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The formation of spiritual maturity within Christian families is often misunderstood as a result of chronological age or the length of one’s Christian experience. This literature study emphasizes that spiritual maturity is not determined by age, but by a continuous process of faith formation through biblical knowledge, spiritual practices, lifestyle modeling, and character transformation. Using library research methods, this study analyzes primary and secondary literature related to the role of families, stages of faith development, and the collaborative role of the church in spiritual formation. The findings reveal that the family serves as the central foundation of faith formation, requiring the active involvement of parents in Bible reading, prayer, ethical guidance, and moral example. Furthermore, spiritual maturity is influenced by developmental stages that do not necessarily correspond to biological age. The church functions as a collaborative partner that supports family spiritual growth through teaching, ministry involvement, and pastoral guidance. This study concludes that spiritual maturity is reflected in character and actions rather than ritual participation alone, and it recommends strengthening family-based faith education and cooperation with the church as a foundation for authentic spiritual growth.

This article discusses the role of Christian Religious Education (PAK) in shaping inclusive attitudes of students in the midst of diverse Indonesian society. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study examines how PAK can teach the values ​​of love, justice, and respect for differences, and their impact on students' character. The results of the study indicate that PAK not only functions as a transmitter of the doctrine of faith, but also as a means to promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue. Teachers play an important role as facilitators who create a safe and supportive learning environment, and integrate multicultural values ​​into the curriculum. Although PAK faces challenges in the learning approach, collaboration between the church, school, and family can strengthen the impact of religious education. Thus, PAK has great potential in shaping a tolerant generation committed to social justice in a pluralistic society.

The family is the primary place where the faith of children and adolescents is formed, especially in the digital age, which is rife with information and moral dilemmas. Home is more than just a place to live; it is where children learn Christian values ​​through parental example, prayer, discussion, and attention. With the digital generation growing up with rapid access to the internet and social media, it is crucial for parents to ensure that technology becomes a tool for growth, not a threat to faith. This study analyzed literature on Christian religious education in families, children's spiritual development, and challenges in the digital age. The results show that strong emotional connections and active parental involvement in daily faith education can significantly shape children's character and spirituality. The family is the primary foundation in preparing a wise digital generation, firmly rooted in Christ, and able to navigate changing times without losing their faith identity.

This study's objective is to describe the implementation of teaching modules as a Christian Religious Education learning strategy at Palangka Raya Christian High School. Teaching modules are used as learning tools in the Merdeka Curriculum to help teachers design structured, contextual, and student-centered learning. Seventeen students in the tenth grade served as research subjects for this study, which employed a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection was carried out thru observation of the learning process, analysis of learning documents, and evaluation results of student learning. The study's findings show that the implementation of teaching modules is able to support the systematic implementation of learning, increase students' active participation in discussions and group activities, and help achieve fairly good assessment results. Nevertheless, some constraints were found in the implementation of learning, such as time limitations and supporting facilities. Overall, the implementation of the teaching module has positive implications for improving the quality of the Christian Religious Education learning process and outcomes, and has the potential to be developed sustainably to shape students' character based on Christian values.  

The postmodern era has significantly reshaped the way truth is understood, shifting it from an absolute and binding concept to one that is perceived as relative, personal, and context-dependent. This shift has had a profound impact on Generation Z, who have grown up in a digital, pluralistic, and rapidly changing cultural environment. Within this context of increasing truth relativism, the church faces a critical challenge: how to faithfully uphold and teach the absolute truth of the Gospel while remaining relevant to Generation Z, whose worldview is shaped by postmodern patterns of thought. This article examines the concrete challenges encountered by the church amid truth relativism, explores the role and strategies of the church in communicating absolute truth in ways that are meaningful to Generation Z, and proposes practical approaches that can be implemented by local churches today. Employing a literature review methodology, this study engages a range of academic and theological sources related to postmodernism, truth relativism, and faith formation among Generation Z. The findings suggest that the church’s relevance is not achieved through compromising truth, but through presenting the truth of Christ in a contextual, dialogical, and loving manner grounded in authentic relationships. Consequently, the church is called to be a community that not only proclaims truth but also lives it out in tangible ways within the lives of Generation Z.

