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This Community Service activity (PKM) was carried out at the Church of Faith, Hope, and Love (IHAKA) with the aim of empowering lay members who do not have a formal theological background but have a desire to serve as Cell Group (KOMSEL) leaders. The method used is a participatory approach based on training and contextual reflection, consisting of three stages: interactive workshops, service reflection, and mentoring. The training is designed to equip participants with basic understanding of spiritual leadership, the ability to communicate the Word, as well as patterns of household worship relevant to the congregation's context. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants' confidence in leading worship, the ability to actively discuss the Word, and the formation of closer service relationships through prayer and shared meals. Post-training mentorship also strengthens participants' commitment to serving with faithfulness and humility. This activity demonstrates that service is not merely a routine activity, but a calling in life that can be carried out by lay congregants through simple yet impactful guidance. This PKM is expected to serve as an initial model for other local churches in nurturing lay ministers in a contextual and sustainable manner.

This article responds to the challenge of contextualizing Laudato Si's teachings on integral ecology in the Indonesian Catholic Church. This study examines the concept of "Mother Earth" as a symbol of local wisdom that has the potential to be used as a theological foundation in the inculturation process. Through textual analysis and theological-contextual reflection, this qualitative research explores the meaning of "Mother Earth" as the personification of the earth and dialogues it critically with integral ecological principles. The results of the study show that the values of harmony, mutual cooperation, and respect in the concept of "Mother Earth" have a deep compatibility with the vision of Laudato Si'. This symbol of integration not only strengthens contextual ecological spirituality, but also gives birth to praxis implications in the form of liturgical models, catechesis, and ecologically minded community assistance. In addition, the integration of local values provides space for the people to understand the relationship between humans and nature as a unit that supports each other, not as a relationship of exploitation. This approach opens up opportunities for the formation of ecological consciousness that is rooted in the nation's culture and is in harmony with the teachings of the universal Church. Thus, the inculturation based on "Mother Earth" offers a model to deepen the role of the Church in building a civilization of love in Indonesia and strengthen the collective commitment to environmental sustainability.

This study aims to analyze the multidimensional integration between theology and management in developing an ethical, holistic, and human-centered paradigm of Christian leadership. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method through a comprehensive literature analysis of contemporary theological and managerial works. The findings demonstrate that theology serves as a normative foundation that shapes managerial decision-making processes and guides the moral direction of organizations. The integration of spiritual, social, and practical dimensions produces a leadership model emphasizing love, honesty, justice, responsibility, and service. These results indicate that theology functions not merely as a reflection of faith but also as a conceptual framework that directs management practices toward sustainability and social balance. The multidimensional theological approach bridges faith values with concrete actions in modern organizations, offering substantial contributions to the development of character-based, humanistic, and transformative management. Consequently, this study enriches the academic discourse on theology-management integration and provides a conceptual reference for constructing ethical leadership models in the global era.

The phenomena of stigmata and divine apparitions represent profound religious experiences that demonstrate the dynamic relationship between faith, body, and consciousness. Through a phenomenological-theological approach and literature review, this study examines how these extraordinary events reflect the spiritual and psychological dimensions of faith. The results demonstrate that stigmata and apparitions are not simply supernatural phenomena, but existential encounters that express human participation in the suffering and presence of Christ. Phenomenological reflection affirms that faith is lived through bodily awareness, not merely understood conceptually. This study emphasizes the importance of discernment and theological interpretation of the church so that extreme religious experiences deepen authentic spirituality, rather than giving rise to superstition. Understanding stigmata and apparitions as transcendental experiences that transcend worldly limitations requires an openness to assess these phenomena in light of the doctrines of Christian faith. Furthermore, this study explores how these experiences contribute to the development of personal and church community spirituality and open up space for deeper reflection on the human relationship with God. Ultimately, this study bridges phenomenology and theology, demonstrating that divine experiences enrich the Christian understanding of the incarnation, suffering, and grace of God present in human existence.

In today's world, the crisis of moral integrity and low quality of leadership have become one of the most serious challenges in education and social life. This study aims to examine how Christian Religious Education and family interactions contribute to the formation of a culture of quality that supports the growth of leadership character based on faith, responsibility, and a spirit of service. The approach used is a reflective literature study with a review of eleven journals, sixteen books or other sources from theological and educational philosophy perspectives, and leadership studies. The results of the study show that Christian Religious Education not only fosters spiritual awareness and ethical thinking skills, but also strengthens students' commitment to excellence as a manifestation of living faith, hence the emphasis is on the active role of parents. The integration of faith education and family interaction creates a culture of quality that encourages continuous growth, self-reflection, and integrity in leadership. The novelty in this study is the formation of an integrated culture of quality.

