Considered one of Jakarta’s unique houses of worship stands GKI Cipinang Indah. What makes GKI Cipinang Indah special? Let’s uncover the story behind this house of worship.
GKI stands for Gereja Kristen Indonesia. It means Indonesian Christian Church. GKI Cipinang Indah is part of the Indonesian Christian Church Synod. This synod is a Presbyterian denomination. It follows Calvinist theology. The head office is in Jakarta.
The Indonesian Christian Church Synod has a rich history. It formed from the union of three independent churches. These were the Indonesian Christian Churches of West Java, Central Java, and East Java. Each arose from different missionary efforts.
The Indonesian Christian Church East Java was the first to be incorporated in 1934. The Indonesian Christian Church West Java followed in 1940. The Indonesian Christian Churches Central Java was incorporated in 1945. In 1962, the three united. They became the Indonesian Christian Church. The General Synod coordinates their shared goals.
GKI West Java and GKI East Java were linked to the Dutch Hervormd mission. GKI Central Java was linked to the Dutch Gereformeerd mission. GKI West Java included congregations affiliated with Chinese Evangelical missions. Despite these differences, all congregations agreed to merge.
The organization of GKI is structured. It includes congregations, presbyteries, regional synods, and the 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.
The church government follows a presbyterial-synodal system. Each GKI organization has its own council. These councils serve as leaders.
Assemblies are the most authoritative forum for decision-making. Each council has its assembly. The 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 in East Java, West Java, and Central Java.
As of 2020, GKI had 263688 members. These members were spread across 231 congregations. There were also 19 presbyteries and 3 regional synods.
Church functions in GKI include ministers and elders. GKI intentionally keeps these functions limited. Elders are considered a permanent function. Ministers inherit their function from the New Testament church. Some congregations still maintain the deacon function. They do this to stay true 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 recognizes two sacraments: baptism and eucharist.
Decision-making in GKI uses conciliation. This method is similar to consensus.
GKI is committed to ecumenism. It is an active member of various organizations. These include the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches. It co-founded the Christian Conference of Asia. It also co-founded the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI).
The union of GKI has made it unique. It is the only church unity in the Indonesian ecumenical family. It partners with churches in other countries.
GKI values its theological heritage. This heritage comes from Pietism, Calvinism, and Methodism. It is mainly classified as mainline Protestant. GKI practices theology in a Muslim community. In 1958, it intentionally discontinued its ethnic bond. It became a multi-ethnic national church. The church affirms various creeds and confessions.
Today GKI Cipinang Indah continues this legacy. The church also has a YouTube channel. It adapts to connect with its community.
GKI Cipinang Indah stands as a testament to faith. It is also a commitment to unity. It is a place where diverse traditions meet.