Remember Elim’s story began not in Jakarta but far away. It started with a vision to train ministers. This vision belonged to Reverend Ivan Q. Spencer and his wife Minnie in Hornell New York.
The Elim Bible Institute opened in 1924. From it grew the Elim Ministerial Fellowship in 1933. This fellowship became Elim Missionary Assemblies and then officially Elim Fellowship in 1972.
But what does this mean for Gereja Kristen Protestan ELIM? It means a connection to a global movement. Elim describes itself as a worldwide revival fellowship. It supports pastors missionaries and churches.
The Elim Fellowship holds specific beliefs. It believes in the Holy Bible as God’s inspired word. It believes in God as one being in three persons. It believes humanity needs a savior. It believes salvation comes through Jesus Christ’s death. It believes in divine healing and Jesus Christ’s return.
Now envision George Jeffreys in Ireland. In 1915 he began a new fellowship. This small group was called the Elim Evangelistic Band. They preached and founded churches. The movement spread through Ireland and then to England. Miraculous healings became common. Many people became Christians.
Why did this happen? The Elim leaders believed in God’s promises. These promises in the Bible were about the Holy Spirit and healing. They were for Christians today. Miracles did not stop after the Bible was written.
The Elim pioneers rediscovered God’s power. This power was promised in the Bible to those who follow Jesus. It was a rediscovery not a discovery. God had worked through Christians throughout history.
The foursquare teaching highlighted this rediscovery. Jesus is the Savior the Healer the Baptizer and the Coming King. This belief raised opposition from some church leaders. But the pioneers returned to Jesus’ teachings. Jesus healed many people. He promised the Holy Spirit to his followers.
Elim took God at his word. God delivered on his promises. He is still doing the same today. Elim comprises many churches in the UK and Ireland. They are also linked to many Elim churches in other countries. Elim is in fellowship with Pentecostal churches worldwide. It has missions work in over 40 countries.
Consider the implications for this Gereja Kristen Protestan ELIM. It is part of a movement with a rich history. It shares beliefs with churches around the world. It participates in a mission that spans continents.
So as you stand before Gereja Kristen Protestan ELIM remember its place in a larger story. It’s a story of faith revival and global connection. It is a story that began far away. It continues here in Jakarta and around the world.