At age 85, renowned Chinese evangelical leader Pastor Stephen Tong has been awarded the 2025 Kuyper Prize by Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, in recognition of his outstanding global contributions to the promotion of Reformed theology.
Born in Xiamen, China, Pastor Tong lost his father at the age of three. In 1949, his mother moved the family to Surabaya, Indonesia, where he was raised. Pastor Tong has a deep burden for evangelism in Indonesia. Since 1974, he has held seminars in Surabaya to provide sound doctrinal teaching to Indonesian churches. He has also conducted large-scale evangelistic tours across various provinces of Indonesia, proclaiming the message of salvation in Jesus Christ.
In addition to being a conductor and architectural designer, Pastor Tong has made significant contributions to evangelism, culture, and education in Indonesia. He founded the Reformed Evangelical School of Theology Indonesia (STTRI), the Reformed Evangelical Seminary Indonesia (STTRII), and the Reformed Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GRII). He also established Calvin Christian School (elementary and secondary), Calvin University, and Calvin Institute of Technology. He built the Jakarta Symphony Hall, Messiah Cathedral, and the Sophilia Fine Arts Center to serve as religious and cultural centers of the Reformed faith.
On March 15, Pastor Tong delivered an acceptance speech after receiving the Kuyper Prize, sharing his personal journey of faith and ministry ([2025 Kuyper Prize] Pastor Stephen Tong’s 68-Year Devotion: "The Duty Assigned to Me, I Have Fulfilled!"). He also spoke passionately about his gospel burden for his homeland—Indonesia.
A Vision for Gospel Transformation in Indonesia
Pastor Tong recounted that prior to the 12th century, Indonesia was a Buddhist country. Borobudur, located in Central Java, is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. About 120 years later, Indonesia became a Hindu nation, and 500 years after that, it became a Muslim-majority country. In the 16th century, the Dutch and the Dutch East India Company came to Indonesia—but they did not bring the gospel.
“Why did the Dutch come to Indonesia? If there are Dutch people here, I apologize—I may offend you. They came for pepper. They came for spices. How do we know this? Because the Dutch arrived 500 years ago, but the first church was not built until 327 years ago. This means for over 100 years, they built not even one church. It was only after 170 years that churches began to be built—and for what? For the officials. Because they believed in Jesus, they needed churches, but they never evangelized.”
On the other hand, a stone inscription was found indicating that Muslims had arrived in Indonesia as early as the late 7th century and were actively seeking converts to Islam. Pastor Tong said, “When I learned this, I wanted to cry.”
But he shared a message of hope: a number of young people in Indonesia today are engaging in apologetics. They study both the Bible and the Quran in depth and preach on social media, bearing witness of Jesus Christ to Muslims.
“You don't know what I’ve been doing. Sometimes I spend five hours listening to their sermons, debates, and arguments. I’m deeply moved—so moved that I weep—because I see God working in Indonesia.”
Pastor Tong highlighted one young man who has never attended seminary but can use Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic to debate with Muslims, quoting from the Quran, Old Testament, and New Testament. His YouTube following grew from 25,000 to 370,000 in just three weeks.
“He’s a young man with no theological degree, no diploma, no formal education—but when I listen to every word he speaks and every verse he quotes, I believe he is led by the Holy Spirit. Just like I was when I was young—led by the Holy Spirit. I had no degrees, no diplomas, no education, but at 17, I was already preaching the gospel to thousands.”
These young apologists are incredibly bold. They even point out that no Arab was ever called to be a prophet—something Pastor Tong says he’s never heard from any seminary student.
“So I thank God that although I am old, I still have hope. One day, Indonesia will be transformed from a Muslim nation into a Christian nation… I believe this, because I’ve prayed all my life for it—one day this lonely nation will become a Christian country, because God hears my prayers.”
Reflections on Theological Education
Pastor Tong also spoke about the trend of prominent American seminaries selling off their campuses:
“So many seminaries are selling their campuses, and no one wants to buy them. Why are they selling? Because they don’t evangelize. This is the truth—not a lie. A seminary that does not preach the gospel will eventually shut down. Any seminary that does not plant churches or lead people to Christ will always lack financial support.”
He cited examples of seminaries that are thriving because they plant churches—including his own seminary:
“My seminary started in 1996, and until now, we have never lacked funds. Why? Because we have churches, and we’ve sent out 1,500 people across Indonesia to preach the gospel. How could God possibly abandon us? That’s impossible! God said, ‘My Son came to build His church and to send people to preach the gospel.’”
He urged Christians to fear God, saying:
“If you neglect Jesus’ command, you will be very poor—you’ll never have money granted by God. But I am not afraid. Though I carry a heavy burden and we have great financial needs, I never worry, because I am obeying God’s will—preaching the gospel and shepherding the flock of Jesus Christ. God said, ‘If you do My will, I will supply all your needs—even to the end of the world.’”
Only the Gospel Can Change the World
In closing, the 85-year-old servant of God addressed the audience:
“Can I hear an amen? May God bless us. I am not speaking empty words today. I’m saying this to stir up all of God’s soldiers to serve Him faithfully and steadfastly. The gospel is the secret to all the fullness of Jesus Christ. Only the preaching of the gospel can transform this world and advance God’s Kingdom. May God bless you all!”
The Kuyper Prize is named after Dutch theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper. Since 1998, it has been awarded annually to a scholar or community leader who has made outstanding contributions to Reformed theology and public life.
