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This study examines the integration of Irau cultural values into Catholic Church ministry in Malinau through the approach of inculturation. The Irau festival, as a cultural heritage of the Dayak community, contains social and spiritual values such as togetherness, brotherhood, and gratitude. The study employs a qualitative method with a library research approach, analyzing Catholic Church documents, literature on inculturation theology, anthropiological studies on Dayak culture, and publications related to Malinau. The results indicate that integrating Irau cultural elements, such as music, dance, and traditional symbols that align with Catholic teaching, can enrich liturgy and pastoral ministry. This inculturation helps Catholics experience their faith contextually while respecting their cultural identity. A selective process is necessary to purify cultural elements that conflict with faith, enabling the Church to be an integral part of Malinau society.

This study examines the role of digital church music as a medium for evangelism and discipleship within the digital ecosystem. It employs a mixed methods approach using a sequential explanatory design, in which quantitative data collection is followed by qualitative exploration. Quantitative data were gathered through an online survey of at least 200 respondents to measure the intensity of digital worship music consumption, perceived gospel understanding, faith reflection, and spiritual engagement. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 15–20 key informants and digital content analysis of worship songs, service videos, and social media interactions. The findings indicate that digital church music contributes to strengthening gospel understanding, encouraging faith reflection, and expanding discipleship practices through online spaces. A moderate positive correlation between music consumption intensity and spiritual engagement suggests that music functions as a contextual medium for faith formation. This study highlights the importance of adaptive theological and pastoral strategies for church music ministry in the digital era.

Spirituality is a fundamental foundation of congregational faith life that directly influences character formation and daily behavior. However, social, cultural, and technological changes in the modern era have contributed to the weakening of congregational spirituality, including within the GKSI Sungai Maram congregation in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. This condition is reflected in faith practices that tend to be routine and have not yet fostered holistic Christlike character. This community service program aimed to revitalize congregational spirituality as an effort to strengthen character formation and faith through a contextual and participatory approach. The program was implemented through pastoral mentoring, reflective group discussions, prayer fellowships, and community-based faith development activities involving church leaders and congregants. The implementation methods included initial observation of congregational conditions, interviews with church leaders and members, and community reflection as an evaluation tool. The results of the program indicate increased spiritual awareness among congregants, reflected in the strengthening of Christian character values such as love, integrity, responsibility, and social concern, as well as improved relational quality within the congregation. In addition, the program encouraged the establishment of sustainable shared spiritual practices as an integral part of church life. Therefore, contextual and sustainable spiritual revitalization through community service activities serves as an effective strategy for building a congregation that is mature in faith, strong in character, and socially impactful.

The concept of the Day of the LORD in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament is often narrowly understood as a day of victory and salvation for Israel. However, the book of Amos offers a sharp critique of such an interpretation. This study aims to examine the eschatological meaning of the Day of the LORD in Amos 5:18–24 as a moment of judgment and restoration. This research employs a qualitative method with a biblical hermeneutical approach, particularly historical-contextual and theological analysis of Amos 5:18–24. The findings indicate that the Day of the LORD is portrayed as a divine event that brings judgment against social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and ethical deviation among the people of Israel. At the same time, the text opens the possibility of restoration through the demand for justice and righteousness as expressions of true worship. Therefore, Amos’s eschatology is not speculative about the future but functions as a prophetic critique that calls for repentance and social transformation. This study affirms that the Day of the LORD remains contextually relevant for the contemporary church in integrating faith, worship, and social justice as an inseparable unity.

This study aims to explore the contribution of Christian Religious Education in developing the character of people with disabilities, grounded in Jean Vanier’s perspective on inclusive community and human dignity. People with disabilities are often marginalized due to persistent social stigma, which limits their access to education, meaningful participation, and employment opportunities, particularly within faith-based educational contexts. Employing a qualitative research approach through an in-depth literature review, this study examines key concepts in Christian Religious Education, the characteristics and lived experiences of individuals with disabilities, and the challenges and strategies associated with inclusive educational practices. The findings indicate that Christian Religious Education can function as an effective empowerment framework by integrating spiritual formation with the development of social skills, self-confidence, and communal belonging. Based on Jean Vanier’s inclusive vision, the study highlights practical implications for local churches, Christian schools, and faith-based communities, such as fostering inclusive learning environments, implementing participatory pedagogical models, and strengthening community-based support systems for people with disabilities.Furthermore, reducing social stigma through value-based education and community engagement emerges as a critical strategy to enhance educational participation and social integration. These findings contribute to the discourse on inclusive Christian education and offer contextual strategies applicable to local academic and ecclesial settings in promoting the dignity and empowerment of people with disabilities.

