Indonesian Pastors and Leaders Summit 3 (IPLS 3)
The 3rd Indonesian Pastors and Leaders Summit (IPLS) was held last November 4-6, 2021 in Philadelphia, USA with the theme Post Pandemic Church. Ps. Jimmy Oentoro, the founder of IFGF, was one of the main speakers at IPLS. Some other pastors from other churches were also invited as main speakers such as Ps. Gilbert Lumoindong (GBI), Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat (JPCC) and Ps. Jose Carol (JPCC).
The 3rd IPLS was a hybrid event, in which the attendees were a combination of online and onsite participants. There were more than 200 people from various church denominations attending the event. The event was originally planned for Indonesian pastors who reside in North America. However, as the event was held online, many pastors from outside America participated as well. Representing IFGF were Ps. Fendy Hutomo (IFGF San Francisco), Ps. Abraham Ming Lie (IFGF Philadelphia), Ps. Freddy Hendric (IFGF Scranton) dan Ps. Tony Soewignjo (IFGF New York).
In the first session, Ps. Jimmy emphasized that church is not a building, a ritual or a program but rather, us as believers. Therefore, the church was never closed during the pandemic and in reality, the church was growing fast and widely open. A post pandemic church is a disciple-making oriented church instead of a program oriented one.
In the second session, Ps. Jimmy emphasized the importance of building a church according to its God given blueprint. A church needs to have an incarnation aspect according to the revelation on who Jesus is, and a willingness to be renewed daily. Ps. Jimmy also highlighted that each believer needs to live in a community and that each family is a church of their own. Family is the highest platform in ministry. With this new concept, the church does not need to worry during pandemic or post pandemic as it will be as impactful and fruitful as the early church.
The attendees felt blessed and equipped through the materials given. They also appreciated the committees who have worked well in preparing the event.
As a follow up, Ps. Jimmy also spent some time having a discussion with the pastors in the East Coast and was able to answer their questions personally.
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
– Acts 5:42 –
