Evangelische Bank eG
IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Indonesia: Theological Education
Indonesia: Theological Education and Training
Christians are a minority in Indonesia. EMS currently supports five projects in its Indonesian member churches, which deal with the education and training of volunteers and pastors.
The island nation of Indonesia is a country, in which the majority of the population is Muslim. At 10 percent, Christians represent the second largest officially-recognised religious group. Roughly half of that 10 percent are protestants. They all face challenges, big and small, on a daily basis – particularly given their position as a religious minority. As such, the nine Indonesian EMS member churches are dependent upon well-trained employees, who take responsibility for their communities, support them, and provide pastoral care.
New stimuli for community work
Many communities of the Protestant Indonesian Church in Donggala (GPID) can be found in remote locations in the mountains of the Central Sulawesi province. Although the province is one of the most economically backward in the whole of Indonesia, the Donggala church is investing an awful lot in building communities. With this in mind, it offers a training programme for pastors, community leaders and deacons. The practical education and training courses allow these people to upgrade their skills in the areas of preaching, pastoral work, sermons, and community work.
Indonesia
255 million inhabitants, of which 5% are Protestants
Offers for theologians
Roughly 20 years ago, ethnic conflicts drove the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera (GMIH) to the brink of collapse. Since then, the church has done a lot of development work. An active spiritual life exists again in many communities. However, the spiritual and economic rebuilding, and the reconciliation between Christians and Muslims, will remain an important function of the GMIH in the future. The education and training of pastors places great importance on contextual, community-based theology.
Evangelist training
The gospel is yet to reach many ethnic groups in the remote mountainous regions of the province of South East Sulawesi. In their isolated villages, there is little access to education or medical care. The Protestant Church in South-East (GEPSULTRA) trains evangelists, who travel to those people in remote villages. They are supported there by pastors, who must often serve ten to 15 communities, scattered far and wide. The evangelists not only spread glad tidings, but are also community leaders, social workers and aid workers. This way, Mission takes place practically by serving humanity.
Project goals
The Indonesian EMS member churches are reliant on competent and well-trained full-time staff and volunteers in order to serve the communities. Each church sets its own priorities, as required. These range from classic education and training for pastors and vicars, to the training of evangelists and courses for catechists and community leaders. All the offerings share the same common goal: to encourage people of faith, support them, and to offer them spiritual counsel.
Project work
The work in the projects progresses individually and is completely tailored to the various challenges and objectives. Participants can expand their theological knowledge and social skills in seminars, training courses and workshops. They are given a deeper understanding of the needs of communities, and learn exactly how they can support people. The mutual exchange in groups helps participants learn from each other and reflect their own views.
Project partner
The Protestant Indonesian Church in Donggala (GPID) was formed in 1965. It runs several schools and one adult education centre. The Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera (GMIH) turned independent in 1949. Since 1968, it has run its own theological university. The project work performed by the Protestant Church in South-East Sulawesi (GEPSULTRA) helps improve the standard of living for many poor families.
We are pleased to hear that you are interested in this project. If you have any general questions, please use the contact form below. We are also happy to help you personally if you have any questions or require further information – by phone or by E-mail.
Djoko P. A. Wibowo
Liaison Secretary Indonesia
+49 711 636 78 -36
wibowo@ems-online.org
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