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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.

Church discipleship is a concrete manifestation of the shepherd's primary role and responsibility within the life of the church. A shepherd is not merely a preacher or worship leader, but a spiritual mentor committed to guiding the congregation toward spiritual maturity. This discipleship process involves various aspects such as deep biblical teaching, personal and communal pastoral care, and continuous discipleship. The main goal is for the congregation to move beyond superficial faith and grow into Christ-like individuals in character, knowledge, and action. This article explores biblical and theological principles of church discipleship and how the shepherd's role must be contextualized to meet the challenges of the present age and the needs of the people. In a world that is constantly changing and spiritually challenging, effective discipleship becomes crucial for the church to remain relevant and spiritually strong. This study affirms that spiritual maturity cannot be achieved instantly, but through a purposeful, consistent process rooted in love and the truth of God's Word. Therefore, discipleship must be a pastoral priority to build a mature, strong, and impactful church.

The NNC (Nouthetic Nature Community) method is a new method that comes from combining Nouthetic which consists of the elements of Confrontation, Concern, and Change as well as the addition of Nature and Community elements, the author named the NNC method. The author created this new method based on the needs of members of a local church who were experiencing feelings of disappointment. One of the elements of NNC is Community which has an impact on services to the community, distribution of food to people in need, this community is named Dapoer Berkat. Dapoer Berkat community activities aim to ensure that each member experiences recovery through counseling, worship, prayer as well as the loving service of distributing food to the surrounding community. Dapoer Berkat chose this community service place in Ciangsana village, West Java because it is close to the community and in Ciangsana village there are quite a lot of elderly people who still work as janitors, rubbish collectors, and online motorbike taxis. The love of Christ drives Dapoer. Thanks to carrying out this ministry, love is a real action that can be felt by everyone.

This research discusses the development of multimedia technology in the postmodern era and examines its profound influence on the life of the church. In this era, the presence of multimedia technology provides both new opportunities and complex challenges for the church in carrying out its mission and maintaining the relevance of its message. The study emphasizes that technology can serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, helping the church to communicate values of faith more effectively to the congregation and the wider public. The research applies a qualitative approach with data collection techniques that include direct observations in the field, in-depth interviews, and analysis of related phenomena obtained from relevant sources. The findings highlight that multimedia technology has the potential to become an important mediator in connecting the context of contemporary life with the growth of the congregation’s faith, especially in worship practices, spiritual formation, and outreach activities. Thus, technology is not only a tool but also a partner in ministry.

A disability-friendly church is a concrete manifestation of the Christian faith's call to live out God's love in a tangible way in the lives of its congregation. The presence of people with disabilities in society and within church communities is often viewed as a neglected group, both in terms of physical accessibility, opportunities for participation, and involvement in ministry. However, theologically,people with disabilities are also God's creations, possessing the same dignity as other members of the congregation and deserving of equal space in church life. A disability-friendly church means a church that not only provides physical facilities but also fosters an attitude of acceptance, appreciation, and empowerment for people with disabilities so they can contribute to worship, ministry, and congregational life. This study aims to determine the extent of the efforts of the Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (GKPI)in Labuhanbatu, both in the Labuhanbatu Induk and Labuhanbatu Utara regions, in realizing a disability-friendly church as part of the Church's Three Tasks: Marturia (witness), Koinonia (fellowship), and Diakonia (loving service). The Three Tasks of the Church serve as an important benchmark for assessing the church's success in presenting God's love within the congregation, particularly to vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities. The research method used was qualitative with a descriptive approach. Thisapproach was chosen because it allowed researchers to understand the experiences, perceptions, and meanings of the participants in depth and context. Data collection techniques included field observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation.Eight informants participated in the research: two people wvith disabilities, two family members of people with disabilities, three church ministers, and one synod leader.

Generation Z grows up in a digital ecosystem that shapes their mindset, relationships, and expressions of faith, presenting both significant opportunities and challenges. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with a library research approach, drawing from books, scholarly journals, and biblical references. The findings highlight opportunities such as easier access to Scripture, virtual faith communities, and creative forms of ministry, but also challenges including digital distractions, spiritual identity crises, and the influence of secular culture. In conclusion, the church, Christian education, and families play an essential role in guiding Generation Z to use technology wisely so that their spirituality can grow in a relevant, profound, and transformative way.

