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Humans are social creatureswho need interaction with other people to build their lives. Shared life emphasizes love that comes from God. People are not only involved in certain communities, people must also be more involved in the life of the Church. Their involvement in Church life is about how they actively participate in strengthening their spiritual bond with God. The advancement of digital technology in society has caused many people to utilize modern technology in carrying out catechetical activities because of the importance of building society’s faith in the digital era. Learning catechesis with various new services, both for the general public and small groups, will facilitate and encourage their ability to understand technology and their faith in God. Catechesis is a systematic and planned process in pastoral activities, catechesis has its own goal, namely to maintain, develop and mature the faith of the people through a systematic and planned teaching process so that people will increasingly live in the fullness of their faith in Jesus Christ and live according to his will (cf. CT. arts 20-21). The experience of using social media generally provided benefits for who felt they gained insight and were strengthened in the religious identity of the people. People see social media as a means to apostolic role with various spiritual content.

This research  examines the transfiguration of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels, with particular emphasis on the theological distinctiveness of the Gospel of Mark. The study employs a qualitative method using a literature review approach, focusing on narrative analysis, textual comparison, and theological reflection. The analysis shows that although Matthew, Mark, and Luke present the transfiguration event, each Gospel offers distinctive features in wording, narrative structure, and theological emphasis. Mark presents the transfiguration in a concise form, portraying Jesus as the messianic Son of God and as a prophet like Moses, while highlighting the apocalyptic and symbolic aspects of this divine encounter. From Mark’s perspective, the transfiguration serves as a prefiguration of Jesus’ resurrection and a revelation of His messianic identity, which in the Greco-Roman context may be understood as apotheosis—the elevation of a human into divinity. This study affirms that the transfiguration in Mark is not only a historical event but also a theological event that encompasses eschatological and christological dimensions, as well as a reflection on divine hiddenness. In conclusion, the transfiguration is understood as a manifestation of Jesus’ hidden glory within suffering, confirming that the path to resurrection and glory must pass through the cross. This article contributes to biblical and theological studies by demonstrating how Mark articulates a unique christology, one that remains relevant for contemporary Christian faith and opens avenues for further exploration through apocalyptic theology and scriptural intertextuality.

Transformational leadership is an approach that emphasizes inspiration, empowerment, and individual development in order to achieve organizational goals holistically. This study aims to examine the concept of transformational leadership theoretically, while reviewing its application in the context of general organizations and churches, and its relevance according to the biblical perspective. Using the literature study method, this study collected data from various scientific literature and theological sources to build a solid conceptual framework. The results of the study indicate that transformational leadership has significant benefits, such as increasing employee engagement, innovation, and performance. On the other hand, this approach also has limitations, especially in the context of organizations that are bureaucratic or still in the early stages of formation. From a biblical perspective, transformational leadership is in line with the examples of Deborah and Jesus Christ, who led through service, example, and personal transformation. Thus, transformational leadership is not only relevant to the development of modern organizations, but also has a strong spiritual basis in Christian teachings.

This study aims to examine the concept of servant leadership based on Matthew 20:20-28 and its relevance to the leadership of pastors in the Pakpak Dairi Protestant Christian Church (GKPPD). The background of this research stems from the dynamics of church leadership, which still faces challenges in realizing the values of service, humility, and relational closeness as taught by Jesus Christ. This research uses a qualitative method with a literature review approach, focusing on the analysis of biblical texts and literature on biblical theology, Christian leadership, and pastoral spirituality. The results of the study show that Jesus introduced a leadership paradigm that is different from the world's pattern, namely leadership that is rooted in service, sacrifice, and love. This principle requires spiritual transformation in church leaders so that their ministry reflects the character of Christ. In the context of GKPPD, the application of servant leadership is important because of the influence of local culture, which emphasizes social structure, and the congregation's need for authentic, relational, and humble leaders. This research confirms that servant leadership is not only theological but also contextual in responding to the challenges of church life, as well as providing theoretical and practical contributions in building a leadership paradigm that is in line with the Gospel and relevant to the local church today.

