Lyanne de Haan-Wilts, 36, began leading the Dutch Reformed Church in Breezand in early September after the congregation had spent three years looking for a minister. She studied theology but initially did not want to become a minister. Her experience teaching religion and classical languages, followed by an internship providing spiritual care at a hospital in Zwolle, eventually changed her view of the profession. She found the church through speed-dating meetings between congregations and university students and was appointed after being immediately attracted to the community.

The church has about 100 members, spread across Breezand and places including Den Helder, Julianadorp, Westerland, Wieringerwaard and Hoorn. De Haan-Wilts leads services, makes introductory visits and holds pastoral conversations, while a mentor from Haarlem guides her during her first months. She says she also wants to show that a young woman can be a minister; children have expressed surprise at her appointment. She believes young people are showing more interest in religion, although there is still work to do to connect them with the church.