A beacon of faith it stands. Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia Jemaat Anugerah welcomes all. Let’s explore its story.
The Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia is also known as GPdI. It is one of Indonesia’s largest Christian denominations. It is also one of Southeast Asia’s largest. GPdI believes in the Trinity. It believes in God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit. They await Jesus’s second coming as King.
GPdI replaced the name Vereeniging De Pinkstergemeente. This was in Nederlandsch Oost Indie.
The Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia has a meaningful logo. The cross symbolizes Jesus’s sacrifice. It represents His resurrection. The dove represents the Holy Spirit. This recalls Jesus’s baptism. The open Bible signifies God’s truth. The GPdI ring binds the community in unity. Blue flames symbolize the Pentecostal spirit. The frame shows GPdI’s global mission. It signifies preaching to the four corners of the earth. It also frames the Bible’s teachings.
GPdI emphasizes water baptism. This involves immersion like Jesus’s baptism. They believe in the Holy Spirit’s filling. This is like the disciples in Acts 2. They believe in the anti-Christ’s rule. It will last 3.5 years. They anticipate a 1000-year peaceful kingdom. They also believe in Jesus’s second coming.
The founders were Rev W.H. Offiler, Rev Richard Van Klaveren and Rev Cornelius E. Groesbeck. They founded it in 1921.
GPdI’s articles of faith are important. They believe the Bible is God’s inspired word. It consists of 66 books. They believe in one eternal God. This God exists as the Trinity. They acknowledge God as the Creator. He made the universe and humanity.
They believe Jesus became human. He was born of the Virgin Mary. He died for humanity’s sins. He resurrected and ascended to Heaven. He will return. They believe the Holy Spirit is God. He possesses eternity and omnipotence. They believe in baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
Salvation comes through grace and faith. Believers must maintain holiness. They must maintain faithfulness. They must maintain salvation. Active spiritual gifts are vital. The Lord’s Supper should be observed by believers. Divine healing is available through Jesus’s name.
Child dedication aligns with God’s will. The church is Christ’s bride. It will be transformed. It will be taken up at Jesus’s return. Jesus will judge the world. He will reign in a Millennial Kingdom. The saints will resurrect before this kingdom. Sinners will resurrect after it. The new heaven and earth will be the eternal home. Worship services should be joyful. Government is ordained by God.
Rev. Dr. John Weol currently leads GPdI.
Two missionary families came from the USA in 1921. They were from Seattle’s Bethel Temple. Rev. Cornelius Groesbeck and Rev. Richard Van Klaveren were among them. They first ministered in Bali. Then, they moved to Surabaya in Java in 1922. They went to Cepu in 1923. F.G Van Gessel converted in Cepu. Many Indonesians followed. These included H.N. Runkat and S.I.P Lumoindong. These figures pioneered Pentecostalism across Indonesia.
The Dutch government recognized “De Pinkster Gemeente in Nederlansch Indie” in 1924. This was as a legal entity. New churches then grew rapidly.
In 1937, recognition was increased. It became “Kerkgenootschap”. The name changed to “Pinksterkerk in Nederlansch Indie”. In 1942, during Japan’s occupation, it became “Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia.” Pdt. H.N Runkat was the chairman then.
Several splits occurred later. They led to new churches. Pdt. Ho Liong Seng founded GBI.
Pdt. H.N. Runkat worked in Java. Pdt. Yulianus Repi and Pdt. A. Tambuwun ministered in North Sulawesi. Pdt. E. Lesnussa reached Makassar. Pdt. S.I.P Lumoindong went to Yogyakarta. Pdt. A.E. Siwi ministered in Sumatra. Their sacrifices helped GPdI grow.
Now, consider a local example. The 26th anniversary of GPdI Anugerah Kemuliaan was celebrated. It was in Kuta Jaya, Tangerang. Pdt. Hesky Wengkang is the pastor. The church started with five people. It now has hundreds. Pdt. Herry Lumatauw preached at the celebration. He spoke about wisdom, risk, diligence and life management.
Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia Jemaat Anugerah has a rich history. It shows dedication and faith. May its light continue to shine brightly.