Believers, both in the time of Jesus and in today’s context, live in situations shaped by social, political, economic, religious, and cultural influences that often give rise to anxiety and doubt about God’s providence. In Luke 12:22–32, Jesus delivers a teaching that prohibits worry and calls His followers to direct their hearts toward the Kingdom of God. For those living under Roman rule, these words were a source of comfort and encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith in God’s power, and for believers today, the same message continues to be relevant as guidance for managing worry with trust and hope. This study seeks to analyze Luke 12:22–32 from the perspective of the theology of God’s providence and to explain its implications for contemporary Christian life. The findings emphasize three key points: first, the passage affirms God as a sovereign, loving Father who cares deeply for His people; second, God’s providence includes both physical and spiritual needs, thus framing faith as an active trust that combines prayer, hope, and concrete action; and third, reflection on God’s providence strengthens believers to face modern anxieties by prioritizing the Kingdom of God, practicing spiritual discipline, and embodying solidarity with others. Although limited in scope as a textual study without cultural or empirical application, this research contributes significantly to understanding God’s providence in Luke 12:22–32 and underlines its relevance for addressing contemporary challenges while encouraging Christians to live out their faith in tangible ways.

This article explores the spirituality of the bate symbol within the context of the blessing of Catholic church buildings in Tana Toraja as a concrete form of inculturation of the Christian faith into local culture. Originally, bate functioned as a religious symbol in traditional Toraja ceremonies for inaugurating tongkonan (ancestral houses). Over time, however, this symbol has been adopted and reinterpreted in Catholic liturgical celebrations, particularly during church blessing rituals. The study employs a qualitative method using a literature review and applies Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutical framework, which consists of three stages: the world of the interpreter, the world of the text, and appropriation. The analysis reveals that bate can be understood as a cultural text rich in spiritual meaning. Traditionally, it symbolizes a connection between heaven and earth as well as cosmic power. Within the perspective of Christian inculturation, bate undergoes symbolic reinterpretation, representing values of faith such as the Trinity, the cross, the Eucharist, the Holy Scripture, and Jesus Christ as the mediator of salvation. The incorporation of bate in Catholic liturgy is not merely a cultural adaptation but a tangible manifestation of the encounter between faith and culture, achieved in a contextual and symbolic manner within Torajan society. This study affirms the significance of inculturation in proclaiming the Gospel in a way that is relevant and grounded, without compromising the core essence of Catholic faith. Furthermore, it recommends further research on other local symbols to enrich the dialogue between faith and culture in pastoral contexts.

This study aims to examine the impact of the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum on improving the competence and performance of Christian Religious Education teachers based on Mark 1:21–28 in South Tangerang City. The Merdeka Curriculum, launched in 2022, was designed as a solution for student-centered and differentiated learning. The research focuses on analyzing teachers’ lack of understanding in preparing differentiated learning, the suboptimal imple-mentation of project-based learning, and the relationship between the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and the improvement of teachers’ competence and performance. The study was conducted within the Ministry of Religious Affairs, South Tangerang City, Banten Province, with a population of 61 Christian Religious Education teachers. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS 25 for Windows with a quantita-tive approach, regression analysis, and linearity testing. The results show that the implementation of the Merdeka Curric-ulum has a positive impact on teacher competence (87.2%) and performance (86.3%). These findings align with Jesus’ teaching principles in Mark 1:21–28, namely authoritative teaching that produces tangible impact, serving as a theological foundation for improving teaching quality. In conclusion, the better the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, the higher the competence and performance of Christian Religious Education teachers in South Tangerang City.

In an increasingly complex world full of diverse beliefs, the search for meaning and truth has never been more important. Since the early days of Christianity, theologians and thinkers have sought to understand and explain the nature of Christ. By understanding Christology, we not only gain insight into who Jesus is, but also how His teachings can provide guidance in facing the challenges of everyday life.  Christology is a branch of theology that focuses on the study of Jesus Christ, specifically who He is, what His nature and office are and how redemption is accomplished by Christ, in His nature and His role in saving humanity. Christology is not just a religious study, but also a way of strengthening faith, strengthening hope, and living a spiritual life that is connected to Christ. Therefore, a deep understanding of Christ is essential for Christians to understand their faith.