This study examines the quality of a servant of God based on II Timothy 1:6–8 as a foundation for church development and spiritual growth. In reality, the role of God’s servant is often underestimated compared to other leadership roles in society, even though their quality greatly influences the life of the congregation and the direction of church ministry. The purpose of this research is to analyze the criteria for a quality servant of God in ministry, particularly in facing the challenges of the postmodern era, when relativism, individualism, and secularism often weaken spiritual commitment. The method used is a qualitative-analytical approach, with the primary data source being the biblical text of II Timothy 1:6–8, supported by secondary data obtained from theological literature, books, and relevant journal articles. Through exegesis and contextual analysis, this study identifies several essential criteria: the rekindling of spiritual gifts, the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, as well as the courage to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel. These characteristics are not only theological ideals but also practical demands for ministers who serve in a complex cultural and social environment. The findings of this study are expected to provide theoretical contributions to theological scholarship, particularly in the field of pastoral leadership and ecclesiology. In addition, the study offers practical guidance for church ministers in developing resilience, integrity, and Christ-centered leadership. The implication emphasizes that servant leadership rooted in character, love, obedience, and readiness to endure suffering is essential for strengthening faith, encouraging church growth, and glorifying God’s name. Therefore, the criteria outlined in II Timothy 1:6–8 remain highly relevant as a timeless foundation for effective ministry in the postmodern context

 This research is motivated by the challenges faced by today's local church in formulating its missionary goals and work amidst rapid social, cultural, and global changes. These changes often make the church's missionary function appear unclear and lack clear direction, putting the church at risk of carrying out its ministry detached from its biblical identity. Therefore, this research aims to reinterpret the local church's missionary goals and work based on the Apostle Paul's example as a missionary, while also proposing its relevance for church ministry in the current context. The research uses a qualitative approach with a literature review method, specifically contemporary missionary theology literature and writings on the Apostle Paul's life and ministry. The results show that, according to Paul, the primary purpose of the church's mission is to educate the congregation through teaching rooted in the truth of the Word, and to bring the congregation into an encounter with Christ through lively worship, expressed in the singing of psalms, praises, spiritual songs, and the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The missionary work exemplified by Paul also includes the proclamation of the Gospel, tangible loving service, empowering the congregation to grow as witnesses of Christ, and social transformation as a manifestation of the church's presence in society. These findings confirm that the local church's mission should not only focus on spiritual aspects, but also be holistic, contextual, and relevant to the needs of the times. Thus, the church is called to develop a mission strategy that is both faithful to the Bible and able to meet the challenges of the modern world, thereby providing a complete witness of God's love for the world.

This study aims to examine the implementation of the Great Commission in the growth of the Mahanaim Community Church Semarang youth community. The focus of the study is directed at discipleship, evangelism, and development strategies based on the principles of the Great Commission and their impact on community growth. The growth referred to is not only related to the increase in the number of members, but also concerns the depth of faith, the formation of spiritual character, and the active involvement of the younger generation in church services. The research method used is a qualitative case study approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with youth leaders and community members, direct observation of development and service activities, and analysis of internal documents held by the church. Triangulation techniques were used to ensure the validity of the data and strengthen the research findings. The results show that the implementation of the Great Commission carried out systematically, directed, and consistently proved very effective in encouraging the holistic growth of the youth community. Discipleship strategies through small groups and personal mentoring play a significant role in instilling strong faith values. Evangelism implemented creatively and contextually is able to attract the interest of the younger generation to join. Meanwhile, ongoing development provides space for youth to grow in service skills and channel their potential. Thus, the implementation of the Great Commission not only impacts the quantity of members but also the spiritual quality, commitment to service, and engagement of the younger generation with the church. This research provides a practical contribution to other churches seeking to develop youth ministry through a holistic and transformative approach based on the Great Commission.

