A vibrant blue flame. It is the symbol of the Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia. This flame represents the spirit of Pentecost. It signifies the readiness to spread the Gospel to the world.
Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia is more than just a church. It is a Pentecostal Christian community. It believes in the Holy Trinity. This includes God the Father. It also includes God the Son. And it includes the Holy Spirit.
The church anticipates the second coming of Jesus Christ. He will come as King. The name Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia replaced Vereeniging De Pinkstergemeente. This happened in Nederlandsch Oost Indie. It is among the largest Pentecostal denominations in Indonesia. It is also among the largest in Southeast Asia.
Let’s explore the meaning behind the Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia logo. A cross symbolizes Jesus Christ’s redemption. A dove represents the Holy Spirit. This recalls Jesus’ baptism. An open Bible signifies God’s truth. A ring signifies unity. Blue flames embody the Pentecostal spirit. A frame represents spreading the Gospel worldwide. This frame also protects sound biblical teachings.
The Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia emphasizes key teachings. Water baptism involves immersion. This mirrors Jesus’ baptism. Believers should be filled with the Holy Spirit. The story of the apostles in Acts 2 is important. They experienced the Holy Spirit’s fullness. Simon Peter then preached. The church was born. The Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia believes in an anti-Christ. This figure will rule for 3.5 years. A 1000-year peaceful kingdom will follow. Then will come Jesus’ second coming.
The church’s confession of faith is based on several beliefs. The Bible is God’s inspired word. God is one. He exists as the Trinity. Jesus Christ is Lord. God created the universe and humanity. Jesus became human. He died for our sins. He resurrected. He ascended to Heaven. He will return. The Holy Spirit empowers believers. It enables them to speak in tongues. Water baptism is essential. It symbolizes faith and repentance. Salvation comes through grace. It comes through faith in Christ. Maintaining faith and holiness is vital. The Holy Spirit gifts operate within the church. Communion is for believers. Divine healing is available through Jesus. Child dedication is God’s will. The church is Christ’s bride. It will be transformed at His return. Jesus will judge the world. He will rule with the church for 1000 years. The righteous will resurrect before the kingdom. The wicked will resurrect after. Saints will have eternal life. Sinners will face eternal punishment. A new heaven and earth will appear. Worship gatherings should be joyful. Government is ordained by God.
The Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia is currently led by Pdt. DR. John Weol. In 1921 missionaries arrived. Rev. Cornelius Groesbeek and Rev. Richard Van Klaveren came from the USA. They came from the Bethel Temple Seattle. They first ministered in Bali. Then they moved to Surabaya. In 1923 they went to Cepu.
In Cepu F.G Van Gessel was converted. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. Many Indonesians followed. These included H.N. Runkat and S.I.P Lumoindong. They became pioneers. The Dutch East Indies Government recognized “De Pinkster Gemeente”. This was in Nederlansch Indie in 1924. New churches began to grow.
In 1937 the government recognized the Pentecostal movement. The name changed to “Pinksterkerk in Nederlansch Indie”. During the Japanese occupation in 1942 the name became “Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia”. Pdt H.N Runkat led the Majelis Pusat then.
Divisions led to new churches. Pdt. Ho Liong Seng founded GBI church. In 1959 Rev. Isaac Lew founded GPPS. RM Devin and R Busby formed Assemblies of God in 1936. In 1946 Pdt Tan Hok Tjoan formed Gereja Isa Almasih. Pioneers spread the word. Pdt. H.N. Runkat worked in Java. Pdt. Yulianus Repi and Pdt A. Tambuwun went to North Sulawesi. Pdt. E. Lesnussa went to Makasar. Pdt. S.I.P Lumoindong went to Yogyakarta. Pdt. A.E. Siwi went to Sumatra. Through their sacrifices the Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia grew.
The Gereja Pantekost di Indonesia structure includes a national leadership. This is called the Majelis Pusat. They lead various departments. These include evangelism and education. They also include diakonia. Regional Assemblies exist. They are called Majelis Daerah. These exist both domestically and abroad.