This study examines the integration of hermeneutic learning and systematic theology in science-based discipleship based on the concept of the Kingdom of God. The background of this research is the gap between the theological understanding of the Kingdom of God and the practice of digital discipleship which tends to be pragmatic and lacks a strong doctrinal foundation. This study uses mixed methods with a sequential explanatory design, which combines a survey of 50 respondents from pastors, lecturers, teachers, and students, as well as in-depth interviews to strengthen quantitative findings. The results of the study showed a very positive response to the integration of the values of the Kingdom of God and the use of science and technology in discipleship, especially in the aspects of digital ethics, love, responsibility, and the formation of Christian character. However, the understanding of hermeneutics and systematic theology still needs to be strengthened so that theological depth is not reduced by digital media and rapid technological flows. This research produces an integrative conceptual model of digital discipleship based on the Kingdom of God that combines hermeneutics as the basis for biblical interpretation, systematic theology as a doctrinal framework, and science and technology as a means of contextual and sustainable faith transformation.

This study aims to develop a Christian Religious Education learning model based on Tongkonan values to strengthen the spiritual identity of Toraja youth amid identity crisis caused by globalization. Using qualitative method with literature study, this research analyzes the integration of Tongkonan philosophical values such as karapasan, kasiuluran, and kasianggaran with theological principles of Christian Religious Education through contextual learning approach and narrative theology. The results show that Tongkonan values have strong resonance with Christian teachings and can be integrated into a learning model comprising five components: theological-cultural foundation, contextual curriculum design, experience-based learning strategies, the role of three educational centers, and authentic evaluation. Implementation of this model has significant implications for strengthening spiritual identity through formation of solid self-identity, authentic moral value internalization, and development of spiritual resilience. This Tongkonan values-based Christian Religious Education learning model bridges the dichotomy between modernity and tradition, making Christian Religious Education more relevant and meaningful for Toraja students by equipping them with a holistic identity as Toraja people who are also followers of Christ.  

Christian transformational leadership offers an ideal model for church organizational development, but its implementation in the Indonesian context faces complex structural and cultural barriers. This study aims to identify and analyze the structural and cultural barriers that influence the implementation of Christian transformational leadership in Indonesian church organizations, analyze the mechanisms of organizational resistance and their implications for leadership effectiveness, and formulate adaptive strategies relevant to local dynamics. The method used is a qualitative literature study with a systematic literature review approach of the latest academic sources. The results show that structural barriers include limited human resource capacity, weak organizational infrastructure, and immature management systems, while cultural barriers are rooted in strong local traditions and resistance to new leadership models. Organizational resistance arises through mutually reinforcing interpersonal, organizational, and cultural mechanisms, resulting in decreased congregation participation and empowerment effectiveness. Effective adaptive strategies include participatory dialogue communication, continuous leadership development, acculturation of leadership to local values, and the formation of an inclusive organizational culture. This study concludes that the sustainable implementation of Christian transformational leadership requires a holistic approach that integrates changes in structure, culture, and interpersonal relationships while remaining sensitive to the local context and cultural wisdom.

This study discusses the learning process of Christian Religious Education (CRE) for early childhood based on a hermeneutical approach as a pedagogical strategy for fostering children’s faith from an early age. Early childhood is a critical stage in faith development; therefore, learning methods must be not only informative but also transformative and meaningful. This study employs a qualitative method through a literature review, analyzing hermeneutical theories, early childhood development studies, and CRE teaching practices in the Indonesian educational context. The findings indicate that the application of child-centered hermeneutics enables teachers to connect biblical messages with children’s concrete experiences through storytelling, visual media, role-playing, and multisensory activities appropriate to children’s world. Contextual, simple, and creative interpretation of biblical texts helps children internalize faith values more deeply and practically. This study emphasizes the importance of strengthening teachers’ competencies through practical hermeneutics training and implementing developmentally appropriate learning approaches. Thus, hermeneutics functions not only as a tool for interpreting biblical texts but also as a pedagogical process that holistically shapes children’s faith development.  

The era of globalization presents serious challenges for Christian Religious Education (PAK) through the currents of value relativism, consumerism, and digital influences that threaten the formation of the spiritual character of the younger generation. This study aims to analyze strategies for integrating spiritual values ​​into Christian Religious Education (PAK) to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in facing the dynamics of the times, with a focus on a holistic approach that combines a contextual curriculum, hybrid learning media, faith-based digital literacy, and strengthening teacher competencies. The research method uses a qualitative descriptive approach based on library research through thematic content analysis of books, scientific journals, and related literature. The results indicate that effective integration of spiritual values ​​through strategies such as interactive digital learning, school-church-family collaboration, and systematic evaluation produces students who are strong in faith, critical of global influences, and ethical in character. In conclusion, the need for ongoing synergy to shape a generation of Christians who are adaptive and imbued with integrity in the era of globalization is emphasized.

