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Church leadership with integrity is a major challenge today. Melchizedek, a biblical figure of leadership (Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7), serves as a special example because he was both a priest and a king who had no beginning or end. This study aims to determine how Melchizedek's leadership with integrity can be applied by the leaders of the Indonesian Bethel Church in Manokwari. The method used in this research is a qualitative study through reading and reviewing various books and writings. The results indicate that Melchizedek's leadership principles, such as justice, a love of service, and remaining faithful to God, are highly suitable for application in today's church. In conclusion, integrity is crucial in church leadership because it can build trust and create a healthy church community.

This article examines the role of Christian theology in dealing with pluralism and secularism in the era of globalization. The era of globalization is marked by an increasing plurality of religions, cultures, and various perspectives on life that in many ways are moving away from a theocentric perspective. In that context, Christian theology is faced with the responsibility to be present as a reflective and transformative force that carries messages of peace, truth, and certainty of faith. This research aims to explore the role of Christian theology in an increasingly pluralistic society and influenced by the currents of secularism that have the potential to erode the values of faith. The method used is a literature study by analyzing various literature related to the concept of Christian theology, the impact of secularism on the life of faith, and various relevant theological responses in dealing with these challenges. The results of the study show that inclusive theological education, a conciliatory approach in interreligious relations, a holistic transformation of church life, and the active participation of the church in social service are concrete forms of the contribution of Christianity in a pluralistic society. Through this approach, Christian theology functions not only as a doctrinal framework, but also as a praxis that presents the values of the Kingdom of God in social life.  

This article explores the map of Christian education approaches from theological, pedagogical, psychological, and contextual perspectives. Christian education plays a vital role in shaping the faith, character, and spirituality of students in a comprehensive manner. Using a literature review method, the study analyzes various sources on Christian education theology. The findings reveal that the theological approach emphasizes the Bible as the primary foundation for learning, while the pedagogical approach focuses on active and participatory teaching methods. The psychological approach tailors instruction to the developmental stages of students, and the contextual approach links faith with students' real-life experiences. Each approach has its strengths and limitations, and Christian educators are encouraged to integrate these approaches to achieve holistic learning goals. The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration among schools, families, and churches to create an educational ecosystem that fosters the spiritual and character growth of students. By combining these approaches, educators can better equip students for both spiritual and personal development.

This study aims to analyze the role of liturgical inculturation in shaping the faith experience of the congregation through the practice of Inculturated Mass at St. Klemens Mandonga Parish. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach combined with literature review and a survey involving 96 parish respondents. The findings indicate that most parishioners perceive inculturation as an encounter between Catholic faith and local culture that helps them experience their faith in a more contextual and meaningful way in everyday life. The practice of the Inculturated Mass is considered not only to enrich liturgical celebrations through the use of local cultural elements, but also to encourage active participation among the faithful during worship. In addition, liturgical inculturation fosters awareness of the importance of preserving local culture in harmony with Christian values. Such contextual liturgical experiences help deepen the spiritual relationship between the faithful and God, strengthen brotherhood within the community, and build a more inclusive and harmonious communal identity. Therefore, liturgical inculturation plays an important role in shaping a more vibrant, profound, and contextual experience of faith within both the Church and society.

This study examines the Common Dange Mess at the Parish of Santo Antonius Padua Mendalam as a manifestation of the inculturation of Catholic faith with the Dayak Kayan culture. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study focuses on the meaning and relationship between the Church altar and the Lasah as symbols of liturgy and culture. The altar remains the sacramental center of the Eucharist, while the Lasah channels prayers, offerings, and local cultural identity, forming a harmonious dialogue without altering theological meaning. Cultural elements such as language, songs, dances, traditional attire, and ritual symbols are purified and aligned with the liturgy, ensuring that all offerings are directed to God. The findings indicate that the Common Dange Mess strengthens the faith of the Dayak Kayan community, preserves cultural identity, and affirms the practice of contextual theology, in which the proclamation of the Gospel is realized contextually, dialogically, and complementarily with local traditions, making this celebration a mature model of inculturation centered on Christ.  

This study examines the meaning of eschatology in the teachings of the Catholic Church as a source of hope and comfort for the faithful. The eschatological meaning of comfort and hope is rooted in the belief that human life is not completed in limitations, suffering, and death at this time, but leads to the fulfillment of God's promise of life with Him. This research uses a qualitative method through literature study by analyzing church documents, theological thoughts and execes from books and articles to compile and present the topic of this research. The results show that the principle of eschatology is rooted in belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that it affirms the promise of eternal life and provides comfort and hope over suffering and death. The teachings of death, judgment, and eternal life are the basis of hope as well as comfort for the people in facing the various crises of life. In addition, eschatology is also relevant in today's life because it encourages people to live in love, justice, and moral responsibility as a manifestation of faith.  

