GPDI Genesaret

Whispers of faith echo within the walls of GPDI Genesaret. Here on Jalan Seira Tanimbar, GPDI Genesaret stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Pentecostalism in Indonesia. GPDI Genesaret is part of a larger story, the story of the Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia. This church, along with thousands of others across the archipelago, traces its roots back to 1921. That year, two missionary families, the Groesbecks and the Van Klaverens, arrived from Seattle’s Bethel Temple, bringing the Pentecostal flame to Indonesian shores. Their journey began in Bali, but faced with opposition, they moved to Surabaya and then to Cepu. In Cepu, the first Pentecostal congregation blossomed. GPDI Genesaret shares this heritage, a heritage of fervent faith and rapid growth. The early pioneers, names like Runkat, Lumoindong, and Siwi, spread the Pentecostal message across the islands, facing challenges and divisions along the way. From Java to Sumatra, Sulawesi to Maluku, the movement took root, evolving and adapting to the diverse Indonesian landscape. GPDI Genesaret, like other GPdI churches, follows a unique organizational structure. The highest authority is the Grand Conference, held every five years. This conference elects the national leadership, the Majelis Pusat. The Majelis Pusat then appoints regional leaders, the Majelis Daerah, who oversee the local churches like GPDI Genesaret. This structure, with its emphasis on regional autonomy, reflects the congregationalist spirit of Pentecostalism. GPDI Genesaret also upholds the GPdI’s emphasis on education. From its earliest days, the GPdI prioritized training centers and Bible schools, nurturing future leaders and ensuring the continued growth of the church. The story of GPDI Genesaret is a story of faith, perseverance, and growth. It’s a reminder of the power of the Pentecostal message and its impact on the Indonesian religious landscape. It’s a story etched in the hearts of its members and whispered in the hymns sung within its walls.