The understanding of the doctrine of humanity and sin in Christian theology reveals the essence of human nature and the need for divine redemption. This study aims to examine theological perspectives on human nature and sin, focusing on the relationship between the Imago Dei and the fall of humanity. Using a qualitative descriptive approach through literature review, the research analyzes biblical texts and theological interpretations from various Christian scholars. The results show that humans, created in the image and likeness of God, were originally good and endowed with moral and spiritual capacity. However, through sin, humans experienced separation from God and moral corruption. Nevertheless, God’s grace through Jesus Christ enables the restoration of humanity’s divine image and reconciles the broken relationship with the Creator. The study highlights that understanding these doctrines helps believers realize their dependence on God’s grace, leading to repentance, transformation, and ethical living. The implication encourages Christians to maintain a responsible, spiritual, and moral life as a reflection of the renewed image of God within them.

This study examines the understanding of the sacredness of nature in the beliefs of the Detunggali indigenous community as a reflection of the theology of creation. The study is based on the view that long before the emergence of formal religions, indigenous communities had already possessed a profound cosmological awareness regarding the relationship between humans, nature, and the Divine. The purpose of this research is to analyze how the meaning of the sacredness of nature is experienced within Detunggali customs and to interpret its relevance from the perspective of the theology of creation. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a library research approach supported by theological, anthropological, and local cultural sources. The findings reveal that the Detunggali indigenous community does not perceive nature merely as a physical environment or a means of fulfilling human needs, but rather as a sacred reality containing spiritual values and the presence of ancestors. This understanding creates a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, manifested through attitudes of respect, responsibility, and customary practices aimed at preserving environmental balance. The study also demonstrates that indigenous local wisdom contributes significantly to enriching the theology of creation, particularly in responding to ecological crises, environmental degradation, and the increasing exploitation of nature in the modern era.

Divorce has become an increasingly prevalent moral and social phenomenon within modern society, including among Christian communities, with profound implications for family structures, spiritual life, and the church’s testimony in the world. This study analyzes divorce from the perspective of Christian ethics, grounded in a theological and moral reflection on Matthew 19:1–12 as the biblical foundation for understanding marriage and faithfulness. The findings reveal that divorce is not merely a legal or social concern but represents a spiritual crisis and a failure to uphold the sacred covenant established by God. Contributing factors such as infidelity, domestic violence, economic pressure, and weak faith formation erode the moral values of love and fidelity. Christian ethics emphasizes love, forgiveness, and moral responsibility as fundamental principles for healing and reconciliation within broken relationships. The church is called to exercise pastoral responsibility through guidance, counseling, and restoration, fostering ethical awareness and marital integrity among believers. Thus, applying Christian ethics to the issue of divorce is essential for nurturing spiritual maturity, strengthening family unity, and preserving the moral witness of the Christian community.  

This study explores the intricate relationship between theology and philosophy within the framework of Christian apologetics and evangelism, aiming to understand and communicate faith in both rational and contextual ways. Theology, grounded in divine revelation, serves as the foundational source of truth, while philosophy offers critical and analytical tools to interpret, clarify, and logically articulate theological doctrines. Apologetics operates as a dynamic bridge between these disciplines, integrating rational discourse, ethical reflection, and spiritual conviction to defend and proclaim the Gospel effectively in an increasingly pluralistic and intellectually diverse society. This research employs a library-based qualitative approach utilizing descriptive and analytical methods to examine theological and philosophical literature from various academic perspectives. The findings demonstrate that theology, philosophy, and apologetics form an interdependent and complementary framework that not only strengthens evangelism but also enables Christians to present the Gospel message rationally, contextually, and meaningfully amidst the contemporary challenges of faith, culture, and reason.