Christian leadership rooted in John 15:1 8 and 13 17 depicts Jesus as the true vine, where leaders, as branches, must abide (remain attached) in Him (Jesus Christ) to bear abundant fruit through divine vision, moral integrity, and passionate service. This analysis explores how the vine metaphor shapes a leadership model that depends on an intimate (attached) relationship with Christ, producing fruit in daily life and ministry. The relationship between the vine and the branches reflects the necessity for church leaders to rely on Christ for guidance, strength, and the ability to serve others effectively. The model emphasizes the importance of nurturing personal spiritual growth, cultivating virtues that align with God’s purpose, and fostering a ministry focused on service and integrity. These principles are relevant for Indonesian church leaders who are called to integrate their faith with contextual ministry. By examining the passage through exegesis and literature review, this article provides insights on developing a Christ centered approach to leadership.

This study aims to describe and analyze the understanding of the faithful and the implementation of Eucharistic liturgical gestures at Saint Christopher Parish, Siborongborong. Liturgical gestures such as the sign of the cross, standing, sitting, kneeling, and striking the chest are essential elements of active participation in the Eucharistic celebration. These gestures are not just physical actions but carry profound spiritual significance. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that the faithful’s understanding of the symbolic meaning of these gestures remains limited, which leads to a tendency to perform them mechanically without deep spiritual reflection. This lack of understanding results in a disconnect between the physical actions and their intended spiritual effects. Nevertheless, in practice, the faithful generally follow these gestures in accordance with the liturgical norms of the Church. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for continuous and contextual liturgical formation programs. These programs should aim to deepen the awareness and spiritual engagement of the faithful in the Eucharistic celebration, ensuring that the gestures are not just performed but fully understood and internalized.

This study examines the theological tension between devotion to God and the influence of mammon within the context of church ministry, as reflected in Matius 6:24. The research aims to analyze how materialism shapes attitudes, motivations, and practices in ecclesiastical service, particularly in relation to financial and administrative responsibilities. The method employed is a literature analysis combined with a phenomenological approach, allowing for an integration of biblical teachings and lived ministry experiences. The findings reveal that mammon is not merely a material entity but a competing spiritual force that demands human loyalty, often subtly influencing the orientation of ministry. Materialism, therefore, emerges as a critical challenge to ministerial integrity, especially in contexts involving financial management. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of theological reflection with empirical ministry experience, emphasizing that integrity in church service is not only tested in spiritual expressions but also in the handling of material resources. This study contributes to practical theology by offering a contextual understanding of how faithfulness to God must be maintained amidst the persistent tension between spiritual calling and material demands.

The doctrine of Christology as the foundation of the Christian faith has become an important theological issue that must be understood, believed, and examined as a form of accountability of faith. Since the early church, the understanding of Jesus Christ and His work has been affirmed through various church councils that defined His divinity and humanity according to biblical testimony. However, throughout church history, various theological, historical, and modern criticisms concerning Jesus have continued to emerge. Questions regarding His existence, divinity, life, and teachings are still widely debated, including on social media today. This study aims to analyze the doctrine of Christology in the development of church history, identify forms of criticism toward Jesus that challenge the church, and examine them as opportunities for evangelism. The study employs a literature review method using theological and historical analytical approaches to relevant sources, which are systematically described. The findings show that criticism of Jesus is not only a challenge but also an opportunity for the church to develop contextual and dialogical evangelistic approaches. A sound understanding of Christology and contemporary criticisms can help the church formulate evangelistic strategies that are relevant, effective, and communicative.

This study aims to examine Deuteronomy 22:13-30 using a hermeneutic approach and relate it to the current level of awareness of early marriage among Christian congregations. The method used was a qualitative literature study, with the Bible as the primary source, supplemented by various related theological literature. The results indicate that this section of the text contains important theological values, such as holiness, justice, responsibility, and respect for human dignity, especially women, in the context of marriage. Although this text originates from the patriarchal culture of ancient Israel, its principles remain relevant in today's context. Regarding the phenomenon of early marriage, it was found that this practice often occurs without adequate preparation, whether emotional, spiritual, or economic, and thus risks causing various problems in the household. Therefore, the church has a responsibility to raise congregational awareness through faith formation, premarital education, and contextual pastoral care. This study confirms that marriage is a life calling that requires maturity and serious commitment, not simply a solution to social problems.

