Gereja Kristen Jakarta Jemaat Ampera stands before you. A testament to faith resilience and community. It wasn’t always this way.
In the late 1980s members living near the Institut Ilmu Pemerintahan longed for a local fellowship. The GKI Kebayoran Baru congregation answered their call. A small prayer group Pos Kebaktian IIP Ampera was formed. No one envisioned a full church. God had other plans. The Institut generously offered space. The first service was held on November 5 1989. It was once a month. Six months later services increased to twice a month. By November 4 1990 services were weekly. This growth was remarkable. The ministry expanded.
In 1992 a catechism group began. Baptisms and confirmations followed on October 4 1992. This coincided with World Communion Sunday and Indonesian Evangelism Day. GKI Kebayoran Baru elevated the group to prospective church status on November 6 1994. Members felt the need for a permanent building. They created the Yayasan Wisesa Wicaksana foundation. This helped secure land in Jagakarsa South Jakarta.
Despite 800 members living near the Institut only 100-150 attended services. This didn’t deter them. The group sought full church status. On November 4 2000 they achieved it. They became Gereja Kristen Jakarta Jemaat Ampera. Opportunities for ministry soared. Membership exploded from 75 to over 200 members plus 150 sympathizers. They needed a bigger building.
The church began to build their own facility in Jagakarsa. A pastor Berghouser Benget Tambunan was ordained on November 4 2003. This strengthened the church even more. The church took on a unique role. It began to serve students at the Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri STPDN. Each class numbered 150-200 students. They were required to attend services at Gereja Kristen Jakarta Jemaat Ampera. Despite many challenges the church persevered. Construction began in 2005. By 2006 plans were in full swing. The new church in Jagakarsa was crucial. Jagakarsa lacked churches. Around 700 of its 15000 plus residents were Christians. The church continued ministry at STPDN while planning the new building. The Gereja Kristen Jakarta Jemaat Ampera stands as a beacon of faith a symbol of perseverance and unwavering devotion.