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 four 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.
Empowering Society Through Political Education
About 80% of the population in the remote high valley of Mamasa in West Sulawesi are Christians. The Toraja Mamasa Church (GTM) has therefore a lot of influence in the region. The GTM has launched a project to prepare its members to involve themselves in politics and encourage them to take an active role in the political process. The church wants its members to develop the ability to actively shape society, identify harmful developments such as corruption, and speak out against it. The GTM is working on the project together with the Leimena Institute in Jakarta. The institute has been working at the interface between religion, politics and society for the past 20 years.
Comprehensive Coaching for Young Adults in the Church
In many rural areas of Indonesia, there is a lack of trained teachers. Families with children can often not afford to send more than one child to school. It is not uncommon for children to help support the family's livelihood. As a result, very few young adults receive even a secondary education. Another challenge is the difficult economic situation in the province of West Sulawesi. Many people are suffering from malnutrition. The Christian Church in West Sulawesi (GKSB) has set itself the task of overcoming this challenge. It is striving at local level to ensure that members of their congregations, especially young adults, receive a good education and all-round support. The aim is to promote awareness of a living a healthy and eco-friendly life in harmony with nature.
Indonesia
255 million inhabitants, of which 5% are Protestants
A Confession of Faith to Strengthen the Spiritual Profile of the Church and Its Members
The Protestant Indonesian Church in Luwu (GPIL) has about 20.000 members spread across 114 congregations in the province of South Sulawesi. Once part of the Toraja Church, the GPIL became an independent church in 1966. After producing a catechism and a service order in the past, the church is now formulating its own confession of faith. This process is involving a broad cross-section of church members and will emphasise the church's spiritual profile and the spiritual life of its members.
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 Toraja Mamasa Church (GTM) is involved in youth work, adult education and the promotion of infrastructure improvements. The Christian Church in West Sulawesi (GKSB) separated from the Toraja Mamasa Church because of the great physical distance. It runs a theological college. The Protestant Indonesian Church in Luwu (GPIL) is a church in a small farming community. It emphasises educational programmes and spiritual support. 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
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