Prior to this Movement

In the mid-20th century, the Christian world entered into a period of relief from the struggles of the Second World War. Eastern Europe had fallen into the communist hands, while Western Europe was plagued by secularism. Missionary delegations began to turn from Europe to North America. Meanwhile, the churches in North America had to face the developing liberalism that threatened traditional Christian life.

In the meantime, new theologies emerged: demythologization, for example, opposed Barthian Neo-Orthodoxy and denounced the faith of the Gospel. At this time, the churches in Asia were asleep and ignorant of theology, despite the fruitful spiritual movement that God gave them, especially in South East Asia and China. Revival services conducted by John Sung and Andrew Gih went on to produce much fruit in the form of full-time ministers serving the Lord, and budding evangelization teams everywhere, which revived a patriotic spirit in many Asian countries. However, Ecumenist influences led to a disregard for orthodoxy, expanded tolerance for new schools of thought, and a replacement of traditional Pentecostal movement by the Charismatic movement. Both these influences produced multitudes of laypeople with no understanding of theology, who irresponsibly evangelize and build churches without confessions of faith, liturgies, or a regard for the great tradition of music that has long characterized Christian faith in history.

In the 70s to 80s, when the Evangelicals noticed the danger of confusion happening within Christianity, a movement of college students in South East Asia began to take hold, including the Inter-University Christian Fellowship (Perkantas) movement and the Campus Crusade. However, the strongholds of theology–that is, educational institutions for ministers, no longer had the capacity to uphold the orthodox faith anymore. For this reason, there have been movements to establish theological schools outside of conventional institutions. History has gone on to show that these schools lacked quality in their ability to defend correct theology, and in practicing responsible and correct understanding of the Scriptures. As a result, many full-time ministers and evangelists who graduated from schools like these faced difficulties in accepting the challenge of the era, let alone challenging the era itself, especially when faced with intellectuals.

On the other hand, another challenge for Christianity is the revival of other religions. Increasing numbers of scholars of other religions and their consolidation is a fact that must be taken into account. Not only that, the increasingly educated and influential scholars of modern philosophy in Asian countries have increased the likelihood that Christianity, if saddled by unqualified leadership, will be viewed as a backwards religion and become despised by the younger generations. Given this situation, who is prepared to accept the challenge and fulfill the needs in the current era, at the end of the 20th century?

There has been insufficient movement in the common society aimed at taking on the challenges of this age. Dissatisfied with the confusion in today’s Christian teaching and the inability of both Christian liberals and emotionally-driven Christian movements in representing true Christianity, we considered the need for a Reformed Evangelical Movement.

This movement is itself situated in and amongst the waves of transition from an agricultural society to an industrialized society, and now to a knowledge society. For this reason, this movement cannot be easily followed by those who are ignorant of the incredible influences of these waves of transition, especially because such a contrarian movement seeks to remain relevant despite being rooted in the same spirit that was pioneered in the 16th century. This movement strives to bring Christianity into the 21st century, and we should not be surprised if it is viewed as at once backwards and contrary to contemporary movements.

The Reformed Movement in History

The reformation that took place in the 16th century was a unique movement that remains unmatched in history. It was driven by a return to the Scripture, the confession that solely because of grace, only through faith, not through the works of human hands, the elect of God are called to be His witnesses in this world. The church is called not only to evangelize and teach the truth, but also to carry out the cultural mandate, with the guidance of God, to enlighten this world with the principles of the word of God in all cultural aspects.

In every aspect of human life, history bears witness to the contributions of Calvinism, ranging from private lives to social and educational spheres, even contributing to the pioneering of democracy and its spread globally. When the influence of Liberalism expanded and began to gnaw on the faith of Christians in the 19th century, Reformed theologians valiantly stood on the frontline of the battle against teachings that were unfaithful to the Scripture; even today, Reformed theologians’ writings represent the books with highest quality written against liberal teachings in Europe and North America.  It is this spirit of Reformed theology that has preserved Christianity from various lapses and infidelities, preserving the Church, as the Bride of Christ, who must remain faithful to the Lord.

