Established in 2004 the Institut zur Erforschung von Evangelisation und Gemeindeentwicklung IEEG stands before you. Did you know this institute is unique in Germany? It’s the only university-based institution dedicated to researching and teaching evangelisation and congregational development. The IEEG’s story begins with a 1999 EKD Synod in Leipzig. The synod emphasized the church’s mission. They stressed the importance of renewing its commitment to spreading the faith. This led to a 2001 study proposing an Institute for Evangelisation.
The Pommersche Evangelische Kirche supported the idea. They offered a six-year position in 2003. A pastor was assigned to the institute to handle tasks within the church. Initially planned as a non-profit organization the IEEG became part of the University of Greifswald’s Theological Faculty in 2004. This decision was supported by the Pommersche Evangelische Kirche and the AMD. The faculty council and the university senate approved. The rectorate gave its final approval on January 27 2004.
The IEEG officially opened on May 6 2004. The opening symposium focused on missionary perspectives for the church’s future. The renowned Catholic religion sociologist Paul M Zulehner gave a keynote speech. Besides the Pommersche Kirche the churches of Baden and Wurttemberg funded positions at the IEEG. The institute’s founding directors were Professors Michael Herbst and Jorg Ohlemacher.
The IEEG’s mission is clear. It seeks to bridge the gap between faith and communication. Their motto is “Say what we believe and believe what we say”. This reflects a commitment to clear and credible communication of the gospel. The IEEG engages in empirical research. They study the religious landscape and historical questions about missions and congregational development. The institute’s work includes four main areas. These are historical and social scientific foundations evangelisation congregational development and education.
The IEEG also explores the connections between education mission and diakonie. They offer programs for theology students and continuing education for pastors. The institute advises churches and organizations on evangelisation and congregational development. A special partnership exists with the Pommersche Evangelische Kirche. The IEEG acts as an agency for missionary services in the region. They help with faith courses perspective development new worship services and support for volunteers.
The IEEG’s work extends beyond Germany. They incorporate international and ecumenical perspectives into congregational development. The institute studies the Anglican Church’s fresh expressions of church and explores their relevance for the German context. They also analyze the Partnership for Missional Church. This is a missionary congregational development program from the USA and South Africa.
The IEEG is involved in several projects. These include supporting the Rotensee church planting project and the youth church in Stralsund. They conduct research on the religiosity of young adults. One study examined changes in religious attitudes among participants of the 2008 Christival. They’ve also developed a Summer Sabbatical program for pastors. This allows pastors to reflect on their work and pursue further theological studies. The program includes a group setting and a tailored support program.
The IEEG also supports doctoral and postdoctoral research. Doctoral colloquia are regularly held. Many successful dissertations and habilitation projects have been completed. These are published in the BEG series. The IEEG has numerous collaborations. They work with the EKD Center for Mission the Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg and various other organizations. The IEEG publishes newsletters and books. They also have a practice series focusing on church and congregational matters. The institute’s work continues to shape the future of evangelisation and community development in Germany.