Hery Susanto is the powerhouse Director at the Christian Church Theological School of Indonesia in Salatiga, Indonesia.
Hery and his wife Rita began ministry in 2002 in remote GJKI Plosorejo, an Indonesian Church of Christ in central Java. Hery completed a Doctor of Ministry through Southern Baptist Seminary in 2013 and joined the staff of Christian Churches Theological School of Indonesia, later transitioning into the role of Director in 2022. He focuses on developing future Christian leaders with 60 students studying under his care.
As Hery continues to serve at the theological school, he is widely recognised and respected among the churches in central Java, where many graduates lead and plant churches.
When I visited the school in November 2024, I was impressed with Hery’s vision, humility and humour. Our first meal together was in his home, where he raises 200 chickens in his backyard. Each week, people with various disabilities come to help care for the chickens and collect the eggs. The profits from the eggs sold help run a Sunday ministry for people living with a disability. This ministry is not an add-on to Hery’s role at the school but something Hery and Rita are passionate about doing personally.
Christian Church Theological School of Indonesia offers bachelor’s degrees in ministry and education. Students come from all over Indonesia, and the model is to train them in theory and practice with theology and social enterprise. We saw countless examples of small ventures, including tutoring classes, juice stands and creches, that provide income to the students as they initiate new ministries and plant churches. This practice reduces the financial burden and provides opportunities for students to connect with the communities they aim to reach.
Students visit and serve in local villages and remote churches each weekend. There are only one or two Christian families in many of these places, so these visits bring much encouragement. The students offer medicines and prayer to the sick, many too unwell to make the long journey for assistance. These acts of kindness break down suspicion and build trust in Christians.
Hery’s vision is to expand the school, so this year’s project is to build a new dormitory to accommodate more male students. The new dorm is underway, and Global Mission Partners is pleased to support this project.
If you would like to support the work of the Christian Church Theological School of Indonesia, you can donate through International Church Partnerships on our website. Your commitment of $100 per month can support one emerging Christian leader.
Thank you for your partnership in helping leaders like Hery to fulfil the mission of nurturing and developing future Christian leaders in Indonesia.
John Lamerton,
Chief Executive Officer