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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.

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.

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

This theological research explores Mary’s essential role in the narrative of salvation and her deep connection with the Church, as outlined in key Catholic documents like Lumen Gentium and Redemptoris Mater. Using a qualitative approach that combines descriptive and analytical methods, the study reviews Church teachings, Scripture, and theological literature. It highlights Mary’s pivotal status as Mother of God (Theotokos) a title affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, which underscores both Christ’s divinity and Mary’s unique participation in God’s redemptive plan. The study traces the theological roots of this title through biblical texts, portraying Mary as the chosen vessel through whom the Word became incarnate. It examines how Old Testament prophecies about Mary are fulfilled in New Testament events, especially in the Annunciation and Elizabeth’s greeting of Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” The research also delves into Mary’s bond with the Church, focusing on her recognition as Mother of the Church by Pope Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council. Mary is presented as the ideal disciple, embodying unwavering faith, obedience, and humility in her acceptance of God’s will. Her presence at key moments, from the Incarnation to Pentecost, positions her as both a member and a model of the Church. Ultimately, the study concludes that Mary’s unity with the Church is reflected in her dual role as Mother of Christ and spiritual mother to all believers, offering a profound example of Christian virtues and guiding the faithful in their collective journey toward salvation.

Catholic marriage in Indonesia occupies a unique legal position because it is governed simultaneously by state law and canon law. Indonesian positive law recognizes marriage based on religious law and regulates its civil consequences, including divorce. However, Catholic canon law does not recognize divorce as the dissolution a valid and sacramental marriage. This dual legal framework has led widespread misunderstandings among Catholic faithful and legal practitioners, particularly regarding the legal consequences of civil divorce. This study aims to analyze the legal status of Catholic marriage within Indonesia’s dual legal system and examine the juridical implications of civil divorce Catholic marital status under canon law. This research employs normative legal research using statutory, conceptual, and comparative normative approaches. The findings demonstrate that civil divorce functions solely as the termination of civil legal relations under state law and does not dissolve the marital bond according to canon law. The study further reveals that prevailing misconceptions stem from reductive understanding Catholic marriage merely an administrative legal event. This article contributes to legal scholarship by clarifying the normative boundaries between state law and canon law and emphasizes the need for comprehensive legal understanding to prevent recurring juridical misunderstandings in Catholic marriage practices in Indonesia.

Pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra has experienced a decline in quality in fostering the maturity of faith and the spiritual life of the congregation. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which emotional intelligence influences the quality of pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra. This study uses a quantitative approach. The data obtained were analyzed using simple linear regression techniques. This study proves that: Based on data reduction, it is known that the emotional intelligence of pastors, administrators, and servants of the Voice of Truth Gospel Church in the North Sumatra region is in the high category; Based on the results of data reduction, it is also known that the majority of respondents assess that pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra has been running quite effectively; Emotional Intelligence has a positive and significant effect on the variable of Pastoral Care Quality. This can be seen from the calculated t (8.857) > t table (1.65437) and Sig. (0.000) < 0.05, and based on the results of the coefficient of determination test, it is known that the Quality of Herding is influenced by the Emotional Intelligence variable with a value of 61.2% and the remaining 39.8% is influenced by other variables outside this study.

Misi gereja tidak hanya terbatas pada penginjilan dan pelayanan sosial, tetapi juga mencakup pendidikan. Pendidikan Agama Kristen menjadi alat penting dalam mewujudkan misi tersebut. Tujuan dari Pendidikan Agama Kristen bukan sekadar menanamkan nilai keimanan, tetapi juga sebagai manifestasi nyata dari misi gereja di dunia. Artikel ini memahami misi gereja sebagai pemberitaan Injil, pemuridan, dan pelayanan kasih yang dapat direalisasikan melalui pendidikan, terutama melalui karakter dan spiritualitas peserta didik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji dan memahami misi gereja dalam konteks pendidikan agama Kristen dengan metode studi pustaka dan analisis data deskriptif. Hasil studi pustaka menunjukkan bahwa makna misi gereja dalam konteks pendidikan agama Kristen dipengaruhi oleh peranan pendidikan agama Kristen dalam mendukung misi tersebut.

Social conflicts experienced by indigenous peoples in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, reveal the vulnerability of civilians due to violence, displacement, and weak protection of basic rights in situations of prolonged conflict. These conditions indicate a gap between conflict management policies and the real needs of indigenous peoples for justice, peace, and social recovery. This study aims to analyze the role of the church in responding to social conflicts experienced by indigenous peoples in Yahukimo Regency. This study was conducted using qualitative methods through a descriptive-analytical approach based on literature studies and analysis of the socio-religious context of Papua. This study confirms that the church has a strategic role as an agent of peace and a prophetic voice in defending the dignity and rights of indigenous peoples amid social conflict. The results of the study show that the church's involvement in pastoral counseling, humanitarian advocacy, and peace awareness building contributes to strengthening the social resilience of indigenous peoples. The study concludes that the role of the church needs to be directed in a more contextual and sustainable manner in order to promote fair and dignified conflict resolution. The recommendations of this study emphasize the importance of strengthening the role of the church in peace dialogue and cross-stakeholder cooperation for the social recovery of indigenous peoples in Yahukimo.

