Jakarta/Indonesia. As of last Sunday there has been a new church in Tangerang, a city quarter in Jakarta’s metropolis of millions. At first glance this may not seem unusual, but this place of worship is different from the rest: while it has been built by the New Apostolic Church in Indonesia, it is also used for divine services by two other Christian denominations.

The reason for this striking cooperation is explained by District Apostle Urs Hebeisen, who is responsible for Indonesia, as follows: “The land on which the church building stands belongs to the Indonesian army. A bordering training camp accommodates 650 soldiers. Approximately ten percent of these are Christians. The commanding officer made the land available for us to construct a new church building, but linked this offer to the condition that the new church be open to all Christians.” The District Apostle confirms that this was a welcome offer for the congregation in Tangerang, since the area suffers from an acute lack of available space. This arrangement has made it possible for over 200 New Apostolic Church members to have a new house of worship.

A church building with a cross and an emblem

From outside the handsome structure looks like a neutral Christian church, says the District Apostle. Only inside, on the wall behind the altar, has the emblem of the New Apostolic Church been suspended, since the New Apostolic congregation constitutes the largest group of users by far. The emblem can be covered by a curtain when other Christians celebrate divine services there.

The foundation is Christ

District Apostle Urs Hebeisen based the dedication service last Sunday on a Bible text from Proverbs 24: 3-4: “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” The District Apostle expanded on this as follows: “Solomon understood a great deal about building. We build upon the foundation of Christ. We will keep this house of God holy and use it as the early Christians did, namely on the basis of the Apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.” Over 600 believers enjoyed the dedication service, which was also transmitted to an adjacent multipurpose hall. After the divine service, the commanding officer who had made the property available to the Church expressed his joy and gratitude over the success of the project.

Please also visit the website of the New Apostolic Church in Indonesia.