Church of Praise and Worship

Founded in February 2005 the Church of Praise and Worship in Philadelphia began as a small group. These friends attended another Indonesian church. They felt a stronger calling. They wanted to reach out to other immigrant communities. The Church of Praise and Worship was initially non-denominational. In 2006 a Mennonite pastor from Indonesia Bastian Yosin spoke at the church. He offered to connect the congregation with Franconia Mennonite Conference now Mosaic Mennonite Conference. The Church of Praise and Worship spent a year learning about Anabaptist beliefs. They joined the conference in 2007. The Church of Praise and Worship’s mission is to make disciples of all nations. This is reflected in its multi-ethnic membership. The church’s commitment to serving immigrants is noteworthy. Many members are immigrants themselves. A significant portion are undocumented. The Church of Praise and Worship became a sanctuary church in 2014. They are prepared to host undocumented immigrants. This reflects their deep commitment to justice and inclusion. The Church of Praise and Worship also built relationships with the local Indonesian Muslim community. They opened their building for Ramadan prayers in 2007. This demonstrates their commitment to interfaith dialogue and community building. In 2015 the Church of Praise and Worship hosted Passport Day. This event celebrated different world cultures. They raised money for a mural project and donated to Nepal earthquake survivors. This underscores their dedication to both local and global outreach. The Church of Praise and Worship continues to adapt and grow. They face challenges related to immigration. Pastor Aldo Siahaan recognizes the need for a generational transition. The younger generation will need to continue the work. They have a thriving youth group. The youth group works with Mennonite Central Committee. They are prepared for the future of the Church of Praise and Worship. They will continue serving the community. They will maintain their commitment to justice and inclusion. The Church of Praise and Worship is a testament to faith in action. It’s a vital part of Philadelphia’s diverse landscape. It stands as a beacon of hope and service. It exemplifies the power of community and faith.