theolingua.id – Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong is a Christian figure widely known as an evangelist, pastor, theologian, educator, and cultural observer. With a ministry that has lasted more than six decades, he has had a major influence on churches in Indonesia and around the world, and has introduced many people to an understanding of Reformed theology. His persistence in delivering the word of God, whether through sermons, seminars, or literature, has inspired many people to explore the Christian faith more seriously.
In addition to evangelism, Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong’s role in the world of culture and education is also very significant. His works in theology, music, and architecture are an invaluable legacy for future generations. His dedication to building various Christian institutions demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the correct teaching of the faith can continue to be passed on and studied by Christians around the world.
Early Life and Call to Ministry
Born in Xia Men, Fu Jian Province, China, in 1940, Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong had a challenging childhood. His father passed away during World War II when he was only three years old. In 1949, together with his mother and siblings, he moved to Surabaya, Indonesia. There, he studied at Min Guang Elementary School and Chung Hwa High School, graduating in 1958.
At the age of 17, in a revival service led by Rev. Dr Andrew Gih, he received a calling to become a minister of God. To deepen his knowledge of theology, he continued his studies at the Southeast Asian Bible Institute (now the SAAT School of Theology) in Malang in 1960. After completing his theological education, he devoted himself as a lecturer at SAAT for 25 years (1964-1988), while also serving as a permanent evangelist at the Surabaya Chinese Christian Church (GKA Gloria) for 15 years.
International Ministry and Theological Education
Since 1968, Rev. Dr Stephen Tong has been invited to lead revival meetings in various countries, including Europe, America, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. He has also been invited to be a guest lecturer at several leading theological institutions, such as the China Graduate School of Theology (Hong Kong), the China Evangelical Seminary (Taiwan), Trinity College (Singapore), Westminster Theological Seminary (USA), and Regent College (Canada).
In 1985, he was awarded a Doctorate in Leadership in Christian Evangelism from the La Madrid International Academy of Leadership, Manila. In 2008, Westminster Theological Seminary awarded him a Doctor of Divinity as the highest honour for a Chinese minister.
Founder of the Indonesian Reformed Evangelical Church (GRII) and the Christian Educational Institute
In his efforts to prepare a doctrinally strong church, Rev. Dr Stephen Tong founded the Indonesian Reformed Evangelical Church (GRII) in 1989. Previously, he had started the Christian Faith Development Seminar (SPIK) in Jakarta in 1984 and founded the Indonesian Reformed Evangelical Institute (LRII) in 1986. To nurture ministers, he founded the Indonesian Reformed Evangelical Theological College (STT-RII) in 1990. In addition, he also founded the Reformed Institute for Christianity in Washington DC (1996) and the Reformed Institute in Jakarta (1998), where he still serves as rector.
As part of his ministry, he also founded the Momentum Publishing Institute, which publishes Reformed theology books in Indonesian, as well as translating various quality Christian literature from English.
Cultural Mandate: Music, Architecture, and Education
In addition to being an evangelist and theologian, Rev. Dr Stephen Tong has a vision in the cultural mandate. In 1987, he founded the Jakarta Oratorio Society (JOS) to introduce classical music and oratorio to the Indonesian people. In the field of architecture, he designed several buildings, including the Reformed Millennium Center Indonesia (RMCI) which began construction in 2006 and was inaugurated in 2008. He also founded the Reformed Center for Religion and Society (RCRS) in 2006 and Aula Simphonia Jakarta (ASJ) in 2009, as a centre for quality classical music education. For the education of the younger generation, he founded the Calvin Christian School in 2008.
Influence and Legacy of Service
To date, Rev. Dr Stephen Tong is still actively preaching and conducting crusades in various parts of the world. His ministry has reached more than 30 million people with a total of more than 33,000 sermons. He is also known as the ‘Oriental Billy Graham’ and one of the most influential preachers after Dr John Sung.
More than 300,000 people have surrendered to God through the crusades he led, and more than 2,000 ministers have been trained under his guidance. His legacy in evangelism, theological education, music, and architecture will continue to inspire future generations.
As God’s word in Jeremiah 29:11 says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
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