This research aims to examine the values contained in Dalihan Na Tolu through the perspective of Christian eschatology and examine its relevance to the mission of the Catholic Church in society. Dalihan Na Tolu as a socio-cultural system of the Batak community contains the values of respect, solidarity, responsibility, and brotherhood which play an important role in building social harmony. This research uses a qualitative method with a library research approach through the collection of data from various books, journals, Church documents, and scientific sources relevant to the research theme. The results of the study show that the values in Dalihan Na Tolu are related to eschatological expectations in the Christian faith, especially in building a life that reflects the love, brotherhood, and fellowship that God wills. In addition, Dalihan Na Tolu also has relevance in the Church's mission as a means of inculturation in the proclamation of the Gospel that is more contextual in the Batak community. Thus, local culture is not seen as an obstacle to faith, but rather as a means that can support the realization of the values of God's Kingdom in common life.

A faith-based marriage strengthening program is essential for building family resilience in urban congregations facing high divorce rates and declining marital quality. This community service activity aimed to revitalize the marital bonds of 22 couples in the Pria Sejati Bandung community and GPPS Agape Bandung congregation through the "Reborn Marriage" program. Using a participatory action research approach, a team of 12 facilitators implemented three main stages: initial coordination to identify needs and plan together with the community; an intensive one-day intervention consisting of teachings on grace, agape love, and divine purpose of marriage, along with testimony sharing, footwashing ritual, and gift giving; and a marriage commitment renewal ceremony. The results showed 100% attendance rate of all registered couples, active participation in every coaching session, and qualitative findings from focus group discussions including renewed spiritual intimacy, mutual forgiveness between spouses, and alignment of marital visions based on divine values. A total of 86% of couples expressed willingness to participate in regular follow-up mentoring, and local leaders emerged among participants who are ready to facilitate small groups after the program. Discussions confirmed that combining biblical teachings on agape love with experiential symbolic rituals can holistically transform marital relationships. This community-based intervention proves replicable in other local communities and churches in urban settings, especially those seeking to strengthen family resilience through integrated pastoral care and participatory action.

The New Testament is an essential part of the Christian Bible, containing testimonies concerning the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the development of the early Church. To fully understand its message, it is necessary to examine the historical and theological contexts that shaped its composition. This article aims to explore the New Testament from historical and theological perspectives by examining the social, political, cultural, and religious background of the first-century world, the process of the writing of the New Testament books, and their principal theological messages. The study employs a library research method with a descriptive-analytical approach to various biblical and theological sources. The findings indicate that the New Testament emerged within the context of Roman rule, Jewish religious traditions, and Hellenistic cultural influences, all of which shaped both the authors and their audiences. The books of the New Testament were written to address the needs of early Christian communities, affirm the identity of Jesus Christ, strengthen believers' faith, and provide guidance for Christian living. Theologically, the New Testament emphasizes central themes such as the Kingdom of God, salvation through Jesus Christ, grace, the formation of the Church, and eschatological hope. Therefore, an understanding of the historical background and theological message of the New Testament is essential for accurate interpretation and for maintaining its relevance to the life of the Church and contemporary Christian believers.

This study examines the use of YouTube Streaming in large-class Sunday School as a medium for children’s faith education at Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis (GKE) Nazaret Palangka Raya. The background of this research is the growing integration of digital media into church education, which brings both opportunities and challenges for children’s spiritual formation. The objective of this study is to describe the implementation of YouTube-based Sunday School and to analyze its benefits and challenges related to children’s participation, understanding of faith, and learning concentration. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving Sunday School teachers and parents. The findings indicate that YouTube Streaming helps maintain continuity of faith education and enhances children’s interest through audio-visual content. However, children’s participation tends to be passive, their understanding of faith often remains at a cognitive level, and their learning concentration is relatively limited. The study concludes that YouTube Streaming functions effectively as a supportive medium but cannot replace direct interaction and relational aspects essential in children’s faith education

 The ecological crisis calls for faith formation that can foster contextual ecological awareness among the faithful. One relevant approach is through catechesis that integrates local wisdom, such as the Batang Garing symbol in Dayak culture. This study aims to explore the ecological values embedded in the Batang Garing symbol and to reflect on them in the light of Church teachings in order to formulate a contextual ecological catechesis model. The method used is qualitative research with a literature study approach, employing descriptive-analytical and comparative analysis of theological and cultural sources. The findings show that Batang Garing contains values of relationality, cosmic balance, and moral responsibility that are aligned with the concept of integral ecology in Church teachings. The integration of these values into catechesis enables a more contextual, communicative, and transformative faith formation. The implication of this study highlights the importance of developing catechetical models based on local culture as an effective means to foster ecological awareness among the faithful and to encourage concrete actions in caring for creation as an expression of faith.

