Do families matter to you? The GPIB Sumber Kasih understands their importance. This church in Jakarta has a rich history. It started from humble beginnings to become a pillar of faith.
GPIB Sumber Kasih’s story starts with GPIB Effatha. Back in 1960, Effatha began holding services in homes. These services reached new housing complexes. One location was the home of the Sumual-Palar family on Jalan Cilandak V. These early gatherings were simple. No one knew they would become part of history.
In 1965, GPIB Effatha was officially established. It was then planned to create service sectors called “Ranting”. “Ranting” later became “Jemaat Bagian”. In 1971, these Jemaat Bagian were organized. The goal was to prepare them for full establishment.
Since 1975, some Jemaat Bagian were prepared for independence. Bagian Jemaat IX included Cipete and Cilandak. GPIB Effatha studied the development of this area. The Youth Movement helped lead this effort. This development was celebrated at GPIB Effatha’s 25th anniversary on June 10, 1975.
Several factors drove this expansion. More people wanted to worship near their homes. Also, the GPIB Special Synod in 1972 inspired change. This synod encouraged GPIB Effatha to empower its members. They were to improve services. A four-year plan was created from 1975 to 1979. It prepared the Jemaat Bagian for establishment. This included Bagian Jemaat IX in Cipete and Cilandak. GPIB Effatha had 13 Bagian Jemaat ready for independence.
The concept of a Missioner Church influenced GPIB Effatha’s expansion. This sped up the organization of GPIB Effatha’s service areas. These Bagian Jemaat competed to become new congregations. Within five to seven years, new congregations emerged in South Jakarta. GPIB Effatha approved their establishment. They were then proposed to the Synod. In 1979, GPIB Effatha designated 13 Bagian Jemaat for new status.
Bagian Jemaat IX’s service area was defined in 1976. It included Jalan H. Nawi and Jalan Nangka/Abdul Majid. It stretched south along Jalan Raya RS Fatmawati. This covered Cipete, Cilandak, Terogong, Pondok Labu, and Lebak Bulus. To the east, it reached Jeruk Purut, Ampera, and the Marine Complex. This area grew quickly. By 1978, Bagian Jemaat IX was divided. The areas of Cipete, Cilandak Barat, Pondok Labu, Pangkalan Jati, and Lebak Bulus remained Bagian Jemaat IX. Cilandak Timur and the Marine Complex became Bagian Jemaat VII of GPIB Effatha.
GPIB Sumber Kasih officially became the 151st GPIB congregation. The GPIB Synod established it on May 20, 1982. This was during a church service on Ascension Day.
GPIB Sumber Kasih’s history is divided into three periods. The first is the preparation phase from 1960 to 1982. The second is the development phase from 1982 to 1992. The third is the independence phase from 1992 to the present.
GPIB Sumber Kasih continues to serve its community. It holds Sunday services at 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. These services take place on the second floor. The 9 am service is hybrid. The 5 pm service is in person. Children’s services are available at 9:00 am on the first floor. There are also services for young adults at 9:00 am on the first floor. Family worship services are held on Wednesdays.
The story of GPIB Sumber Kasih is a testament to faith. It shows how a small beginning can grow into something significant. The church enriches the lives of many in Jakarta and beyond.