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Why the Netherlands Needs the Gospel

  • Of the 16.6 million population, 4.3% identify themselves as Evangelicals: there are more Muslims (5.8%) than Evangelicals in the Netherlands.
  • Evangelical growth is only 0.6% per year.
  • In the mainstream Protestant Church in the Netherlands, 42% of members are non-theist, and 1 in 6 clergy were discovered to be agnostic or atheist.
  • Approximately two Catholic churches a week are closing due to lack of members.

The Netherlands had a strong history as a Christian nation, and yet is now an intensely secular nation. As much as 51% of the population identify as non-religious, and pushes for tolerance and anti-discrimination curtail Christian freedom. Endorsement of
secular lifestyles and few restrictions on issues such as drugs and prostitution
characterise the country which has been a pioneer in secular worldview and legislation. Less than 20% attend church regularly, and all denominations are suffering losses in
membership. Unity for Evangelical churches remains a challenge.

Most statistics taken from Operation World 7th Edition (2010).