GKLI central office in Sihabong-habong.
Just before returning to America I had the opportunity to meet with the new leadership of The Gereja Kristen Lutheran Indonesia (The Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church—GKLI). Bishop Saragih and a few other leaders from the GKLI made the long mountainous journey from the GKLI headquarters in Sihabong-habong to Medan and arrived at our house Wednesday morning, December 15. We had the opportunity to discuss their goals for the GKLI and the church body’s work with the LCMS. It was a very positive and encouraging three hours. Bishop Saragih is a man who understand the great commission! He prays that the Lord will bless the GKLI through strong congregations and intentional gospel proclamation to those outside the church.
An ulos being woven.
One challenge that weighs heavily on the GKLI is funding. It is one of the poorest church bodies in Indonesia and it serves some of the poorest people of Indonesia. Facing this challenge Bishop Saragih did not ask for money. He does not want the GKLI to rely on LCMS dollars. Instead he shared his ideas on how the GKLI could support itself. To that end Bishop Saragih has explored the possibility of educating the people in Sihabong-habong to create ulos for export. (An ulos is a traditional Batak garment typically woven by hand. If you have been to one of my presentations my table is generally covered with an ulos.) Indonesia has a strong textile economy and a lot is exported. A single ulos can sell for hundreds of dollars. He also shared the idea of teaching local communities pig husbandry. The GKLI already has a peanut roasting operation underway. I was delighted to hear that the new leadership of the GKLI is committed to standing on its own financially. There are, of course, ways that the LCMS can help get the GKLI to that strong independent position.
Our discussion also revolved around the GKLI’s efforts for outreach and growth. Again I was fascinated by the well thought out plans and goals laid out by Bishop Saragih. Here is a brief rundown::
Go to the rural areas and establish relationships through teaching the local communities how to raise pigs. The wild hog population in the Sumatran Jungle is declining. So hunting and gathering is not a sustainable way to support a village. The GKLI can help, however, by providing pigs along with education to these communities.
Establish a campus ministry center in Medan. Americans are familiar with the challenges college students face with regard to their faith. Indonesians also face challenges in college, they are different to be sure, but even in Indonesia college is a time where young men and women find themselves away from their families and their churches. The GKLI leadership would like to see a college ministry center established in Medan. This would be primarily to support and strengthen GKLI students while they are away at college.
The GKLI wants to establish new congregations throughout Indonesia. They have the powerful message of the Gospel and they have the pastors. Right now they are trying to work out a model that would create sustainable congregations.
The topic of seminary education is also important to the GKLI leaders. We talked about what it takes to become a pastor in the GKLI. They have a seminary program that roughly mirrors the programs at the two LCMS seminaries in America. Two years of theological education, one year of internship, another year of education. One difference is that after the students are done with their education they begin a two year vicarage. After the successful completion of these two years they are ordained.
The challenge facing the seminary is one of resources in the Indonesian language. Most of the resources available in Indonesian come from reformed authors. Reformed and Lutheran theologians have significant differences in understanding the power of Baptism, the reality of the Lord’s Supper, the role and call of a pastor, and the list goes on. This is one area where the LCMS has a lot of experience. We can definitely help with this.
I am excited to work with Bishop Saragih. Please pray with me that God would bless him with the necessary leadership skills to work effectively toward these gospel centered goals.