New here?
Come as you are. That is how you get to know us, and how you become part of the church if you want to.
This is how it starts
Almost everyone who is now part of Rafaël Goes got to know us by simply coming along. You don’t need to be a member of anything and you don’t need to sign up.
Come on Sunday
Every Sunday at 10:00 at the Goese Lyceum. There is a crèche and children’s church, and afterwards we have coffee. Can’t make it? Watch live.
Open morning at De Basis
Every Tuesday morning between 10:00 and 11:30 you can drop in for coffee and tea at De Basis, Bessestraat 8 in Goes. Just walk in.
Visit a small group
Church on a small scale: in a small group you really get to know people. You are welcome, even if you are new.
From visitor to guest to member
Visitor
You come whenever you like, with no obligations. If you find the services good and welcoming, we would love to tell you more about who we are as a church.
Guest
Want to get to know us better? Then you register as a guest. You have an introductory conversation with someone from the pastoral team, you are invited to the introduction meeting with lunch and you can already help out, for instance with the coffee or the children’s work. Most people are guests for six to twelve months.
Member
Do you know this is your home? Then you become part of the church. After a conversation you fill in a form about what you expect from the church and what the church may expect from you. Then you are introduced to the church in the Sunday service and blessed.
Why become a member?
The Bible speaks of the church as a body and as a family: you don’t go to a church, you are part of a church. Becoming a member is a strong commitment in a culture of non-commitment. You say to God, to the church and to yourself: this is my spiritual home, here I want to grow, bear fruit and give myself. Psalm 92 tells the secret of someone who grows and bears fruit: such a person is planted in the house of the Lord. We need each other to become spiritually mature. That is how you grow from ‘feeling at home’ to ‘knowing you are home’.
Would you like to meet us?
Let us know. Someone from the pastoral team will contact you for a conversation, or you will receive the invitation to the next introduction meeting.
Pastoral team
herderlijk@rafaelgoes.nl For an introductory conversation, becoming a guest or becoming a member.
Office
office@rafaelgoes.nl 06-42317309
Frequently asked questions
About joining in, being a guest and becoming a member.
Do I have to be a member to join in?
No. The services, the open morning and most activities are open to everyone. Becoming a guest or a member is a step you take when you want to.
How long are you a guest?
There is no fixed period. From experience we know it is usually six to twelve months. When you feel you know the church well enough, the step to membership is next.
What does the church expect from members?
That you keep growing: that you attend the services and a small group, use your gifts in a task or team, give as you are able and are baptised by immersion if that has not happened yet. In turn you may expect support, teaching and care from the church, also in difficult circumstances.
I come from another church. Can I join in?
Of course. Rafaël Goes is one of the churches in Goes and we see ourselves as an addition, not as better. People from very different church backgrounds are part of the congregation.
I want to be baptised. How does that work?
Wonderful! Read more on the Baptism page and let us know there. We will invite you for a conversation and the baptism preparation.