What if this house of worship could tell its story? Gereja Kristus Yesus or GKY stands before us. It is not just a building. It represents faith and community.
GKY’s story is rooted in the признание признании that Jesus Christ is the only foundation. He is the head of the church. This principle guides the church. It sees itself as part of the universal church.
The story goes back to August 1944. Some members of Chung Hua Chi Tuh Chiao Hui Ketapang started services in Chinese. This group became independent on June 3, 1945. It was then called Chung Hua Chi Tuh Chiao Hui Kuo Yu Thang. The location was Jalan Mangga Besar I 74 in Jakarta. People knew it as CHCTCH Kuo Yu Thang Mangga Besar.
In 1963, CHCTCH became Gereja Kristus. So, CHCTCH Kuo Yu Thang Mangga Besar changed its name. It became Gereja Kristus Jemaat Mangga Besar. This church was independent. It was part of the Synod of Gereja Kristus. The Indonesian Council of Churches recognized it. The government confirmed its independent status in 1979.
Internal and external ministry growth was important. So on June 3, 2002, Gereja Kristus Jemaat Mangga Besar took action. It had 11 congregations and 13 posts. It formed the Synod of Gereja Kristus Yesus.
GKY has expanded since then. There are now 38 GKY churches in Indonesia and 9 service posts. You can find them in Jakarta, Tangerang, Makassar and other cities. GKY has also spread internationally. There are locations in Singapore, Sydney and Hong Kong.
GKY has 11 articles of faith. They affirm belief in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They recognize Jesus Christ as the only savior. They believe the Bible is God’s perfect revelation. They also believe in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit convicts, regenerates and empowers believers.
The story of GKY reflects devotion, expansion and commitment to its faith. It started small. It grew into a large network. It maintains its belief in Jesus Christ. GKY seeks to fulfill its mission through fellowship, service and testimony. Its vision is to be a glorious and missionary church.