The origins of the KGPM are closely related to the attempts of Minahasan Christians to reorganize the Protestant Church in Minahasa to become an independent church (cf. GMIM no. 26). When it turned out that the GMIM was to became an autonomous church under the supervision of the Dutch-dominated GPI Church Board, a number of anticolonial Minahasans seceded and founded an independent church, not tied to the GPI and the government. As both considered the KGPM illegal, relations with the GMIM were strained. The tensions continued after national independence; as a result, not until 1979 could the KGPM join the Indonesian Council of Churches (PGI). Nevertheless, in the case of doctrine and worship there never was any difference between the KGPM and the GMIM. During the regional PERMESTA rebellion (cf. GMIM), the nationalist past of the KGPM made itself visible in the anti-regionalist stance taken by the church. As for the form of church administration, KGPM in the beginning submitted to congregationalism. Currently, however, the church does not follow the rules of this system but rather seeks a church administration which is colored by a central leadership. Typical of the structure of the church is that there are two boards of leadership, one for organizing business and one for the ministry of the Word of God on all levels (center, district, and congregation). The church has a number of schools from kindergarten to secondary school level and a number of agricultural training centers. The church considers October 29, 1933, as its birth date.
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