Education in the modern era requires students not only to master cognitive knowledge, but also to have the ability to think critically, analytically, creatively, and problem solving skills independently. Therefore, the application of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model and the Learning Strategy for Improving Thinking Ability (SPPKB) is considered relevant and ideal in the context of Christian Religious Education (PAK) to integrate faith values with the reality of daily life. This study uses a literature study method by examining scientific journals, books, and academic articles to analyze the definition, essence, characteristics, and steps of PBL which include the introduction of authentic cases, problem solving, investigation planning, independent learning, solution synthesis, presentation of results, and reflection. PBL has proven to be effective in increasing learning motivation, collaboration, and internalization of Christian moral values, although it has limitations in the relatively long time requirement and the demands of teacher competence as facilitators. Meanwhile, SPPKB emphasizes intellectual stimulus, exploration of ideas, data processing, in-depth analysis, and metacognitive reflection to form a systematic and independent mindset in dealing with religious ethical issues. These two student-centered learning strategies complement each other in forming students who are dynamic, reflective, critical, and responsible as Christian personalities through flexible and contextual learning adaptations in PAK.

Technological innovation in Christian Religious Education learning strategies aims to improve students' learning literacy comprehensively. In an era of globalization and rapid technological advancement, Christian Religious Education is required to adapt to digital learning media to ensure relevance and effectiveness. The use of various technologies, such as interactive learning videos, educational applications, and e-learning platforms, increases student motivation and active engagement in understanding Christian values ​​and integrating faith with knowledge. Learning strategies using attractive digital technology, a hybrid learning model that combines face-to-face and bold learning, and improving teacher competency are key to the successful implementation of this innovation. The research method used is descriptive qualitative based on a literature review that examines relevant scientific literature, books, and documents on technological innovation in religious education and improving learning literacy. Content analysis was conducted by grouping data based on themes such as technology type, learning strategy, and its impact on student literacy. The research results show that the integration of technology in Christian Religious Education learning provides a significant opportunity to create a technologically savvy young generation that is both mature in faith and character, and able to face the challenges of the times with steadfastness.

This study aims to explore Christology in the Gospel of John, specifically the identity of Jesus as the pre-existent Word (Logos), His incarnation, the claim to divinity through the statement "ego eimi," unity with the Father, and its relevance for the early church and the contemporary church. The method used is a qualitative approach through literature study, with the primary source being the Gospel of John (especially John 1:1-18 and the statement "ego eimi"), supported by commentaries, theological journals, and the works of scholars such as Culpepper, Bauckham, and Dunn, analyzed in historical and theological contexts. The results show that John presents an explicit high Christology, depicting Jesus as the true God who became man, with theological essences such as the basis of worship, the certainty of salvation, and the resilience of faith for the congregation facing exclusion and polemics, while also being relevant for the foundation of faith, pastoral comfort, and missionary motivation in the current era of pluralism.

In early childhood education (ECE), the integration of hermeneutics provides opportunities for students to cultivate positive character rooted in moral values and broaden their understanding of the meaning of stories. Hermeneutics is not only used to interpret texts; it is also a dialogical approach that encourages children to think about meaning, characters, values, and moral messages thru questioning, interpreting, and connecting stories to everyday life. The purpose of this article is to explain the concept of hermeneutics in early childhood education, how it can be applied in story-based learning, and how it impacts children's character development. The study shows that hermeneutics enhances early critical literacy, empathy, self-control, and moral choices. This article provides new guidance for educators on how to design story-based learning, which is a significant interpretive process and more than just knowledge transfer. This article provides new guidance for educators on how to create story-based learning, which is an interpretive process essential for character development, not just knowledge transfer.

This study aims to examine and develop the learning process of Christian Early Childhood Education (ECE) through the application of a pedagogical hermeneutics approach. This approach is employed to interpret and convey Christian faith values in a contextual and pedagogical manner so that they can be meaningfully understood by young children in accordance with their developmental stages. The research adopts a qualitative method using a literature review and hermeneutical analysis of biblical texts, Christian ECE curriculum documents, and relevant literature in early childhood education and Christian theology. The findings indicate that the application of pedagogical hermeneutics enables the integration of faith texts, children’s developmental contexts, and creative as well as reflective pedagogical practices. The resulting learning process goes beyond the mere transmission of religious knowledge and emphasizes character formation, spiritual development, and holistic faith experiences for children. The study concludes that pedagogical hermeneutics can serve as a strong theoretical and practical foundation for developing Christian ECE learning that is contextual, meaningful, and responsive to the developmental needs of early childhood learners.

