"Refugees rescue the soul of the church" (Daniel Berrigan): preaching that empowers a new ministry among refugees

This thesis deals with preaching as one practice among other practices in a new ministry among refugees. It draws on experiences made in Stephanus, a white middle-class Lutheran church in a rural part of Germany. After a time of financial problems and uncertainty which has made them turning inwards upon themselves they inquire after their mission to overcome their exclusiveness. When an increasing number of refugees are assigned to their village they establish a new ministry among refugees. This thesis examines the foundation of this ministry in mission and hospitality and seeks to find out what preaching can contribute to welcome the refugees in the community and to empower the new ministry.