The disruptive era, characterized by rapid technological advancement, shifting social paradigms, and the globalization of ideas, presents a profound challenge to Christian Education, particularly in the realm of sexual ethics. The pervasive visibility of the LGBT phenomenon often creates a reactive response within Christian communities, leading to a perceived dichotomy between upholding biblical authority and extending Christ-like compassion. This article argues that this disruption should not be viewed merely as a threat but recognized as a Kairos moment a critical and opportune time for theological and pedagogical renewal. Employing a methodology of theological reflection and conceptual analysis, this study explores how Christian educators can move beyond polarized debates to reconceive their role. It proposes a framework for fostering a sexual ethic that is simultaneously biblically grounded and pastorally compassionate. This involves a deliberate rethinking of pedagogical approaches that engage students in critical dialogue with both Scripture and contemporary culture. The article contends that an authentic biblical ethic is not merely about prohibition but about forming disciples who understand God's design for human flourishing, relationships, and sexuality. By seizing this Kairos moment, Christian Education can empower students to navigate a complex world with convictional clarity and empathetic grace, thereby transforming a challenge into a catalyst for a more holistic, effective, and faithful ministry.

This research begins with the complexity of challenges faced by Christian families in the modern era, such as issues of communication, loyalty, and role imbalance. The aim is to examine the theological meaning of marriage as a divine institution in Christianity, focusing on the core values ​​of love, loyalty, and responsibility. Furthermore, this research formulates implementative strategies to create a harmonious and strong Christian family. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a literature study method, analyzing various biblical sources, books, and journals on Christian marriage. Data were analyzed by selecting, grouping, and summarizing the contents of the readings using a theological relational model, where love and loyalty are the foundation that gives rise to responsibility. The results show that Christian marriage is the embodiment of God's plan, a reflection of Christ's love, and the foundation for a harmonious family. Implementative strategies in modern life include: building communication based on love, maintaining loyalty in the digital age, implementing servant leadership and equal partnerships, making the family a community of faith, and managing conflict with forgiveness. This research is expected to strengthen Christian family life in the modern era through a deeper understanding of the theological meaning of marriage and the application of relevant practical strategies. Academically, this research contributes to the development of practical theology.

The sulang-sulang hariapan tradition is a significant cultural heritage of the Batak Toba community that embodies values of love, respect for elders, family reconciliation, equitable inheritance distribution, and leadership regeneration. The ritual is traditionally performed by offering food to parents who have reached the status of saur matua, symbolizing gratitude and respect. It is also accompanied by requests for blessings, advice, and public acknowledgment of mistakes, thus fostering peace, forgiveness, and social harmony within the community. However, in contemporary practice, the meaning of this tradition has gradually shifted toward a more formalized ceremony that emphasizes social status rather than its original spiritual and communal values. This study employs descriptive qualitative methods, combining field research with theological reflection, to examine how the values inherent in sulang-sulang hariapan can be understood in the light of the Gospel. The findings indicate that the tradition has profound potential to serve as a contextual medium for Christian faith expression. Therefore, it is crucial to revitalize its theological meaning so that the tradition remains relevant and transformative in strengthening family bonds and nurturing leadership in the modern era.

The spirituality of today’s church youth encounters multidimensional challenges, particularly the pervasive influence of digital culture, the gradual decline in interest toward spiritual disciplines, and the weakening of involvement in ecclesial ministry. Such dynamics often create a gap between theological knowledge and lived faith experiences. This Community Service (PkM) initiative was designed to respond to these issues by implementing an interactive model aimed at enhancing the spiritual understanding of the youth at GKSI Trimorejo Congregation. The model emphasizes participatory learning processes, in which youth are not merely passive recipients of teaching but active contributors to collective faith formation. The methodological framework consisted of three main stages: initial observation to identify needs and spiritual conditions; preparation of training modules contextualized with the congregation’s realities; and the implementation of interactive activities such as group discussions, thematic Bible studies, role-play, and collective reflection. Evaluation strategies integrated both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including pre-tests and post-tests to measure cognitive growth, alongside participatory interviews to capture experiential insights. The findings reveal a notable increase in youth comprehension of biblical principles, heightened enthusiasm and participation in church programs, and the establishment of a more cohesive spiritual learning community. Furthermore, the process encouraged a deeper sense of belonging and responsibility among the participants toward their ecclesial environment. In conclusion, the interactive model demonstrates significant effectiveness in fostering youth spirituality and may serve as a viable alternative strategy for churches encountering similar challenges within contemporary contexts of ministry.

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.

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.

