Ever wondered how a small seed of faith can grow into a community embracing people from 40 nations? That’s the story of Botkyrka Pingstförsamling. Right here in Tumba, between Stockholm and Södertälje, stands a testament to the power of unity and shared belief.
Botkyrka Pingstförsamling’s journey began humbly. It started as an outpost of Stockholm’s Filadelfiaförsamling for seven years. But in 1926, it blossomed into its own independent congregation. Imagine those early days. The congregation gathered in a former Folkets hus. Later they met in a former Templar order house called Mimer. This building once served as a Salvation Army hall.
Fast forward to today and you’ll see a striking red brick church. It was inaugurated in March 1980. This building is located on Gröndalsvägen 9 in central Tumba. Lars Jarméus AB from Falköping designed and built the church. Step inside and notice the bright interior. The high, white-plastered space feels welcoming. Your eyes are drawn to the large cross. It is centrally placed in the background. Look to the left of the podium. There is a baptismal font beneath a tall window. Botkyrka Pingstförsamling owns this building.
But the building is just a vessel. The heart of Botkyrka Pingstförsamling lies in its diverse community. It is part of the charismatic Pentecostal movement. Pentecostalism emphasizes the Holy Spirit. Members believe they can be filled with the Spirit. This is similar to what happened to the disciples on the first Pentecost.
This church is multicultural and multiethnic. Its members come from around 40 countries. Botkyrka Pingstförsamling is deeply connected to the wider Pentecostal movement in Sweden. It also maintains relationships with other Christian congregations in the area. Much of the church’s work is done by volunteers. Pastors and elders are appointed. They serve the congregation through teaching and leadership.
Botkyrka Pingstförsamling offers services in Arabic and Tamil too. There’s “Färgfabriken” for children. Teenagers enjoy “1UP Friday”. Senior activities are also available. The church hosts daytime café gatherings and language cafés. Small groups meet in homes. These groups are called “fellowship groups”. Since 1993, the church runs a second-hand shop in Eriksberg. This is south of Alby. In 2006, they initiated the T-way church plant in Hallunda.
The members themselves rebuilt the church. They volunteered 30000 hours. They raised over 14 million. In Advent the church was rededicated.
Botkyrka Pingstförsamling will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. It was founded in 1926. At the turn of 2022/2023, it had 655 members. Leaders like Hans-Erik Pettersson, Ruben Vingren and Gunnar Sameland have shaped its path. Beryl Lindeman and Hans Erik Bylund also served as leaders.
Botkyrka Pingstförsamling stands as a beacon of faith. It shows how a community can unite across cultures. It embodies the spirit of Tumba. It is a place where everyone is welcome.