REGIONAL CONFERENCE DPW SUMATERA 2025
Medan, North Sumatra | 5–7 June 2025
Region 12 (Sumatra Region) once again held an onsite Regional Conference in Medan, North Sumatra, from 5–7 June 2025. The conference was attended by approximately 230 pastors and leaders from IFGF churches across Sumatra, including North Sumatra (Medan, Siantar, Central Tapanuli, Samosir, Binjai, Belawan, Nias, and surrounding areas), West Sumatra (Padang, Teluk Bayur, Mentawai), South Sumatra (Palembang), Riau (Duri, Pekanbaru, Karya Indah, Palas), Lampung, Jambi, and Bengkalis.
The 2025 Regional Conference was especially meaningful as it was attended by IFGF Global Senior Pastor, Ps. Sam Hartanto, together with Ms. Naf, as well as IFGF Founder, Ps. Jimmy Oentoro, and Ms. Jenny.
During the conference, Ps. Sam Hartanto ministered powerfully through the theme “Leveraging Being a Minority.” He encouraged churches not to wait until they become large before making an impact, but instead to leverage their position as a minority—turning pressure into strength and limitations into strategic influence for the advancement of the Gospel.
In his next session, “Becoming an Entrepreneurial Church and Leaders,” Ps. Sam emphasized building God’s Kingdom through innovation, vision, and faithful stewardship. He highlighted that an entrepreneurial spirit is not limited to businesspeople, but is essential for pastors and leaders—embracing vision, risk-taking, and faithful multiplication according to biblical principles demonstrated by the early church.
Ps. Jimmy Oentoro also equipped and encouraged all participants with the message that every believer is called to continue becoming TEGAR (Terang & Garam – Light and Salt), bringing impact wherever they are and in every area of life. He further emphasized the importance of living as disciples (Life of Disciples), where discipleship becomes both a culture and a lifestyle. This is reflected through the 3I values:
Include – IFGF as a home for everyone
Inspire – inspiring others before giving instructions
Invite – inviting everyone to express gratitude and celebrate life together as God’s family
On the second day, speakers and participants strengthened their fellowship through a time of togetherness by visiting Lake Toba and its surrounding tourist areas.
In addition to teaching and training sessions, the Regional Conference concluded with the ordination of three new pastors in the Sumatra Region:
Pdm. Simroni – IFGF Peipei, Mentawai
Pdm. Sael Heronimus – IFGF Monganpoula, Mentawai
Pdp. Ratnasari Dewi – IFGF Jambi
All pastors and leaders who attended were greatly blessed, equipped, and empowered, returning to their respective cities and regions with renewed vision and readiness to build and advance God’s work.