This study analyzes the symbolic meaning of the 2025 Easter Parade in Kupang City using a symbolic interactionist approach, with a central focus on the cross as a primary symbol. The cross is not only understood as a sacred religious emblem but also as a medium of social communication whose meaning is dynamically constructed through interactions between parade participants, spectators, and particularly the actors portraying the figure of Jesus. These social interactions allow for the reinterpretation of the symbol’s meaning based on cultural contexts and participants' experiences.The findings reveal that deviant behavior exhibited by some actors portraying Jesus created a dissonance between the ideal meaning of Christ’s suffering and the actual performance displayed during the parade. This mismatch caused cognitive dissonance among viewers and had the potential to distort the intended spiritual message of the symbol. The incident underscores the importance of actors' awareness of the sacred nature of the symbol and the necessity for responsible and contextually appropriate representations in public rituals.The study also emphasizes that religious symbols are fluid and do not possess fixed or absolute meanings. Instead, they are subject to redefinition based on individual and collective experiences, cultural backgrounds, and public perceptions. Within the context of the Easter Parade, the cross becomes a performative medium that reflects the values, beliefs, and social dynamics of the diverse society in Kupang. This research employs a mixed-methods approach by integrating both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding. Quantitative data offers general insights into audience perceptions of the symbolic performance, while qualitative data explores deeper layers of symbolic meaning and the sociocultural implications that arise. Overall, this study contributes to the discourse on religion, symbolism, and public ritual by highlighting the importance of intentionality, appropriate representation, and cultural sensitivity in maintaining the sacredness of religious symbols in dynamic and pluralistic public spaces

The thesis entitled, "Analysis of the Impact of Worship Based on John 4:23 on the Spiritual Growth of the GBI Patuha Bandung Congregation."John 4:23 can provide the teachings of the Lord Jesus about worship and the extent of its impact on the spiritual growth of the congregation. The research aims to explore how worship in the context of church services affects spiritual growth, including heart transformation, spiritual renewal, and character development in Christ. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze the impact of worship based on John 4:23 on the spiritual growth of the congregation at Gereja Bethel Indonesia (GBI) Patuha, Bandung. Data were collected through interviews with leaders, activists, and church workers, as well as direct observations in the field. The results show that worship, as described in John 4:24, is a vital aspect of the spiritual life of the GBI Patuha congregation. The church has undergone significant transformation by shifting its focus from teaching to worship, with the aim of deepening a personal relationship with God. Worship is not only an emotional activity but also a means to strengthen faith, renew the spirit, and shape Christ-like character in the lives of the congregation. Worship grounded in the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit positively impacts the church community, encouraging active service and devotion to God and others. The congregation experiences heart transformation and spiritual renewal, which strengthens their relationship with God. Furthermore, worship focused on God encourages the congregation to live in humility, love, and obedience, as well as increasing their enthusiasm for serving. Innovations such as providing digital worship platforms also extend the church’s reach and enhance congregational involvement. This study also recommends the development of more structured worship training to deepen theological understanding and correct worship practices according to biblical principles.

Ruth's life is a depiction of a devout and faithful person. Her simple and obedient life has transformed all aspects of her life. The form of love that Ruth showed to Naomi has opened a great opportunity for Ruth to experience an encounter with Boaz. The bitterness of her life did not make her spirit run aground and disappear. Ruth experienced redemption carried out by Boaz. The expression go'el, which means redemption, is an expression that signifies an act that provides relief and comfort. The marriage of Ruth and Boaz is known as a levirate marriage, and this tradition has been passed down through generations until the New Testament era. Ruth was a woman from Moab. She was not a member of the nation of Israel, but Ruth received the gift of the opportunity to experience redemption. In this scientific paper, the researcher aims to explore the meaning of redemption contained in the Book of Ruth. The entire story of Ruth and Boaz's journey until its culmination, namely Ruth's redemption by Boaz, is a shadow image of God's plan and God's act of execution through the Person of Jesus Christ, namely the redemption of sinful humans that Jesus accomplished on the cross. This research uses a qualitative literature method. The qualitative literature study method used by this researcher is based entirely on literature review. Literature-based research is part of a research proposal, collecting data from sources such as books, articles, journals, online media, and other documents. In the New Testament, there are numerous verses explaining that the atonement for sins was performed only by Jesus Christ. Jesus' atonement is offered to all people, regardless of their nationality, just as Ruth received the gift of redemption from Boaz.

The covenant between God and Abraham serves as proof that God is a faithful God who never abandons His people, whether in times of joy or sorrow. This covenant is also one of the fundamental covenants in the Old Testament, with significant theological and historical implications. This article, we’re discusses and analyzes God’s covenant with Abraham and its implications for Christian faith today, based on Genesis 12:1-9. Through this covenant, God promises three main things to Abraham: numerous descendants, the promised land, and blessings for all nations. Futhermore, this covenant serves as the foundation of Israel’s identity and finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, as foretold in Genesis 3:15, namely the offspring that will be born a woman. This study serves as evidence and a model for Christians regarding Abraham’s obedience and steadfast faith, emphasizing that salvation in Jesus Christ is one of God’s fulfilled promises to Abraham. Thus, understanding this covenant strengthens the conviction that God remains faithful to His promises and that faith in Him is the foundation of true spiritual life for believers.

