Updated 2023
Between the earthquakes in Japan and Bali, subsequent tsunami warnings, freaky supernatural happenings, painful (and expensive) bike accidents and ill-timed Facebook messages, my nerves, recently lulled into a dreamy, relaxed stupor by yoga and massages, were suddenly frayed like a burned up electrical cord. For the first time since I left, I felt the weight of being away.
Since I was a full 10,000 miles from people who know my name in a country where no one could even pronounce it, I knew it was time to go to the one place where I would be at ease in a room full of strangers. I asked the receptionist if there were any Christian churches in Bali. Having been surrounded by Balinese Hinduism and all its rituals for the past week, I expected to have to spend Sunday on my own with a church podcast. Fortunately, she perked up and said, “Oh yes! One of the staff guys is a Christian, too! He will take you to church.” Well, that was easy. (Thanks, God!)
I flung myself with gusto into the church building in Ubud. Y’all know I go to church on a regular basis just because I want to, but I don’t think I ever felt the need to be around Christians as much as I did that Sunday. Everything was spinning so fast, and I needed likeminded folks to grab me by the shoulders and say, “It’s ok, and you know it. God has everything under control.”
I was one of about 12 folks in the congregation, and the pastor’s wife singled me out instantly. She insisted I sit next to her, use her fan to keep cool and stay for refreshments and chat afterward. She introduced me to everyone in the room including her sweet kids, and I was happy as a clam the rest of the day.
After hurtling myself through the doors, and emotionally singing a few songs, and being so joyful about every wonderfully familiar truth that was spoken, I stayed an hour after the service chatting about my current dramas with perfect strangers. I met a sweet couple from California who shed some light on Balinese culture and religion, and reminded me that home is never too far away.
Christian Churches in Bali
Lifehouse (Denpasar)
Lifehouse is a bilingual, international church where people come to encounter God and form life-giving friendships. The name reflects a desire to build a fun and exciting community where everyone can freely experience God’s amazing love. Started in Tokyo, Japan in 2002 with 16 people, the church has expanded to multiple services and campuses across Japan and the Asia-Pacific Region.
- Sundays at 11 a.m. at the Ibis Styles Hotel Denpasar
Gateway Bali (Denpasar)
Gateway Bali is a Bible-based Christian community of internationals and nationals living, working, and traveling in Bali. Gateway began in 1979 as the English Worship Service (EWS), being the first English speaking church in Bali. Today, they continue to be a diverse community of Jesus followers enjoying the bond of fellowship in the unity of Christ. So, wherever they are on their journey, they welcome anyone to worship with them at Gateway.
- Sundays at 10 a.m. at Hotel Patrisia
Kingdomcity (Seminyak & Denpasar)
Kingdomcity is a great church with locations in Bali, Surabaya and Solo, Indonesia, meeting every Sunday. They offer an top notch children’s church. Their vision is to connect, equip,and empower people to bring the reality of God to their world.
- Seminyak – Sundays at 11 a.m. (English) | 4 p.m. (Bahasa) | 100 Sunset Hotel, Kuta
- Denpasar – Sundays at 9 a.m. (Bahasa)
Kuta International Christian Church
Kuta International Christian Church is an interdenominational church with a blend of locals and foreigners. The congregation consists of English speaking Indonesians, expats and tourists from around the globe. The pastors are Brian and Carol Dewey. The worship experience is a combination of contemporary and traditional music, and the service has a unique atmosphere thanks to the diversity of the attendees and the setting, which is a traditional Balinese church. Visitors are welcome to stick around after service for coffee and fellowship.
- Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
New Tribe Bali
New Tribe Bali loves God and unites people from every tribe, nation and tongue working to set people free in Jesus. They offer multiple services in different languages as well as connect groups.
- Sundays at 8:30 a.m. (Indonesian) and 11 a.m. (International) and 6 p.m. (Canguu)
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My favorite part of Christian church in Bali was the song selection. When I know the songs at a church 10,000 miles away from home, it just makes the world feel so much smaller! We sang a few I didn’t know, followed by God Is So Good and Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam. I just couldn’t help but grin listening to all 12 congregants singing along in their Balinese accents. It was a good Sunday.
The best part of this journey so far is meeting brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. From the rustic village church in Fiji to the congregations just like home in Australia, I have always been welcomed like family, and that means a whole lot to a lonely traveler.