This study explores the role of the Holy Spirit as the main actor in spreading the gospel according to the Book of Acts and its relevance to the church's current mission strategy. Through a qualitative-descriptive approach with literature review, this study examines biblical texts and theological literature that emphasize that since the events of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has been the main initiator of the church's mission movement. In Luke's narrative, the Holy Spirit not only empowers the disciples to witness, but also leads the direction of ministry, selects and sends missionaries, opens and closes mission paths, and affirms the inclusiveness of the gospel for non-Jewish nations. The Holy Spirit acts as a catalyst that transforms a weak community of disciples into a church that boldly proclaims the gospel, as seen in Peter's sermon and the rapid growth of the congregation. In addition, the Holy Spirit preserves the purity of the church, unites the congregation, and gives spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. The results of this study confirm that the success of the early church's mission did not depend on human strategies, but on obedience to the Holy Spirit's leadership. The implication for the church today is the need to depend on the work of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, fellowship, and the development of the congregation's gifts, so that the church is able to respond to the challenges of the times with divine power and wisdom.  

The process of Christian Religious Education for early childhood must be aligned with children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual development. One of the main challenges in this learning process is interpreting biblical stories accurately while maintaining simplicity and relevance for young learners. This study aims to examine the role of hermeneutics in understanding and interpreting biblical narratives used in Christian Religious Education for early childhood. The research employs a qualitative approach through a literature review of hermeneutical studies, biblical texts, and scholarly works on early childhood Christian education. The findings indicate that narrative hermeneutics enables educators to interpret biblical texts contextually while translating theological messages into pedagogically appropriate stories for children. Through a hermeneutical approach, learning becomes more meaningful, reflective, and transformative, fostering deeper spiritual understanding in early learners. Furthermore, hermeneutics helps educators bridge the gap between the theological content of the Bible and the everyday experiences of Christian children. In conclusion, hermeneutics functions as a strategic tool in delivering biblical messages in ways that are developmentally appropriate, spiritually enriching, and relevant to the lives of early childhood learners within Christian education contexts.

Youth and youth ministry plays a strategic role in shaping the faith, character, and spiritual maturity of the younger generation. This study aims to analyze the spiritual needs, struggles, and relevant Christian Religious Education (PAK) strategies for youth at GBI Pondok Daud. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were obtained through direct observation, interviews with instructors, facility observations, and documentation during worship services. The results indicate that youth are highly enthusiastic about attending worship services and are actively involved in various ministry sectors, such as music, multimedia, and ushering. However, they face several struggles, including academic pressure, the influence of social media, and instability in personal spiritual discipline. Primary spiritual needs include Christian character development, a deeper understanding of God's Word, a supportive community, and consistent spiritual guidance. The implemented PAK strategies, such as creative worship, small group discussions, mentoring, and the use of digital media, have proven effective in addressing the needs of youth. This study concludes that GBI Pondok Daud's youth ministry has been successful, but still needs to strengthen discipleship, improve spiritual discipline, and develop experiential learning activities.

Poverty remains a multidimensional crisis requiring holistic interventions that integrate spiritual and economic dimensions. This study aims to analyze forms of spiritual support in pastoral counseling for the poor and identify mechanisms through which such support contributes to the sustainability of economic empowerment programs. Using a qualitative approach with systematic literature review, data were collected from academic journals, theological texts, and previous research published between 2006-2025, analyzed through thematic content analysis. The findings reveal five integrated forms of spiritual support: spiritual-theological support for restoring meaning and hope, transformative psychosocial accompaniment integrating counseling techniques with faith values, communal empowerment based on Christian values creating sustainable support ecosystems, practical life skills guidance and economic capacity development, and advocacy facilitating access to structural resources. These forms contribute to sustainability through five mechanisms: mindset transformation from helplessness to self-agency, strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity, forming social networks and social capital, integrating Christian values in work ethics, and establishing continuous mentoring systems with participatory evaluation. This study confirms that spiritual support is an essential element determining the long-term success of economic empowerment programs for the poor.

This article theologically analyzes the Christian doctrine of creation, highlighting the nature of God as Creator and its implications for human understanding of the world, the self, and the relationship with God. Creation is understood not merely as the initial event of the cosmos but also as God’s continuous act of sustaining, preserving, and directing all creation toward His divine purpose. Through a study of biblical texts and the reflections of classical theologians such as Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin, this paper explores the concepts of creatio ex nihilo, the orderliness of creation, and the dignity of humanity as the image of God (imago Dei). This article also outlines how the doctrine of creation provides an ethical foundation for ecological responsibility, the sanctity of life, and respect for others in the context of contemporary challenges marked by moral crises and environmental degradation. The analysis shows that the doctrine of creation remains relevant for today’s faith, emphasizing that the world derives its meaning from God and that humanity is called to participate with God in caring for creation. Thus, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the significance of the doctrine of creation for Christian faith and ethical practice in contemporary life.