Consider the story of faith etched into the heart of Jakarta at GBI Kalvari. What began as a spark of Pentecostal fervor has grown into a beacon for countless believers. The Indonesian Bethel Church, known as Gereja Bethel Indonesia or GBI Kalvari, is more than just a building. It represents a vibrant community.
GBI Kalvari is a member of the Church of God. Its roots trace back to American missionaries who brought Pentecostal doctrines to Indonesia in 1921. These missionaries helped start the Union of Pentecostal Churches in 1924. This union later became the Pentecostal Church of Indonesia.
In 1946, a group separated. This group founded Bethel Full Gospel Church. In 1967, Bethel Full Gospel Church sought unification. They signed a contract with the Church of God. Disagreements arose among church leaders. In 1970, the church re-registered as Bethel Church of Indonesia. The Ministry of Religious Affairs officially registered it in 1972. It was registered under writ No. 41 of December 9.
Imagine the dedication. In 1998, this church embraced 725,000 believers in 1,320 churches. By 2010, that number soared to 2.5 million. A significant portion are Chinese Indonesians.
GBI Kalvari adheres to a creed deeply rooted in Pentecostalism. Their core beliefs include the inspiration of the Bible. They also believe in the Trinity of God. They emphasize the dual nature of Christ. Baptism and communion are sacred ordinances. There is a strong emphasis on baptism with the Holy Spirit. They actively practice divine healing. This demonstrates the Resurrection Power of Christ.
Theological training is a cornerstone. Bethel Seminary in Jakarta prepares future ministers. Other institutions such as Kharisma school of theology also help.
Today, GBI Kalvari stands as a testament to faith. It shows the transformative power of belief. Its story echoes through the streets of Jakarta. It reminds us of the enduring spirit of community. The church also has several branches. They are located in Tanjung Pinang. They are also located in Makassar. You can find them in Deli Serdang. Other locations are Sentani, Polewali Mandar and Balikpapan. Additionally, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Baptis Kalvari is located on Jalan Gunung Sahari.
As you stand before GBI Kalvari, remember its history. It is a story of resilience, growth, and unwavering faith. The church continues to shape lives. It impacts the community. It is a place where faith shines brightly.