How about diving into the story of Gereja GKI in Jakarta? This Indonesian Christian Church stands as a testament to faith. It also exemplifies unity amidst diversity. Gereja GKI is abbreviated from Gereja Kristen Indonesia. It is a Presbyterian denomination with Calvinist theology. Its head office is in Jakarta.
GKI’s story began with three independent churches. These were the Indonesian Christian Churches of West Java, Central Java, and East Java. Each emerged from separate missionary efforts. Local and foreign missionaries contributed to their growth. The Indonesian Christian Church East Java was established first. It was incorporated on February 22, 1934. The Indonesian Christian Church West Java followed six years later. It was incorporated on March 24, 1940. The Indonesian Christian Churches Central Java was incorporated on August 8, 1945.
On March 27, 1962, these three denominations united. They formed the Indonesian Christian Church. The General Synod aimed to coordinate their efforts toward common goals. Both GKI West Java and GKI East Java were affiliated with the Dutch Hervormd mission. GKI Central Java was affiliated with the Dutch Gereformeerd mission. GKI West Java included congregations affiliated with Chinese Evangelical missions. Despite differences in liturgy and church government, all congregations consented to the merger.
GKI’s organization includes the congregation, presbytery, regional synod, and Synod. Each level is led by a council. The Synod consists of regional synods. Regional synods consist of presbyteries. Presbyteries consist of congregations. The synod council includes all regional synod councils. Regional synod councils include all presbytery councils. Presbytery councils include all congregational councils. This structure reflects the presbyterial-Synodal system. Each GKI organization has its own council as servant-leaders. It is not a mere executive board.
The most authoritative forum for decision-making is the assembly. Each council has its own assembly. The hierarchy ensures that larger assemblies have more authority. Congregational council assemblies submit to presbytery council assemblies. Presbytery council assemblies submit to regional synod council assemblies. Regional synod council assemblies submit to synod council assemblies.
There are three regional synods in GKI. These are located in East Java, West Java, and Central Java. As of 2020, GKI had 263,688 members in 231 congregations. There were also 19 presbyteries and 3 regional synods. Church functions in GKI include ministers and elders. GKI emphasizes these two roles. Elders are considered a permanent function from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Ministers are inherited from the New Testament church. Some congregations maintain the deacon function. This shows fidelity to old Calvinism.
GKI Liturgy adapts the ecumenical Lima Liturgy. It also refers to the BEM document of the WCC. The Word of God is ministered using The Revised Common Lectionary. GKI affirms two sacraments. These are baptism and eucharist. Decision-making involves conciliation, parallel to the consensus method.
GKI actively participates in ecumenism. It is a member of the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches. It is also a co-founder of the Christian Conference of Asia. GKI is a partner with churches in the Netherlands, the United States, and Australia.
The uniting of GKI has placed it as a unique church unity. It is part of both Asian and global ecumenical families. GKI values its theological heritage. This originates from Pietism, Calvinism, and Methodism. GKI discontinued its ethnic bond to become a multi-ethnic national church in 1958. The church affirms various creeds and confessions. These include the Apostles Creed and the Heidelberg Catechism.
Today, Gereja GKI stands as a symbol. It represents a journey of unity, faith, and commitment to serving the community in Jakarta and beyond. Its history is a rich tapestry of missionary efforts. Also its dedication to ecumenism makes it a vital part of Indonesia’s religious landscape.