes alive. People connect with Jesus in their daily lives. They share His message with others. It is a testament to the enduring power of spiritual renewal. The Anskar-Kirche stands as a beacon of faith in the heart of Hamburg.