Converts offer a new perspective on the identity of free churches in secular Denmark
Theologian Henrik Holmgaard's research on converts in Pentecostal-charismatic churches in Copenhagen shows that church identity in these communities is primarily shaped by shared religious experiences and daily practices. The study thus sheds new light on the role of free churches in a highly secularized society like Denmark.
The research focuses on the life stories of people who have converted to Christianity from a secular background. According to the researcher, this group has often been understudied in previous studies. By focusing on their experiences, a more nuanced picture emerges of how church identity is experienced and shaped in practice.
The study shows that for many converts, the church is primarily experienced as a community that develops around a shared experience of God. According to the research results, this experience forms the core of the community and distinguishes it from other social contexts. Believers describe God as personal, loving, and actively present in their lives, an experience that is shared and strengthened within the church community.
This identity is primarily expressed through concrete practices. Sung worship, prayer, Bible reading, and catechesis appear to be important ways in which believers express their faith and strengthen their bond with the community. These activities function not only as religious rituals but also as moments where a sense of community and faith experience converge.
Use of Spaces
A striking finding is that church identity also plays a role in the way spaces are used. According to the research, believers often transform ordinary, secular spaces—such as rented halls or multifunctional buildings—into temporary sanctuaries. At the same time, social spaces emerge where people without a religious background can explore faith.
Connectedness within churches appears to be less based on clear boundaries between "inside" and "outside." Instead, it revolves around a shared orientation toward a spiritual center, shaped by shared practices, ethical standards, and the active involvement of members.
The research also has broader societal significance. By showing how people from secular backgrounds develop their faith, the study nuances the often simplistic view of conversion that exists within some Pentecostal-charismatic circles. Conversion rarely appears to be a sudden shift, but rather a process in which personal experiences, community, and daily practices combine to form a new identity.
According to Holmgaard, this insight helps us better understand how religious communities function in modern, secularized societies—and how they provide space for people seeking meaning and community.
More information on the thesis