The aim of this study is to know and understand holistically the things that Jesus taught about perfect character in Matthew 5:48, so that with this understanding, all workers or servants of God and the congregation of GSKI Medan City can learn and live what Jesus taught related to perfect character. The research method used in this study is a Qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The data sources used in this study are semi-structured interview guides and field notes. The data analysis technique used in this study involves several steps, namely bracketing, horizontalization, phenomenological reduction, and synthesis of essential meaning. The results of the study show that: The congregation and servants of God GSKI in Medan City understand the teachings of Matthew 5:48 as a call to perfection exemplified by the Father in heaven; The congregation and servants of God GSKI in Medan City identified several key attributes in achieving perfect character which include high moral quality, holiness, commitment to following God's will, and growth in faith through deepening the Word and fellowship; The congregation GSKI in Medan City faces several major challenges in building perfect character according to the teachings of Matthew 5:48, such as limitations in understanding the teachings of the Bible and incomplete doctrines, worldly influences and attachment to worldly pleasures, and the lack of consistent role models from church leaders; An effective teaching model for building perfect character based on Matthew 5:48 in the context of the congregation GSKI in Medan City consists of: a structured teaching approach, practical and contextual application, as well as role models and leadership

the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marking God's intervention in the history of His people and the beginning of a new grain harvest. On the other hand, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a symbol of victory over sin and death, and the culmination of salvation provided through His sacrifice on the cross. In this context, the Eucharist becomes an important sacrament symbolizing the body and Passover and Easter have deep meanings in their respective religious traditions. Passover (Pesach) celebrates blood of Christ. The bread, as a symbol of His broken body, and the cup, as a symbol of His shed blood, remind Christians of God's infinite sacrifice and love. However, in the early days of Christianity, the practice of the Eucharist was often misunderstood, leading to accusations of cannibalism against Christians. This misunderstanding arose because the terms "body" and "blood" were interpreted literally by outsiders. To counter these accusations, Christian apologists, such as Justin Martyr and Tertullian, attempted to provide a theological explanation for the symbolism, emphasizing that the Eucharist was a spiritual and not a physical act. Thus, both Easter and the Eucharist reflect the profound themes of liberation and hope, as well as the importance of a correct understanding of the symbolism of Christian teaching to avoid harmful misunderstandings. This shows that a proper understanding of religious traditions can strengthen faith and strengthen relationships among believers.

Christian leadership can be understood as leadership rooted in the truth of God’s Word and exemplified through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel narratives, Jesus consistently displayed leadership qualities that were grounded in service, sacrifice, humility, and the nurturing of His disciples. However, in today’s context, many church environments face a crisis of leadership characterized by corruption, arrogance, lack of integrity, and resistance to constructive criticism, all of which deviate from the biblical image of Christ as the Good Shepherd. This study aims to explore the biblical foundation of Jesus Christ’s leadership, focusing on both its character and technical dimensions as reflected in the Gospel of John, and to examine its implementation in the local ministry setting of GPdI Bethesda Kabanjahe. The research employs a qualitative method with two primary dimensions: a theological-biblical approach and a case study approach. The findings reveal that, first, the pastoral leadership model in the Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd who builds intimate relationships, willingly sacrifices, and develops the character of His followers. While these values are normatively acknowledged by church ministers, their implementation in GPdI Bethesda remains partial, fragmented, and not yet systematically embedded into the overall ministry structure. Second, theological reflection and practical implications highlight the urgent need for renewal that encompasses both organizational systems and the personal spiritual formation of leaders. Recommendations emerging from this study include leadership training grounded in Christlike character, developing an organizational structure that ensures regeneration, cultivating a healthy spiritual community, and contextually internalizing Gospel values into ministry practices. Strengthening these areas is essential for building authentic, sustainable, and Christ-centered leadership that responds to contemporary challenges and restores the church’s witness to the surrounding community.

