New wind in Holzminden: Andrea Maiwald becomes a pastor of the Thomas community

New wind in Holzminden: Andrea Maiwald becomes a pastor of the Thomas community

Holzminden. An exciting fresh start is imminent! Andrea Maiwald, the 45-year-old career changer from Stadtoldendorf, will take over the Thomas community in Holzminden and the Hochsolling communities as a pastor from December 1st. With an impressive background as a primary, main and secondary school teacher, most recently at the Paul Gerhardt School in Dassel, she brings a breath of fresh air to the community. Her path to the pastor is anything but usual - she benefits from a special program of the Evangelical Landes Church, which opens up new perspectives.

"In principle I am both, theologian and educator," explains Maiwald, who completed her training in Evangelical theology in teaching. After moving back to home and a job at the Campe Gymnasium in Holzminden, where she taught music and religion, she began to deal more intensively with pastoral care. Her training as a school pastor made it possible for her to celebrate services and to set up a space of silence for students. But volunteering became more and more important to them than the job. In June 2023, she ventured into the parish administrator training to fully live out her passion for church work.

Welcome service on December 1st

On December 1, your welcome service will be celebrated in the Thomaskirche, followed by her ordination on January 12 in Neuhaus. In the next three years she will be in the trial service before she can apply for the permanent position as a pastor. "Here I have the link to my training and I like St. Thomas's profile," says Maiwald enthusiastically. Your vision for the future is clear: services should be more interesting again! She plans outside services and would like to revive the pilgrim tradition to actively involve the community.

The new pastor has big plans to make the church modern and colorful. She sees challenges, but also chances of reaching people and showing them that the church is open and diverse. With an apprenticeship as a spiritual accompaniment, she wants to support people on questions of faith and make God visible in everyday life. Andrea Maiwald is ready to lead the Thomas community into an exciting future!