Discovery Church in Trabitz
About this good practice
St. Paul’s Church was built in 1957 in Trabitz to serve a growing Protestant community after the arrival of refugees in 1945. Over time, attendance declined, and the space was underutilized. To revitalize it, the pastor, with the mayor’s support, partnered in 2021 with LearningCampus, a youth welfare organization specializing in forest kindergartens, experiential education, and social programs.
The "Discovery Church" concept transformed St. Paul’s into a multifunctional community hub. LearningCampus uses it as a daycare base, a "room of silence" for youth welfare, and a venue for social group activities. It also hosts cultural events, holiday programs, and church services. New initiatives include an environmental education escape room and plans for a high ropes course. A sound system will support music events, and a preschool religious education program is being developed. An online system allows LearningCampus staff to reserve the hall.
Key stakeholders include St. Paul’s Church, LearningCampus, the local municipality, and residents. Beneficiaries range from children and youth to the broader community, ensuring the church remains a vibrant space for education, culture, and social cohesion.
Resources needed
• Personnel resources at LearningCampus and the parish for the development of the concept, which took approximately three years
• Structural changes: around 30,000 Euros (including the installation of ceiling heating, lighting, a bouldering wall, benches in front of the church)
• Low annual rent
Evidence of success
• High acceptance of the "Discovery Church" project by the local population, making the church a new meeting point in the community
• Nearly daily use of St Paul's Church by the daycare group and youth groups
• Since April 2024, approximately 90 events and activities held in the church
• Since April 2024, around 1,500 participants in the events
• Around 10 church services, baptisms, and weddings per year
• Purchase option: LearningCampus gGmbH has been granted a right of first refusal
Potential for learning or transfer
The pastor and the managing director of LearningCampus collaborated, leading to the creation of the "Discovery Church". They drafted a detailed rental agreement defining acceptable activities. The Regional Church Office supported it without administrative hurdles, following the unanimous approval of the church council, whose open-mindedness enabled the innovative solution. Maintaining the church’s religious status was essential. Church services can still be held. The altar, baptismal font, and stained-glass windows were preserved. Only minor, reversible modifications were made, ensuring that St. Paul’s Church remains a place of worship.
This practice demonstrates how cofuncionalization of religious buildings can balance preservation with contemporary needs. Success factors include shared values between stakeholders, clear agreements on usage, and institutional support. The preservation of religious functions while allowing new activities ensures acceptance and sustainable use.
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