Figures like Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, Hendrik Kraemer in the Netherlands, and Charles Hodge, Archibald Hodge, B.B. Warfield, Gresham Machen, Cornelius Van Til, John Murray, and others in the USA have all refused to compromise the true teachings of Scripture, a trait inherited from John Calvin. The discovery of common grace, and the unique understanding of general revelation have always been defining characteristics of Reformed theology in its approach to understanding and solving cultural problems, as well as enlightening and guiding the latest scientific discoveries and changes in the flow of ideas until the New Age Movement and Postmodernism. Reformed theology has had an indisputable influence in history, and remains one of the most resilient and the most well-equipped to lead Christians in their fight of faith, and provide guidance for the future of mankind.

The Calling of the Reformed Evangelical Movement

However, isn’t it true that many church leaders in Indonesia have received education in Reformed theological schools in the USA, the Netherlands, and many other places, before returning to serve in Indonesia? Why shouldn’t they be the ones to lead churches back to the spirit of Reformation, to raise the awareness about the need to nurture the faith that has been passed down to us, and to lead the fight in a world full of ideologies opposing the Scripture?

After waiting for around 20 years, I felt we could not wait anymore – Even though I have been teaching Reformed doctrine since 1964 in the theological school where I served and molded a Reformed ideology in the students’ minds. The calling to establish this Reformed Evangelical movement became clearer to me and all the more urgent after I contracted Hepatitis B in 1984.

Life is temporary. By that point, I had served for about 27 years, and the suffering I endured from the liver infection made me think that perhaps I will only be in this world for 15 to 20 more years. Therefore, I decided I could not wait for anybody else and began to earnestly pray, surrendering myself once more to establish the Reformed Evangelical Movement in Indonesia. I prayed to the Lord so that within 15 years, approaching the 21st century, there will be a group from the younger generation who understand the importance of the Reformed Evangelical Movement, and to willfully surrender themselves to serve and to sacrifice themselves in this age.

God blessed my answer to His call, so that in 1984, we took the first step by courageously hosting the Christian Faith Foundation Seminar (SPIK) to pioneer the widespread teaching of the Reformed doctrine. Unexpectedly, the number of participants kept increasing, and with great enthusiasm, they accepted the Reformed doctrine taught to them.

The SPIK movement that began in 1984 has since become a lively movement until today, both in Indonesia and abroad. Those who had been awakened made the decision to study the Reformed doctrine further, leading to the second step of this calling, which was the establishment of the Reformed Evangelical Theological School (STRI) for laypeople in 1986.

What is the Reformed Evangelical Movement?

A movement is distinct from an organization; it is a flaming fire and spiritual enthusiasm that kindles people into becoming powerful influences for other individuals to witness, to confess, to progress, and ultimately to carry out the important task of changing history. Excellent movements in history have always been marked with having a consistent theory, an agile strategy, a complete understanding, faithful followers, and an everlasting influence on both secular and spiritual fields. These elements can be evidently seen. Therefore, the Reformed Evangelical movement has to continuously ask the Lord for help and blessing in important areas. We believe this movement is motivated purely based on God’s calling and the needs of the age, and the ongoing lives of faith of Christians across history. We have seen clearly how abundantly God has blessed us, by leading, anointing, and especially reviving individuals who are kindled by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Soli Deo Gloria (All glory be only to God).

This movement consists of two aspects. First, a return to theological understanding that is based on the revelations from God in the Scriptures, which was pioneered by the Reformers, especially from the Calvinist school and its successors. With this strict principle, Christians will be equipped and strengthened by the teachings truly contained within Scripture to face the challenges of every age. Secondly, the kindling of a fiery zeal for evangelization; to mobilize Christians to directly proclaim the Gospel: the good news for humanity; the power of salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ for the forgiveness of sin and peace between mankind and God to create a new life that glorifies God, is a witness for Christ, and proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, this movement means the church must be rooted in the Word of God, and must bear fruit in this world.

How did this movement begin?

Every step taken in the formation and development of this movement have been guided by God, through the obedience of His servants. We planned, with regards to the reformed theology aspect, firstly to increase awareness and have as many people as possible experience for themselves the truth of Reformed Evangelical teaching. This has been realized in the form of the Christian Faith Foundation Seminar (SPIK). Secondly, we brought together groups of laypeople who strive to study Reformed theology systematically and consistently, which later took the form of the Reformed Evangelical Theological School (STRI). Thirdly, to build a library that provides quality books to meet the needs of people who want to learn more about the truth and the universal and influential value of this movement. Fourth, to build a theological school and institute to prepare full-time servants of God for the next generation. Fifthly, with the correct theological understanding, to build churches and evangelical posts from which servants of God can teach the Reformed theology courageously and shepherd God’s elect. Sixthly, to translate and publish Reformed theological books.

