Ceremony held for new mission house in Hammerum, Denmark

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held in Hammerum, east of Herning, for a new mission house, which aims to attract younger individuals as national engagement in Indre Mission declines. Preben Borum Poulsen, the chairman of the Hammerum mission house, highlighted that reaching young people and families has been particularly challenging. “Our main focus is on this demographic,” he stated, emphasizing efforts to appeal to a broad age range to create an attractive community.

Activities in Hammerum significantly differ from traditional 19th-century prayer meetings and hymn singing prevalent in other Indre Mission locations. One popular event is “Food and Play,” held monthly on Friday afternoons, where families with young children come together to socialize and partake in activities before enjoying a shared meal and concluding with a brief worship service. This informal setting fosters a strong sense of community among families.

Every Tuesday, children’s clubs cater to various age groups: the children’s club for ages 4-9, the junior club for 3rd to 6th graders, and the teen club for those in 6th to 9th grades. These clubs focus on fun, creativity, and sharing stories about Jesus, offering bowling nights, farm visits, and swimming excursions to create a welcoming environment for children and youths to connect with peers and caring adults.

Indre Missions Ungdom (IMU) engages young people who have completed 9th grade through activities like “praystations” and community singing events, aimed at fostering prayer and connection.

The adult community gathers for Wednesday meetings, drawing 40-80 participants to discuss the Bible and socialize, often featuring guest speakers to stimulate discussion on various topics. Smaller Bible groups meet in private homes at the end of each month, encouraging intimate sharing of faith and life experiences. Each group sets its own format, allowing for personalized connection among participants.