Religious pluralism is an unavoidable reality in Indonesian society, where people from diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds coexist. This study examines the relationship between Christianity and other religions, focusing on Christology and the doctrine of salvation within the context of Indonesian pluralism. The research aims to explore how Christians can maintain faithfulness to biblical teachings while fostering tolerance, respect, and harmonious interreligious relations. This study employs a qualitative literature review method by analyzing biblical texts, theological literature, scholarly articles, and perspectives from Christian theologians concerning religious diversity, the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, and Christian engagement in a pluralistic society. The findings indicate that Christianity upholds the exclusive claim that Jesus Christ is the Savior and the only way to salvation, while simultaneously teaching values of love, compassion, justice, and peace toward all people regardless of their religious affiliation. The study further reveals that constructive interfaith dialogue does not require compromising core Christian doctrines but encourages mutual understanding and cooperation for the common good. In the Indonesian context, the church is challenged to develop a contextual, dialogical, and transformative apologetic approach that reflects Christ’s love and promotes social harmony. Therefore, Christian witness can remain faithful to its theological foundations while contributing positively to peacebuilding, national unity, and the development of a just and inclusive society.

This study discusses the dialogue between Christian faith and Karl Marx’s atheism as well as its relevance to the lives of contemporary Christians. The rise of atheism in modern society is closely related to secularization, scientific progress, social inequality, and criticism of religious institutions that are considered unable to answer humanitarian problems. Karl Marx viewed religion as an ideological instrument that often legitimized oppression and alienated humans from their true existence. Through his famous statement that “religion is the opium of the people,” Marx criticized forms of religiosity that merely comfort human suffering without striving for social liberation. This research employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach by examining various philosophical, theological, and social sources related to Marx’s atheism and the Catholic Church’s teachings. The findings reveal that Marx’s criticism of religion should not merely be understood as a rejection of God, but also as a moral challenge for the Church to continuously renew itself in carrying out its mission amid social realities. In response, the Catholic Church, especially through the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, views atheism not only as a doctrinal challenge but also as an opportunity for dialogue and self-reflection. The study concludes that authentic Christian faith is not an escape from worldly realities but a spiritual force that encourages believers to uphold justice, solidarity, and human dignity. Therefore, Marx’s criticism can become a reflective instrument for Christians to embody a more contextual, humanistic, and socially engaged faith in the modern world.

This research investigates the concepts of heaven and hell within Nias culture and compares them with Catholic Church teachings, exploring their implications for Catholic Religious Education (PAK). Driven by the disparity in eschatological understanding between local culture and Catholic doctrine, and the crucial role of inculturation in faith life, a qualitative approach employing literature review was adopted. Data sources included Church documents, books, and relevant scholarly journals. Findings reveal that Nias culture perceives post-mortem existence not as a dualistic heaven or hell, but as a continuation in the spirit world, influenced by social status and adherence to tradition. In contrast, Catholic teachings define heaven and hell as outcomes of humanity's relationship with God. The inculturation process highlights a dialogue between cultural values and Christian faith, demonstrating that integrating local cultural values into PAK can enhance students' faith experience, making learning more relevant and transformative within their contexts.

Teaching biblical principles to elementary school children plays a significant role in shaping their faith and character, as childhood represents a formative stage for spiritual, intellectual, and moral development. This study aims to examine developmentally appropriate Bible teaching tactics and emphasize the role of Christian Religious Education teachers in the faith-learning process. The approach used is a literature review that combines theological insights, developmental psychology, and Christian didactics. The findings of this analysis indicate that effective teaching methods include the use of storytelling, visual and creative aids, interactive activities, spiritual music, and the teacher's life example. These methods enhance children’s understanding of biblical teachings in a concrete and contextually relevant manner. This research confirms that Bible teaching should not be seen simply as conveying information, but rather as a holistic process of faith formation. The results of this study provide both theoretical and practical benefits, especially for Christian Religious Education teachers, Christian schools, churches, and families in supporting children's holistic faith development.