Indonesian and Moluccan Immigrant Churches in the Netherlands: Missionary History and Challenge

Author: Jansen, Mechteld

Source: Journal of Reformed Theology, Volume 2, Number 2, 2008 , pp. 168-187(20)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

As a result of immigration of many Christians from all parts of the world to the Netherlands, about 1,000 'immigrant churches' have been established in the country during the last decades. This paper focuses on two churches in the Netherlands that mainly consist of members of Asian descent: the Gereja Kristen Indonesia Nederlands (GKIN) and the Geredja Indjili Maluku (GIM). Both are Protestant churches that have a history within the Netherlands for many years. Since these churches are not very well-known in the worldwide family of Reformed churches, I will describe their historical and cultural backgrounds quite extensively. This also includes the Dutch missionary involvement with the former Dutch colony of Indonesia. Subsequently, I will turn to their actual situation, and my main question will be how they view and carry out their missionary vocation in Dutch society. In the final section, it will be maintained that these churches do not simply mirror the missionary approach of the Dutch in Indonesia, but they consider themselves partners with other churches in a revised mission in which their own features can be a blessing for the whole Dutch society.

Keywords: IMMIGRANT CHURCHES; MISSION; NETHERLANDS

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156973108X306245

Affiliations: 1: Researcher in Theology-VU University Amsterdam; Professor of Missiology-Protestant Theological University, Utrecht;, Email: m.m.jansen@th.vu.nl

Publication date: 2008-05-01