The tradition of communicating with ancestral spirits remains a spiritual practice upheld by various indigenous communities in Indonesia. This tradition is considered a form of respect toward ancestors who are believed to maintain a spiritual connection with their descendants. This article aims to trace the historical roots and cultural meanings of communication with ancestral spirits and reflect on its implications for the Christian faith. Using a qualitative approach and literature review of spiritual practices among several ethnic groups, it was found that such communication is often rooted in relational values, reverence, and the search for life’s meaning. However, Christian reflection calls believers to distinguish between cultural honor and beliefs that may contradict faith in the living God. This article offers a dialogical and contextual approach to wisely and theologically understand and respond to this phenomenon.

This study examines theologically the practice of giving dowry in Sumbanese weddings. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and is often associated with church weddings. Various responses to dowry, especially from Christians, are the main focus. The method used is a literature study, with the object of study being the giving of dowry in the marriages of biblical figures such as Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, David and Michal, and Shechem and Dinah. The theological reflections produced include: First, dowry in the Bible functions as a sign of appreciation for women and their families. Second, dowry is not coercion, but rather a way for men to show love for their future wives. Thus, dowry in Sumbanese culture does not conflict with Christian faith and has a positive value for helping each other. The implications include: First, dowry must be in accordance with the man's ability. Second, dowry should not be used as a tool to fulfill personal ambitions. Payment of dowry should be for the common good. Third, dowry must be given in an honorable manner, without justifying any means to prove the ability to pay dowry at a high price.

This research is motivated by the low attendance and involvement of church youth in spiritual activities, as well as the weak Christian character that should be the basis of their lives. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of the service learning approach by IAKN Tarutung students on character development and increasing participation of Naposo Bulung youth at HKBP Maranatha Ressort Cinta Damai. This research is based on the theory of service learning (Eyler & Giles, 1999), experiential learning (Kolb, 1984), and the concept of sense of belonging (Etzioni, 1991) which emphasizes the importance of emotional involvement and critical reflection in the learning and service process. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, which were conducted for three months. The results of the study showed that the service learning program had a significant influence in increasing the attendance of youth from an average of 14 to 25 people per week, as well as fostering positive characters such as responsibility, discipline, and social concern. Students not only act as implementers of activities, but also as spiritual mentors and spiritual friends, who form authentic and contextual relationships with teenagers. The implications of this study confirm that service learning is an effective approach in the formation of church teenagers because it combines aspects of direct service with spiritual and academic reflection. Therefore, it is recommended that this approach be integrated more systematically into the curriculum of higher theological education and used as a model of sustainable service in the church community.

Christian Religious Education (CRE) not only functions as a means of delivering theological teachings, but also as a strategic medium in developing students' soft skills. This article aims to explore how Christian moral values ​​such as love, honesty, empathy, and justice can be integrated into learning practices to shape students' character and interpersonal skills. Through a qualitative-descriptive approach, this study collected data through observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The results show that PAK, through activities such as group discussions, social services, spiritual reflection, and project-based learning, contributes significantly to developing students' communication, leadership, cooperation, and emotional intelligence skills. The role of teachers as facilitators and moral role models is a key factor in the success of this process. Thus, PAK not only enriches the spiritual aspect, but also prepares students to become resilient and integral individuals in social life. The integration of faith values ​​with life skills is a strong foundation in forming a generation of Christians who are able to answer the challenges of the 21st century.

This study explores the challenges of evangelism in the modern era, particularly in reaching groups that are apathetic towards the gospel. Using 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 as its foundation, which highlights the importance of flexibility in evangelistic approaches to reach speople from various backgrounds, this research applies the Apostle Paul’s concept of adaptability to contemporary evangelism among apathetic groups. Specifically, it examines how biblically-based adaptive strategies can be utilized by churches and individual Christians in their evangelistic mission. The primary aim of this study is to analyze the application of the principle of flexibility in 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 for apathetic groups and to assess how this principle can enhance the effectiveness of evangelism in today’s context. Through this research, it is hoped that new, more relevant approaches for ministry in a diverse society will be identified. This study employs a qualitative method, using biblical text analysis and systematic theological reflection. Findings indicate that applying the principle of flexibility in evangelism is not only effective in addressing apathy, but also allows evangelists to build more personal and empathetic relationships with those they seek to reach. In Paul’s sense, flexibility involves adapting without compromising gospel truth, offering a pertinent strategy for meeting the challenges of evangelizing to apathetic individuals.