Moving to a new country changes almost everything: your home, your work, your language and your routines.
For many Christians, one of the deepest needs in that season is a church family.
Worship, prayer and fellowship can anchor you when everything else feels unfamiliar.
Amsterdam may be known as a secular city, but it has a rich Christian history and a living church community today, including congregations that worship in English.
This guide offers practical steps for finding a church home, along with encouragement from Scripture for the journey.
A City Shaped by Faith
Amsterdam’s skyline is marked by church towers.
The Oude Kerk, the city’s oldest building, and the Westerkerk, where Rembrandt was buried, are reminders of a long Christian heritage.
The Netherlands was also a refuge for believers fleeing persecution elsewhere in Europe, and the Pilgrims who later sailed on the Mayflower lived for a time in nearby Leiden.
Today, church attendance in the Netherlands is lower than in past generations, but many congregations remain active, welcoming and deeply committed to their neighbourhoods.
English-Language Worship in Amsterdam
Because Amsterdam is an international city, several congregations hold services in English.
Among the best known is the English Reformed Church in the Begijnhof, a quiet courtyard in the city centre, which has served English-speaking worshippers for centuries.
Christ Church Amsterdam, an Anglican congregation, also worships in English.
International churches from various traditions, including evangelical, Pentecostal and Catholic communities, hold English services as well.
Service times and styles change, so always check a church’s own website before visiting.
For a broader overview of churches across the city, including historic buildings and active congregations, this guide to Amsterdam’s churches is a helpful place to start.
Why a Dutch Congregation Might Be a Blessing
It is natural to look for worship in your own language.
But many expats who stay in the Netherlands for years find joy in joining a Dutch-speaking church.
It can deepen friendships with neighbours, help you learn the language and root you in local life.
Protestant churches in Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods are a good place to start. Jeruzalem Church, on Jan Maijenstraat in Amsterdam West, is a Protestant church and monument that is open on Sundays, with information about services and other activities on its website.
Beyond the city, village congregations often have a strong sense of community. Protestantse gemeente Samen op Weg Kudelstaart, a Protestant congregation in Kudelstaart south of Amsterdam, places emphasis on hospitable gatherings and conversation about faith and life.
Congregations like this can be a warm place to practise Dutch among people who share your faith.
What Scripture Says About the Stranger
The Bible speaks often about those who live far from home.
God commanded Israel: “The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:34).
The New Testament continues this theme.
Hebrews 13:2 reminds believers, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” And Paul encourages the church in Romans 12:13 to be “given to hospitality.”
These verses work in both directions.
As a newcomer, you can trust that God cares for the stranger.
And as you settle in, you will have opportunities to welcome the next newcomer yourself.
Practical Steps to Find Your Church Home
- Pray first. Ask God to guide you to a community where you can both receive and serve.
- Make a short list. Note a few churches that fit your tradition, language and location.
- Visit more than once. One Sunday is rarely enough to understand a congregation.
- Stay for coffee. In many Dutch churches, coffee after the service is where friendships begin.
- Join a small group. Bible studies and home groups help you move from visitor to member.
- Be patient. Belonging takes time, especially across languages and cultures.
- Keep in touch with home. Your home church can pray for you and may even know of believers already in Amsterdam.
Questions to Ask a New Church
- Which language are services held in, and are translations or summaries available?
- Is there a children’s programme or youth group?
- Are there Bible study groups during the week?
- How can newcomers get involved in serving?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there English-language churches in Amsterdam?
Yes.
Several congregations hold services in English, including historic churches in the city centre and international churches from various traditions.
Can I attend a Dutch service if I do not speak Dutch?
Absolutely.
Many visitors attend and follow along using a Bible app in their own language.
Hymn numbers and Scripture references make it easier to keep up.
How do I know a church is right for me?
Look for faithful teaching, sincere worship and a community that welcomes you.
Give it a few visits, and pray for discernment.
A Closing Thought
Wherever you live, the church is meant to be a home for those far from home.
In Amsterdam, you will find historic sanctuaries, international congregations and neighbourhood churches where you can worship, grow and serve.
Take the first step this Sunday, and trust that the God who welcomed you will lead you to a family of faith.