The phenomenon of charismatic pastors who simultaneously serve as merchants represents an increasingly common reality in contemporary Christian ministry, especially within urban contexts where economic and spiritual dynamics are closely intertwined. This dual role reflects both opportunities and challenges for the church, raising important theological, ethical, and practical debates concerning the integrity of pastoral calling in the midst of worldly interests, material pursuits, and potential temptations. On the one hand, the bivocational model may provide pastors with financial independence, reducing the burden on congregations and offering broader opportunities for engagement with society. On the other hand, it also carries the risk of blurring the boundaries between ministry and commerce, thereby creating possible conflicts of interest, diminishing spiritual authority, and weakening the congregation’s trust in pastoral leadership. This study aims to analyze the dual role of pastor-merchant in the light of New Testament theology by identifying potential tensions, examining the relevance of pastoral ethics in guiding decision-making, and evaluating the impact of this dual vocation on the life and witness of the church. Methodologically, this research employs a qualitative literature study, reviewing biblical, theological, and pastoral ethics sources to formulate a comprehensive understanding. The findings suggest that pastoral ethics serve as a vital compass for pastor-merchants, ensuring that ministry remains pure, Christ-centered, and untainted by financial motives. The Apostle Paul provides a theological and practical model for bivocational ministry, demonstrating how secular work and spiritual service can coexist without compromising the divine calling. Furthermore, a healthy, transparent, and accountable leadership framework is essential for sustaining integrity and strengthening congregational trust. Ultimately, this study emphasizes that the identity of the church as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9) must remain the guiding principle, ensuring that the integration of pastoral vocation and marketplace involvement contributes positively to the church’s witness and relevance in modern society.

The digital era has brought profound transformations in religious life, creating both opportunities and challenges for the younger generation of Christians in maintaining their faith. The Toraja Church Youth Fellowship (PPGT) of the Buntu Masakke Congregation is one such community struggling to maintain the steadfastness of its youth's faith amidst the tide of globalization, the temptations of materialism, worldly positions, and the increasingly prevalent dynamics of interfaith romance. This reality drives the need for a faith training strategy that is relevant, contextual, and utilizes the potential of digital technology wisely. This study aims to implement an effective faith training strategy for PPGT through the use of digital media to produce church youth who not only unleash strength in faith, but also grow spiritually and are able to serve in creative and impactful ways in the modern era. This study used a four-month practicum method involving 22 active participants. Three training modules were implemented in stages: (1) Rooted in God's Word in the Digital Age, which encourages the use of Bible applications and digital devotionals; (2) Growing in Christ's Character Amidst Worldly Temptations, which emphasizes the values of integrity, faithfulness, and holiness; and (3) Serving with Creativity and Relevance in the Digital Age, which invites young people to produce digital content with spiritual value. The results of the study showed significant success, with 95% achieving “rootedness,” 80% achieving “growth,” and 86% achieving “serving.” In fact, 63.6% of participants experienced spiritual transformation and are now active as digital ministry drivers. These findings confirm that digital media, when utilized strategically and in harmony with Christian values, can be an effective tool in fostering the faith of the younger generation. Therefore, the church needs to develop a sustainable and contextual digital training model to strengthen the role of young people in current and future ministry.

Mission constitutes a fundamental dimension of the Catholic Church’s identity, intrinsically linked to the divine mandate to participate in God’s work of salvation in the world. Within this framework, the consecrated life of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) embodies a distinctive expression of Trinitarian spirituality and a prophetic missionary vocation. In the context of Timor Island, this charism is concretely manifested through ministries that directly engage with the realities of local communities. This study adopts a qualitative methodology with a literature review approach, drawing on theological sources, congregational spirituality, and the SSpS Constitution to explore the theological and practical dimensions of the sisters’ mission. The research aims to analyze how the life and apostolate of the SSpS Sisters serve as a tangible witness to the presence of the Triune God, particularly through works in education, healthcare, social services, and pastoral ministry. The findings indicate that the sisters’ mission is deeply rooted in a faith experience centered on the Most Holy Trinity, which shapes their incarnational and intercultural approach to ministry. Their service reflects a prophetic commitment to empowering marginalized communities, promoting human dignity, and fostering social transformation. Furthermore, the integration of religious vows with active engagement in societal issues illustrates a spirituality that bridges contemplation and action, grounded in both fidelity to the Gospel and responsiveness to contextual needs. In conclusion, the consecrated life of the SSpS Sisters on Timor Island stands as a visible and dynamic sign of God’s salvific and prophetic presence. Through their holistic and transformative ministries, they contribute significantly to the mission of the Church and the common good of society, embodying a vision of the “civilization of love” rooted in Trinitarian communion and expressed in concrete service to humanity.