In the contemporary Christian context, many churches face a leadership crisis marked by corruption, arrogance, lack of integrity, and resistance to criticism—traits that starkly contrast with the servant-hearted leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ. This study aims to explore the biblical foundation of Jesus’ leadership, both in character and technical dimensions, as portrayed in the Gospel of John, and to examine its implementation within GPdI Betesda Kabanjahe. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research integrates two primary approaches: a theological-biblical analysis and a case study of leadership practices in the local church. The theological dimension focuses on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing relational depth, sacrificial service, and intentional character formation of His disciples. The case study approach investigates how these principles are understood and applied by church leaders in GPdI Betesda. Findings reveal two key insights. First, the pastoral leadership model in the Gospel of John presents Jesus as a shepherd who leads through personal connection, selfless sacrifice, and transformative discipleship. While these values are normatively acknowledged by church leaders, their practical application in GPdI Betesda remains partial and lacks systemic integration into the church’s organizational and ministerial structures. Second, pastoral leadership at GPdI Betesda is marked by exemplary behavior and love in service. However, inconsistencies persist in leadership stability, spiritual maturity, and character development. The absence of structured ministry management and leadership formation contributes to these gaps. In conclusion, the study underscores the need for churches to realign leadership practices with the biblical model of Jesus, fostering integrity, humility, and servant leadership. Strengthening character development and implementing structured leadership systems are essential steps toward resolving the leadership crisis and embodying Christ-like shepherding in the church context.

This journal was written with the aim of discussing Paul's theology of God's salvation, monergism and synergism. Reviewing Paul's theology of God's true salvation will lead people to a fundamental understanding and strengthen one's hold on being a Christian. There is an understanding that salvation is a human effort and God's work (Synerism). Basically, salvation is the work of God in freeing man from sin. For by the grace of God salvation is wrought, that is, by the sacrifice and redemption of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. So through this writing, man must hold fast that salvation is a gift from God, not a human effort. This writing method uses a qualitative method through library search, through text sources, such as academic journals, books, papers, and other related literature available in the library.

This article discusses the implementation of exorcism by Jesus Christ according to Mark 9:14-29 and its relevance to occult ministry at LPPS Palu. Through exegetical study, it is found that the power and authority of Jesus in casting out evil spirits emphasize the importance of faith and prayer as the main keys in similar ministries. The inability of Jesus’ disciples to cast out the evil spirit in this pericope serves as a reflection for contemporary ministry, which often also experiences failure due to a lack of faith and dependence on God. This article highlights the need for a proper understanding of the distinction between medical disorders and manifestations of dark powers, and affirms that exorcism should be carried out with authority in the name of Jesus. The practical implication of this research is the importance of strong spiritual preparation, faith, and a consistent prayer life in occult ministry within the church environment.

As a multicultural country, Indonesia grows and develops with various cultural structures, ethnicities, religions and races. The diversity that occurs for a long time makes it possible for marriages with different religions to occur. Interfaith marriage in the Catholic Church is not allowed, but there is a dispensation so there are people who do it. As happened at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Simo Church, Boyolali, from the data for 2018-2023, there were 41 marriages and 9 of them were married to different religions (Cult Disparity). This phenomenon occurs due to several things including a lack of appreciation of faith, not enough socializing in the Church, pregnancy outside of marriage, a high sense of tolerance, many public schools in the village, places of worship that are close enough to allow the existence of many followers of other religions. The purpose of this research is to find out the nature of marriage of interfaith marriage couples, the application of children's faith education and the development of parents' faith from interfaith marriages. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with interviews with informants. The results showed that the impact of interfaith marriage on the faith education of children under five is positive because since infancy they have been baptized in accordance with the nature of Catholic marriage. Based on the results of the study, each partner respects and supports the other's beliefs in the midst of differences. In educating children's faith in the golden age period, they can be baptized.    

As a multicultural country, Indonesia grows and develops with various cultural structures, ethnicities, religions and races. The diversity that occurs for a long time makes it possible for marriages with different religions to occur. Interfaith marriage in the Catholic Church is not allowed, but there is a dispensation so there are people who do it. As happened at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Simo Church, Boyolali, from the data for 2018-2023, there were 41 marriages and 9 of them were married to different religions (Cult Disparity). This phenomenon occurs due to several things including a lack of appreciation of faith, not enough socializing in the Church, pregnancy outside of marriage, a high sense of tolerance, many public schools in the village, places of worship that are close enough to allow the existence of many followers of other religions. The purpose of this research is to find out the nature of marriage of interfaith marriage couples, the application of children's faith education and the development of parents' faith from interfaith marriages. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with interviews with informants. The results showed that the impact of interfaith marriage on the faith education of children under five is positive because since infancy they have been baptized in accordance with the nature of Catholic marriage. Based on the results of the study, each partner respects and supports the other's beliefs in the midst of differences. In educating children's faith in the golden age period, they can be baptized.