Simone Pottmann: New provost brings a breath of fresh air to Altholstein!

Simone Pottmann: New provost brings a breath of fresh air to Altholstein!

A fresh wind is blowing through the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Altholstein church district! On Friday evening in the Bugenhagenkirche Neumünster, Simone Pottmann was elected as the new provost with 68 out of 75 votes. Only 4 votes were against her, and 3 voters held back. This step not only marks a change in leadership, but also a promising departure for the church district, which has around 175,000 members in 53 congregations, making it the largest in Schleswig-Holstein. Pottmann is expected to take up her new position on November 1, 2025, succeeding Stefan Block, who is retiring after 23 years. Christian Kröger will take over as interim manager until she takes office.

Pottmann's election is a sign of change, especially with regard to the role of women in the church. More and more women are taking on leadership positions in the Protestant church, which reflects a social change. “We are in an exciting time,” says Pottmann, who has set herself the goal of being a proponent of constructive dialogue. Her commitment already shows her ideas for actively shaping life in Neumünster, where she will live with her husband in the pastorate at the old churchyard.

Background and qualifications

The Rhineland native has an impressive academic career. She studied theology at the universities in Marburg, Wuppertal and Bochum. She was also a research assistant at the Ruhr University and a pastor in Essen before becoming pastor of the Kaltenkirchen parish in 2010. For the last seven years she has also served as Vice President of the Altholstein Synod. Pottmann is not only an experienced pastor, but as the spiritual leader of the South Provost, she also looks after a total of 30 parishes and more than 40 pastors. These communities extend from Neumünster via Bad Bramstedt to Henstedt-Ulzburg.

Among her first well-wishers was Synod President Dr. Jutta Lüttges, who praised Pottmann's skills and commitment. Northern Church Bishop Nora Steen, who proposed Pottmann for election, also agreed and expressed confidence about the challenges ahead. At a time when the role of women in the church is being redefined, Pottmann's election is particularly significant and is in line with an overarching trend that is increasingly placing women in pastoral positions at the forefront.

The role of women in the church

Historically, the role of women in the Christian churches has changed significantly, especially in the 20th century due to the influence of women's movements. These changes have led to more women taking up theological studies and thus becoming qualified to take on pastoral tasks. A number of significant steps have also been taken in recent decades to give women access to positions such as pastor or bishop. The world's first female Lutheran bishop, Maria Jepsen, was appointed in 1992. Pottmann's election can therefore be seen as part of a larger social change that advances equality in the church.

With a view to the future of the Altholstein church district, Pottmann will take on responsibility with a committed team at her side and tackle the challenges that lie ahead with an open ear and a clear focus on dialogue. The communities are eagerly awaiting the new impulses that her term of office could bring with her.

The time is ripe for change, and Simone Pottmann seems to have the right touch to bring a breath of fresh air into the church community.

stadtmagazin-sh.de reports on Pottmann's election
die-nachrichten.com sheds light on the background
konfessionskunde.de addresses the changing gender roles