Rooted in Batak Protestant faith. Called to be a light in New York City.
HKBP Panondang NYC (Huria Kristen Batak Protestan Panondang New York City) is an independent Lutheran congregation serving the Batak and Indonesian Christian community in Queens and the greater New York City area. We are not registered with or subordinate to HKBP Pusat (Tarutung, Indonesia) — every decision is made by our own Congregational Meeting.
We retain the name HKBP by choice, not by affiliation. It is a voluntary theological and cultural expression of our Batak Christian identity, drawing on the confessional, liturgical, and Lutheran heritage of the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan, founded in Pearaja, Tarutung, Indonesia on October 7, 1861.
We are a gathering of Batak and Indonesian Christians living and working in New York City, united by a shared heritage, a common language, and a living faith in Jesus Christ.
Our name Panondang is a Batak Toba word meaning light or beacon — a reminder of our calling to reflect the light of Christ, both to the Batak community and to the wider city of New York, grounded in Matthew 5: 16.
"A living fellowship that shines forth the light of Christ's love through communal brotherhood in the midst of the dynamic realities of New York City."
Proclamation (Marturia): Bearing witness to the gospel of salvation through both word and action, bringing peace to our neighbors in New York City.
Fellowship (Koinonia): Strengthening the bonds of mutual affection between the Batak congregation and fellow Christian communities, united as one family of God.
Service (Diakonia): Serving as a concrete conduit of God's blessing through social outreach and attentive care for the needs of the congregation and the surrounding community.
Education: Preparing our young people — Sunday School, Youth, and Young Adults — to grow with steadfast faith and radiant character in the midst of global culture.
From our founding as a small fellowship to becoming HKBP Panondang NYC.
The Huria Kristen Batak Protestan was founded in Pearaja, Tarutung, North Sumatra, Indonesia on October 7, 1861, tracing its roots to the missionary work of Ludwig Ingwer Nommensen among the Batak people. Today HKBP is one of the largest Lutheran churches in Asia, with congregations across Indonesia and in diaspora communities around the world.
HKBP Panondang NYC was established in February 2025 as an independent congregation serving the Batak-Indonesian Christian community in Queens, New York City and the greater metropolitan area — first incorporated under the name HKBP New York City. Since its founding, the congregation has worshiped under the HKBP liturgical tradition while growing in faith, fellowship, and mission.
In May 2026, at a historic Congregational Meeting, the members formally approved the new name Huria Kristen Batak Protestan Panondang New York City, along with the congregation's Constitution, Bylaws, and Standard Operating Procedures — marking a new chapter in the congregation's life and ministry.
Panondang means light in the Batak Toba language, grounded in Matthew 5: 16: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Congregation incorporated as HKBP New York City, an independent congregation serving the Batak-Indonesian Christian community in Queens and the greater NYC metropolitan area.
At a historic Congregational Meeting, members formally approve the new name Huria Kristen Batak Protestan Panondang New York City, along with the congregation's Constitution, Bylaws, and Standard Operating Procedures.
New domain hkbppanondangnyc.org launched. The former domain hkbpnewyorkcity.org permanently redirects to the new site.
HKBP Panondang NYC holds to the confessional standards of the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan, in the Lutheran Protestant tradition.
We believe in the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We hold to the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed.
We affirm the Lutheran Confessions as expressed in HKBP doctrine.
We believe the Holy Scripture is the inspired and authoritative Word of God.
We believe in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
We practice the two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.
For the full HKBP confession and doctrinal standards, see our Resources page →
The Board of Elders who serve HKBP Panondang NYC
Pimpinan Jemaat / President
Sekretaris / Secretary
Bendahara / Treasurer
HKBP Panondang NYC is blessed by pastors who serve our congregation through the preaching ministry. Their sermons are archived on our YouTube channel.
Every Sunday at 2:30 PM (EST). All are welcome regardless of background or language.
