FAQ — the questions people are too polite to ask

Question 1

Is this place a cult?

Accepted Answer

No — and we like that you asked, because it is the honest question. Testimony Arena is a registered non-profit church in Herten (Testimony Arena gUG). You can walk in, sit at the back, say nothing, and walk out again. Nobody takes your details at the door, nobody asks you for money, nobody will follow up unless you ask us to.

Question 2

What actually happens on a Tuesday and a Wednesday?

Accepted Answer

Tuesday at 19:00 is Bible Refreshment: we open one passage and work through it together, out loud, with questions. Wednesday at 19:00 is Revival: worship, the word and prayer for whoever wants it — around 90 minutes. Both are in English.

Question 3

I do not speak English well. Can I still come?

Accepted Answer

Yes. English is our main language, but this church is lived in five: English, German, Dutch, Spanish and French. Someone will sit next to you and translate. That is normal here, not a favour.

Question 4

What should I wear, and where do I sit?

Accepted Answer

Whatever you came to town in. There is no dress code and no reserved seating. If you would rather be invisible on your first evening, sit at the back — that is a completely respectable plan.

Question 5

Can I bring my children?

Accepted Answer

Please do. There is a looked-after corner for the little ones and nobody minds noise. The evening times exist precisely so that families and shift workers can come at all.

Question 6

Do I have to give money?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no entrance fee and no collection plate pushed under your nose. Giving exists, it is voluntary, and a first-time visitor is expected to give exactly nothing.

Question 7

Will someone pray over me if I do not want it?

Accepted Answer

Never without you asking. Prayer is offered, not applied. If you want it, you say so; if you do not, nothing happens and nobody looks at you differently.

Question 8

Are you actually open to everyone?

Accepted Answer

That is what Open Church means here: multicultural, multi-generational, and whoever walks through the door. Different countries, different ages, different amounts of faith, one big pool koinonia party.

Question 9

How do I get there and where do I park?

Accepted Answer

Sophienstraße 3, 45699 Herten, right on the Recklinghausen border. Come by car and park on the street, or take the bus into Herten centre and walk. If you are unsure, message us and somebody will meet you outside.

Question 10

Can I be baptised here?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Baptism is for people who have decided, in their own time, and we prepare it with you personally first. Tell us through the form and we will talk it through — no timetable pushed on you.

Question 11

Can you pray for something without me coming?

Accepted Answer

Of course. Send your request through the form or by WhatsApp and it goes to the prayer team, not onto a noticeboard. You will get a short answer from a human being.

Question 12

Who leads the church?

Accepted Answer

Testimony Arena Church Worldwide was founded by Pastor Patrick Nnadi. For anything about a first visit, the day-to-day contact is Patience Kozitzki — the phone number and email on this site reach a real person.

The questions people are too polite to ask.

Go on. Ask.

What is the worst that happens if you just come?