The Evangelischer Immobilienverband Deutschland e. V. (eid) is organising a specialist forum on 18 November 2026 at the Genezareth Church in Berlin-Neukölln. The event, titled "Ecclesiastical Properties Reimagined – Transformation for the Future," will address the complex issues arising from the changing use and preservation of ecclesiastical properties. Participants from church parishes, church districts, deaneries, and regional churches will meet with experts from the real estate industry, urban development, and finance.
The background to this topic involves declining membership numbers, falling church tax revenues, changing space requirements, and high renovation costs, which present churches with fundamental decisions regarding their property portfolios. These decisions include identifying properties needed in the future, possibilities for preservation, developing new usage concepts, and the question of possible divestment of properties. The relevance of these properties extends beyond mere asset valuation, as churches and community centres often serve as identity-forming elements for church parishes and communities, acting as places of faith, remembrance, and encounter.
Jannika Lange, Managing Director of eid, emphasises that the future of ecclesiastical properties is a question of the future of ecclesiastical and social life at a local level. She points out that changes can be actively shaped, and new uses, collaborations, and viable property concepts can open up prospects for communities and locations. The specialist forum sees itself as an interdenominational platform, as the challenges in the field of ecclesiastical properties are similar in many places.
Impetus and Practical Examples
The programme of the specialist forum on 18 November 2026 includes practical impetus and concrete reports on experiences. Michael Benthack, Managing Director of eid member bauwerk KIRCHLICHE IMMOBILIEN in Hamburg, will report under the title "Creating Livable Spaces – Where People and Church Meet" on experiences and solutions from ecclesiastical property practice. Stefan Neukamm from the Evang.-Luth. Kirchengemeindeamt in the Munich Deanery will present in his contribution "Profiling Responsibility – Property Strategy in the Munich Deanery" how a strategic engagement with the property portfolio can succeed at the church level.
These perspectives will be complemented by other expert professionals. Urban and regional researcher Arnt von Bodelschwingh will offer guidance for sustainable housing concepts in rural areas. Dr. Matthias Nagel will explain strategic approaches to hereditary building rights, while Dr. David Elferich will outline how to establish reliable cooperation between church parishes and private project developers. Finally, practical financing solutions and an "Evening of Encounter" will round off the programme.
Target Audience and Registration
The event is aimed at decision-makers from regional churches, church districts, deaneries, and church parishes, as well as representatives of ecclesiastical and private housing companies and project developers. Registrations for the specialist forum are now possible via the eid Evangelischer Immobilienverband Deutschland e. V.
