New approaches to proclaim the gospel in North Sumatra 

The Indonesian Christian Church (ICC) celebrates its 90th anniversary and launches new center for community development, diakonia and youth ministry

The Indonesian Christian Church (ICC), a member church of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) celebrated its 90th anniversary on 8-9 July in Permatang Siantar, North Sumatra, in July. The church was founded by the Rhenish Mission, and was formally established on 1 May 1927. Since then it has grown to be a church of over 350,000 members, who are served by 236 pastors.

Under the leadership of Ephorus Rev. Manjalo Hutabarat, ICC continues to seek new approaches to proclaim the gospel. One of these is the launching of the HKI Center project, which will be a brand new space for community development, diakonia, youth and other ministries.

Rev. Ramayanti Simorangkir echoes joy of the 6000 members and guests who participated in the celebrations, “I give thanks to God because His blessings have accompanied ICC in its ministry journey over the last 90 years. As a member of the LWF family in Indonesia, these celebrations become especially significant because this is also the year of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.”

ICC became a member of the LWF in 1970, and as a sign of church’s commitment to the Communion, a woman leader from the church, Ms. Desri Sumbayak, was elected as the LWF vice-presidents for Asia during the recent Assembly in Namibia.

Children and youth getting ready for the procession to the Anniversary Service. Photo: LWF/P. Lok

Pastors singing their praises to God at the celebrations. Photo: LWF/P. Lok

HKI’s leadership leading the church in worship. Photo: LWF/P. Lok

LWF Member Churches in Indonesia

A contribution from Philip Lok, LWF Area Secretary for Asia. Edited by LWF Communications.