Considering the importance of the next generation in the church, children must be empowered to be better. Therefore, this research can be a work that provides education about the influence of technology on Sunday school children at the Imanuel Batubara' Ra'Bung church which can be used as an instrument to help them in developing better thinking patterns. The research method used is a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach to describe the reality of the reality that occurs in the field. The qualitative method is applied through library research and field analysis. The library study is applied by finding supporting theories that are relevant to the research. Furthermore, a descriptive approach is applied through interview techniques and field analysis. Interviews were conducted by the author through field research and social analysis. The theories applied by the author are theories about counseling, theories about the church and theories about social assistance. The results of this study are that Sunday school teachers and child care providers must work together to help Sunday school children know God well and also be able to lead themselves in a better direction.

This study examines the relationship between Dayak cosmology and Christian spirituality through the inculturation of the Munjong tradition within Catholic Dayak Tobak communities in Dusun Batu Besi, Desa Sejotang, West Kalimantan. As a post-harvest thanksgiving ritual, Munjong embodies a symbolic framework reflecting the interconnectedness of humans, nature, ancestors, and Jebata within the Dayak worldview. The tradition functions not only as a religious expression but also as a means of preserving cultural identity and fostering social cohesion. Within a predominantly Catholic context, Munjong has undergone reinterpretation, aligning with Eucharistic spirituality as the Church’s central expression of gratitude. Using a descriptive-qualitative approach combined with symbolic interaction analysis, this study shows that the religious values embedded in Munjong, including: gratitude, petitions for protection, and veneration of ancestors as spiritual mediators, correspond with Catholic teachings on divine providence, the communion of saints, and the sacredness of creation. The local Church recognizes Munjong as a cultural practice suitable for inculturation, provided it aligns with Christian doctrine, thereby offering opportunities for contextual liturgy and catechesis. The findings suggest that Munjong can serve as a bridge between faith and local culture while simultaneously reinforcing cultural identity and deepening the spiritual life of the community. The result of this study contributes to the discourse on inculturation, contextual pastoral practice, and strategies for sustaining indigenous traditions amid social change.

This study was motivated by the role of liturgical music as the primary medium of spiritual expression in Pentecostal worship, which is characterised by expressiveness and participation. The purpose of this study was to analyse the presentation of liturgical music and examine how it shapes and represents the spiritual expression of the congregation in the worship services of the Indonesian Bethel Church (GBI) Light Corner in Gorontalo City. The research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive-interpretative design. Data were obtained through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with worship leaders and congregants, and audio-visual documentation. Data analysis was conducted thematically with reference to musicology, liturgical theology, and cultural studies perspectives. The results of the study show that liturgical music at GBI Light Corner is presented in a structured yet flexible manner, combining contemporary music with conscious liturgical planning. Music serves as a medium for creating a sacred atmosphere, binding the structure of worship, and as the main means of expressing the spirituality of the congregation both personally and communally. These findings indicate that liturgical music not only reflects the spirituality of the congregation but also actively shapes the experience of faith in the context of the local Pentecostal Church. This research has implications for the development of contextual, theological, and reflective liturgical music practices in church life.

Penelitian ini mengkaji simbol air dalam Injil Yohanes sebagai bahasa wahyu yang mengungkapkan identitas ilahi Yesus dalam kerangka pneumatologi. Latar belakang penelitian ini adalah adanya kecenderungan studi sebelumnya yang menafsirkan simbol air secara parsial, baik sebagai simbol sakramental maupun metafora spiritual, tanpa melihat keterkaitannya secara menyeluruh dalam struktur naratif Injil Yohanes dan tradisi Yahudi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menunjukkan bahwa simbol air merupakan struktur teologis yang mengintegrasikan kristologi, dan pneumatologi  Yohanes. Metode yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis studi kepustakaan, melalui analisis teologis-intertekstual terhadap teks-teks Yohanes yang berkaitan dengan simbol air serta hubungannya dengan Perjanjian Lama dan tradisi Yahudi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa simbol air berkembang secara progresif dari makna literal menuju simbol kehidupan ilahi dan Roh Kudus, serta mencapai klimaks dalam peristiwa penyaliban sebagai pencurahan Roh dan kelahiran Gereja. Dengan demikian, air berfungsi sebagai medium pewahyuan yang tidak hanya menjelaskan karya keselamatan, tetapi juga mengungkapkan identitas Yesus sebagai sumber kehidupan ilahi. Implikasi penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa pneumatologi Yohanes pada dasarnya merupakan ekspresi kristologi dalam bahasa simbolik.