Meanwhile, our plans in the evangelization angle include, firstly, to conduct mass evangelization and directly confront the needs of the society, as well as to invite people to repent and accept the invitation to be a Christian. Secondly, to conduct discipleship training programs for individuals called to expand the Kingdom of God through personal evangelization, therefore mobilizing Christians to be vessels of God’s grace for society. Thirdly, to train full-time evangelists in theological schools to prepare servants of God who are talented and specially burdened in evangelization. Fourthly, to prepare Gospel posts to accommodate the fruits of evangelization towards pastoral and church life.

How is the Reformed Evangelical movement unique?

The Reformed Evangelical Movement is distinct from the Reformed Evangelical church and denomination. The Reformed Evangelical Movement is intended to be an impetus for every denomination, and can belong to all churches outside the Reformed Evangelical Church, so that churches are revived and directed to the true theology and the true evangelical spirit. However, the Reformed Evangelical Movement does not rule out the possibility for servants of God with Reformed Evangelical theology to establish a Reformed Evangelical Church as a platform in the Kingdom of God, which accompanies other churches in accomplishing their tasks and callings as the body of Christ.

Who is in this movement?

This movement is not monopolized by full-time ministers, nor is it monopolized by the International Reformed Evangelical Church, as Reformed theology and evangelism within this movement should be the internal core and outward actions of all churches. Therefore, all Christians who have experienced the new birth of the Holy Spirit, who have been baptized into the Lord, have the right to participate in the Reformed Evangelical Movement. By God’s leadership, then such passionate and theologically inclined Christians may freely, of their own accord, join the Reformed Evangelical Institution, even the Indonesian Reformed Evangelical Church. Each person involved in this movement must be aware of and understand the Reformed Evangelical Confession of Faith and be willing to work with Reformed Evangelical members to develop this movement, with the goal of glorifying God, purifying the faith of the church, and igniting the spirit of the Great Commission until Christ returns.

GRII and the Reformed Evangelical Movement

GRII (Gereja Reformed Injili Internasional or International Reformed Evangelical Church) is founded upon the Reformed Evangelical Confession of Faith with the goal of establishing a church based on Reformed theology, with a pulpit that delivers expository preaching, and a congregation committed to proclaiming the Gospel. This church is part of the body of Christ, which consists of all churches that are based on sound doctrine in carrying out their mission in this world. GRII members join by several means: firstly, as a result of direct evangelism, therefore accepting God and being baptized into GRII. Secondly, church members from abroad other areas who relocate to a city where GRII is present, whom then, at their own request and willingness, became GRII members through attestation after attending catechism. Thirdly, the children of members who are promised by their believing parents to be educated based on the Christian faith. Fourthly, the transfer of other church members into GRII, by following legal procedures.

GRII members who believe in the importance of the Reformed Evangelical Movement and have the burden of God’s call to join this movement will be given the opportunity to participate in the ministry so that through observation, training, and screening, in order to become servants of God to bless and serve people. The board consists of those who have undertaken certain ministries, and whom have been deemed sufficiently mature. Every Christian who recognizes and understands the Reformed Evangelical Movement should have a positive influence, both in church life and in society and the nation.

The Prospects of this Movement

Through the Reformed Evangelical faith, we hope that more churches will return to true teaching and engage in carrying out the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, STTRII, the Reformed Institute, and STRI, located in major cities in Indonesia and abroad, bear the obligation to educate Christians in the introduction of Reformed theology and mobilize evangelistic missions. Meanwhile, GRII is expected to open as many MRIs (Mimbar Reformed Injili or Reformed Evangelical Pulpits) as possible in various locations to meet the needs and the thirst of Christians for God’s word, Reformed theology, and evangelism training. We hope that true theology will be the key to enlightening culture and life in this world; and through evangelism, to bring all nations back to God. For the LORD has said, “You are the light of the world, you are the salt of the earth.” As we face the 21st century, marked by mass movements influenced by the spirit of the New Age Movement and Postmodernist cultural movements, let us shine the light of God’s Word, like a lighthouse that guides all who have gone astray back to the bosom of the eternal God.