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 study explores the implementation of liturgical music norms by Catholic Youth (Orang Muda Katolik/OMK) in the St. Raphael Sub-Parish, Saitnihuta. The research aims to examine the extent to which OMK participate in liturgical music ministry in accordance with the principles established by the Catholic Church, particularly regarding the use of liturgical songs and musical instruments. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that OMK show commendable enthusiasm and active involvement in liturgical celebrations by singing hymns from official Church songbooks such as Puji Syukur and by accompanying the liturgy with instruments like guitars, cajons, and keyboards. While this reflects a genuine commitment to serve, it also exposes a lack of structured guidance and theological understanding related to the use of music in the liturgy. Many OMK rely on imitation and personal experience in selecting songs and instruments, often prioritizing the creation of a lively atmosphere rather than enhancing the sacredness of the liturgy. Moreover, the absence of traditional musical instruments and limited liturgical catechesis hinder the proper application of inculturation principles. This study underscores the urgent need for structured formation programs and official liturgical music guidelines to support OMK. With proper mentoring, the creativity and zeal of young people can be nurtured to align with the Church’s vision of sacred, beautiful, and appropriate liturgical music—thus enabling them to become true ministers of prayer who deepen the community’s encounter with the mystery of Christ.

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.

The church's diaconal practice faces a crisis of effectiveness. The dominant model of charitable diakonia (almsgiving) has proven ineffective in addressing the root causes of poverty and structural injustice. Empirical studies show that this failure is often not due to a lack of resources, but rather a failure of strategic management and a narrow theological understanding of diaconal practice itself. This research argues that to respond to poverty effectively, the church requires a dual paradigmatic shift. First, a theological shift in service from charitable diakonia to transformative diakonia, grounded in Liberation Theology and Reformed social justice spirituality. Second, a conceptual shift in "management" from a secular concept to the theological practice of "Transformative Oikonomia", a prophetic stewardship rooted in scripture (Acts 6) and ecumenical frameworks (WCC). Using a qualitative literature review methodology, the author reconstructs a management model for effective and just ministry. In this model, "effectiveness" is redefined and measured not by logistical outputs, but by two theological pillars: (1) Relational Effectiveness, measured by the Theology of Hospitality (Pohl), focusing on the restoration of human dignity; and (2) Structural Effectiveness, measured by tangible contributions to the JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) agenda. This study concludes that the Transformative Oikonomia model liberates the church from the "charity trap" and enables a holistic fulfillment of the Missio Dei.

This article aims to analyze and formulate Soul Care as a leadership management strategy to address the crisis of extreme fatigue (burnout) among church leaders, in order to achieve Sustainable Leadership. The burnout phenomenon is reviewed as a crisis of self-management and morals resulting from a misinterpretation of Servant Leadership that demands unlimited sacrifice. This research uses a qualitative literature review method with a Practical Theology approach and interdisciplinary analysis (Theology, Psychology, Management). Findings indicate that Soul Care is not a choice, but a normative command rooted in Sabbath Theology (the command for rest as a divine instruction) and exemplified by Jesus Christ (withdrawing for prayer and rest). Soul Care is practically implemented through disciplined and holistic Self-Boundary Management, encompassing temporal, physical, and emotional dimensions, which serves as a preventive strategy against fatigue. The synthesis of these findings yields the Sustainable Leadership model, which emphasizes that a leader's inner balance and self-wholeness are mandatory foundations for Ethical Integrity and successful long-term ministry.

Organic church and church management are often viewed as two opposing approaches: one emphasizes spiritual vitality and relational community life, while the other focuses on structure, planning, and organizational sustainability. This study argues that these approaches need not be placed in tension; rather, they can be integrated into a coherent and holistic framework of ministry. Using a descriptive qualitative approach through literature analysis, this research explores how the concept of the organic church in New Testament ecclesiology can be integrated with key principles of modern church management. Insights from Bonhoeffer (1954) on communal life, Erickson (1998) on the nature of the body of Christ, and Tomatala (2014) on congregational development provide the foundational basis for this integrative model. The findings indicate that the organic church contributes life, relational depth, and the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit, whereas church management offers direction, coordination, and the structural space needed for spiritual gifts to function. Together, these dimensions produce a living structure that is flexible, relational, theological, and accountable. The study concludes that the contemporary church requires structures that support life rather than replace it.

This study aims to analyze the role of social ministry in facilitating discipleship and church growth. Using a qualitative approach, the research was conducted at GMIT Kupang through interviews and observations. The findings reveal that social ministry builds relationships and paves the way for a more effective discipleship process. Theologically, social ministry represents a holistic expression of God's mission. The integration of evangelism, social action, and contextualized discipleship offers a relevant missional strategy for the contemporary church.