An Internalization of the Spirit of Independence in the HKBP Church

Investigating HKBP's Efforts to Prepare Pastors for Global Ministry After the HKBP Manjujung Baringinna, 1940-Present

Abstract

This article examines the internalization of the spirit of independence within the HKBP Church in the post-HKBP Manjujung Baringinna era. Viewed from a historical perspective, this era marks two significant phases in HKBP’s development: 1861–1940 and 1940 to the present. The RMG missionaries initially laid the groundwork for Christianity and nurtured it through a period of preparation until the Batak pastors were deemed mature enough for independence, particularly in the area of human resources. However, the transfer of leadership duties was not without challenges, influenced both by colonial forces and internal dynamics within the Batak Church itself, resulting in an imperfect transition. The church’s independence, encompassing autonomy in finances, governance, and theology, has continued to shape HKBP's trajectory to this day. This independence facilitated the church’s expansion, particularly through the leadership of its pastors, who have played key roles in various service-oriented initiatives. Using qualitative research methods, this article focuses on human resource management and servant leadership, analyzing the foundational principles instilled by the RMG, which have been preserved and carried forward. It highlights the Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) framework as a guide for the systematic development and management of servant leadership. The findings reveal that the spirit of independence has enabled HKBP to become fully autonomous, allowing it to actively engage in global ecumenical movements. This success is largely attributed to the early and ongoing efforts to prepare its pastors for leadership roles, which have positioned HKBP as a prominent force in the international Christian community.