Indonesian Churches Harness the Power of Digital Media

Indonesian Churches Harness the Power of Digital Media

Indonesia's digital revolution is reshaping the Church's approach to staying relevant in an increasingly media-saturated world. As Gatut, a church leader, shares, "Most Indonesians are using cell phones, but young people want to go further than that." We must recognize technology is a critical part of how this next generation connects.

The young Indonesian church leaders reaching rural areas are leading the way by finding creative ways to incorporate media into worship services and outreach efforts.

The Assemblies of God in Indonesia recently hosted a seminar with APMedia to cast a vision for media ministry. The event attracted over 120 district leaders, underscoring the growing interest in this approach. Gatut emphasized the urgency during this seminar: "You need to utilize media to reach the next generation, or you will not reach the young people with the gospel."

Recognizing the importance of this shift, the Indonesia AG is already planning to establish a Media Division to work alongside existing departments. One of the most exciting developments is how media missionaries are already using films and dramas to connect with Indonesia's Muslim-majority population.

These visual storytelling methods have proven effective in opening doors for meaningful conversations and fostering interfaith understanding. Gatut explains, "Sometimes, I don't know how to open the discussion with [people of different faith backgrounds]. But, because if I can show them a movie, it creates an opportunity for dialogue."

After attending the Indonesia APMedia training in February, another Indonesian pastor reported growth in the church because of the effort to reach people through TikTok. In one month the church doubled its social media reach!

Thank you for helping train media missionaries in Indonesia with your faithful support of APMedia.

In Indonesia, a digital revolution is changing the face of church outreach. Gatut, a church leader, shares how media ministry is becoming indispensable for reaching the next generation and bridging cultural divides.

Q: Can you describe the current state of media and its impact on the church in Indonesia?

Gatut: In Indonesia, media is growing rapidly, especially among young people. Most Indonesians use cell phones, but youth want to go further. Older pastors are slow to respond, but younger ones see media ministry’s potential to reach the next generation.

Q: How has the recent media ministry training been received?

Gatut: We had over 120 district leaders attend the Vision Casting seminar. Most have realized that media ministry is indispensable for reaching young people. This message is burning in their hearts.

Q: How is the Assemblies of God in Indonesia incorporating media ministry at the leadership level?

Gatut: We’re planning to include Media as one of four main divisions under the General Council, alongside Pastoral, Mission, and Education. This unprecedented move shows how seriously we’re taking media ministry.

Q: How have media resources been used in outreach?

Gatut: These resources have been effective in reaching out to the majority Muslim culture non-offensively. They’ve opened conversations and even led to conversions in some cases.

Q: What’s your strategy for implementing new media ministry models in Indonesia?

Gatut: My strategy is to “run with the runners”—working with experienced churches like Betlehem Assembly of God in Bogor. We’ll use their expertise to inspire and help those who haven’t started yet.