Contemporary churches face various crises ranging from declining congregation numbers, internal conflicts, to loss of societal relevance. Many church leaders struggle to mobilize congregations to actively participate in church restoration and growth. This research aims to identify Nehemiah's leadership principles in Nehemiah 2:17-18 relevant for mobilizing congregations facing crises and to formulate a Nehemiah-based leadership model applicable for church leaders. Using qualitative library research methods with exegetical approach and content analysis, this study found six main principles: dependence on God, clear vision, shared problem identification, inspirational communication, congregation empowerment, and perseverance in facing challenges. The formulated leadership model is holistic-integrative, encompassing spiritual, intellectual, social, and managerial dimensions with a fluid leadership approach adaptive to dynamic contexts. This model can help church leaders transform congregations from apathetic to motivated and actively participating in church restoration.

Sexual harassment is a criminal act carried out by two people by force with the intention of satisfying lust or an act of revenge. Sexual harassment in the church community is an act that violates Christian teachings where it is carried out outside the basis of marriage. Sexual harassment is carried out by force between men and women outside the husband and wife couple, namely between parents and children or between father and child. The Church has an important role in this. The Church seeks to heal, support, treat, and even accompany victims of sexual abuse through pastoral actions. Sexuality is no longer something taboo to talk about, therefore it is important for the church, government, and even families to discuss sexuality from an early age as an effort to prevent criminal acts or sexual violence. Society must have a sense of empathy and sympathy for victims of sexual violence, as an effort to heal and accept the reality experienced by victims. The church must really act in a real way in spiritual and psychological and social healing of victims.

This study examines the Ka’Bawakng dance as a cultural–religious expression of the Dayak Kanayatn community that has undergone a deepening of meaning through inculturation within Catholic liturgy. Originating in the Baliatn ritual, Ka’Bawakng dance initially functioned as a medium of healing and cosmological communication that affirmed the interconnectedness of human beings, nature, and Jubata. In its encounter with the Catholic faith, the dance was incorporated into the Eucharistic celebration as an offertory dance through symbolic reinterpretation grounded in the principles of inculturation articulated by the Second Vatican Council. This research employs a hermeneutical approach using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentary study, analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Ka’Bawakng dance is not treated as a merely decorative liturgical element, but is understood as a language of prayer engaging the body, cultural memory, and the spirituality of the faithful. This integration deepens liturgical participation, strengthens the religious–cultural identity of the Dayak Kanayatn community, and creates a constructive space for dialogue between ancestral traditions and Christian faith. Nevertheless, sustaining the inculturation of Ka’Bawakng dance requires ongoing pastoral accompaniment to ensure fidelity to Church liturgical norms while respecting local cultural values.

The formation of Christian character in church-based education often faces challenges when disciplinary approaches rely heavily on punishment and external compliance. This article examines the relevance of behaviorism in shaping Christian character through the lens of positive discipline an approach that emphasizes reinforcement of desirable behavior, nurturing relationships, and the development of intrinsic moral awareness. Using a literature review and a small scale case analysis of contemporary church educational practices, this study evaluates how the principles of reinforcement, modeling, and behavioral consistency can be integrated with Christian values such as love, repentance, and the cultivation of conscience. The findings indicate that behaviorism remains useful when applied selectively within a holistic Christian educational theology. Positive discipline aligns more closely with biblical values because it promotes responsible character growth rather than mere obedience. This article contributes to the pedagogical discourse of church education by proposing an integrative framework that combines behavioristic principles with positive discipline to enhance effective and sustainable Christian character formation.

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.

Mental health problems, particularly anxiety disorders, are increasingly prevalent among adolescents and have become a significant concern for the church as a spiritual community. This study aims to analyze the role of God’s servants in preventing and addressing anxiety disorders among adolescents at GKSI Maranatha Anugrah Sewan, Tangerang. The research employs a qualitative method through direct observation of youth ministry activities and informal interviews with participants. The findings reveal that church ministers play a strategic role in enhancing adolescents’ mental well-being through practical biblical teaching, empathetic pastoral counseling, and the establishment of prayer and openness communities. The application of Scripture Therapy, devotional counseling, and Healing Prayer Circles has proven effective in reducing anxiety levels, strengthening spiritual security, and fostering healthy social relationships. A holistic and collaborative pastoral approach involving professional support is essential for the church to create a safe environment that promotes recovery and spiritual growth among youth.

Many churches face significant challenges in effectively carrying out their Gospel mission amidst limited resources, and one such challenge is the Kalimantan Evangelical Church (GKE), particularly in the Calon Resort (Cares) of GKE Bulik Timur. The author used a qualitative approach to examine the natural conditions of the object. The researcher served as the key instrument, and purposive sampling was used. The results of this study are: Limited funds due to the spiritual health of congregation members hinders ministry, particularly in PKB mission activities and congregational development; Low financial support from congregation members for improving church services is caused by: weak theological understanding and limited income; The church's efforts and strategies to improve finances theologically and responsibly include: instilling a sense of giving through sermons, spiritual development, and investing in oil palm plantations. Oil palm plantations in several congregations in Cares GKE Bulik Timur have become a solution to financial constraints, ensuring adequate funding for services.

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.