Evangelical Church in Minahasa (GMIM)

The GMIM is one of the biggest and oldest churches in Indonesia, providing a home to approximately 70% of the population in the Minahasa region. A strong missionary movement started as early as in the 16th century when the Portuguese arrived. In the 19th century, it was modified by two German missionaries, resulting in the establishment of the GMIM in 1934. In over 600 parishes, the church looks after 750,000 members, and 50% of the pastors are female. This ratio which is unusual for Indonesia (as well as for Germany) is the result of the strong position of women in the traditional culture of the Minahasa. The GMIM sees itself as a missionary church and also works as such in other regions. Various other churches which have become independent in the meantime have emerged from this work. In addition, the GMIM has pointed the way for the entire region by setting up a Christian university, numerous hospitals and outpatient clinics, schools, children's homes and village development programmes.