The ecological crisis affecting Central Kalimantan reveals systemic environmental degradation, ranging from deforestation and river pollution to peatland destruction caused by massive extractive activities. The impact of this crisis extends beyond ecological damage, disrupting the social, cultural, and spiritual order of the Dayak Indigenous communities. This article aims to reflect on Dayak communal spirituality as a path toward ecological conversion in the light of the encyclical Laudato Si’. Employing a qualitative approach through theological–contextual hermeneutics and library research, this study examines the dialogue between Dayak cosmology, communal life values, and the Catholic Church’s vision of integral ecology. The findings indicate that Dayak communal spirituality affirms a reciprocal relationship among humans, nature, the community, and the Creator, which resonates with the call for ecological conversion articulated in Laudato Si’. This article argues that integrating Dayak communal spirituality into the Church’s pastoral praxis holds transformative potential in fostering ecological awareness, strengthening the inculturation of faith, and encouraging the active participation of the faithful in caring for our common home in a sustainable manner.

This article examines the spiritual needs of Christian youth and identifies effective ministry strategies for supporting their faith formation. The study explores how child ministry foundations contribute to developing spiritual maturity during adolescence, a phase marked by rapid emotional and social changes. Using a descriptive approach, the discussion highlights core spiritual needs such as identity in Christ, meaningful discipleship, and supportive mentoring environments. The findings suggest that intentional ministry strategies such as relational mentoring, contextualized teaching, and participatory faith practices play a significant role in strengthening the faith and character of young believers. The article concludes that churches and educators must design holistic, youth-centered ministry programs that respond to contemporary challenges while nurturing long-term spiritual growth.

In the context of modernity, characterized by secularization and existential anxiety, traditional models of Christian faith formation often appear disconnected from the lived reality of believers, particularly regarding the doctrines of salvation and eschatology. This study investigates the crucial role of the church in bridging this gap by developing a pedagogical approach that integrally links ecclesial education with eschatological hope. Employing a qualitative descriptive analysis method, this research examines theological literature, contemporary church documents, and case studies of Christian formation programs. The analysis reveals that a robust eschatological perspective oriented towards the hope of salvation, resurrection, and the renewal of all things is not merely a final chapter of doctrine but an essential, transformative framework for all faith education. It shapes Christian identity, ethics, and mission in the present. The study concludes that for faith formation to be salvific and relevant today, the church must intentionally reconfigure its educational praxis. This reconfiguration involves moving from a compartmentalized teaching of "last things" to fostering an eschatological imagination that informs discipleship, worship, and social engagement, thereby presenting salvation as a comprehensive hope actively shaping Christian life in the modern world.

Implementation of the Youth and Youth Service Section (SPRP) Worship Program at the GKE Barimba Congregation in the context of developing the character of Christian teenagers and young people. Using descriptive qualitative methods, data was collected through in-depth interviews with youth and youth leaders who play an active role in development activities at the church. The results of the study revealed various challenges faced by teenagers and young people, such as peer pressure that affects worship motivation, a less engaging atmosphere of togetherness in worship, and differences in age and maturity levels between teenagers and young people that cause emotional distance. Their spiritual needs include relational aspects, a contextual understanding of faith, real spiritual experiences, and the formation of strong moral character to face the challenges of the modern era. Effective development strategies involve the active role of families in spiritual development at home, Christian educators as guides and motivators, the use of interactive learning methods such as Bible-based games and digital media that are relevant to the character of the younger generation, and the implementation of dynamic and creative worship services to increase engagement. The implementation of this program aims to form a strong Christian character and prepare teenagers and young people to become faithful, responsible individuals who are able to serve actively in the church and society. Close synergy between family, church, and education is a key factor in the success of spiritual development of the younger generation amidst rapid social and technological change.

This article examines the meaning of repentance and baptism in the Acts of the Apostles through an eschatological theological approach. Repentance and baptism are considered two important aspects in the journey of salvation and the development of the Christian faith. The methodology used in this research is qualitative with a literature study to explore the meaning, application and relationship between repentance and baptism from an eschatological theological perspective. Research findings reveal that repentance is a transformation of the heart that prepares a person to receive baptism as a symbol of new birth and the washing away of sins by the Holy Spirit. These two concepts complement each other and have significant theological consequences in the teaching and practice of the church's faith today. This research provides in-depth insight into the role of repentance and baptism in the context of gradual and eschatological salvation.

Cross-cultural ministry is a tangible manifestation of the Great Commission of Christ, which calls the church to reach all nations without geographical or cultural boundaries. This article describes the experience of spiritual ministry among the diaspora Christian community in the Middle East conducted by a team from the Kerusso Theological Seminary of Indonesia. The activity not only aimed to strengthen the faith of the congregation living under cultural and social pressures but also served as a means of nurturing contextual Christian spirituality and character. Through revival services, Bible teaching, and pastoral accompaniment, the congregation experienced a genuine transformation of faith—from weakness to steadfastness and hope. This study affirms that cross-cultural ministry is not merely a mission activity but a concrete expression of transformative and participatory Christian education. It demonstrates that when ministry is carried out with contextual understanding and empathy, profound spiritual change can occur even amid intercultural challenges.

This paper aims to examine the relationship between Social Learning Theory and the principles of Christian education, particularly in character formation and the discipleship process. Social Learning Theory asserts that human behavior is shaped through observation, imitation, and social interaction, thus role models and the environment play a central role in the learning process. This understanding aligns with Christian education, which emphasizes that faith and character are developed through relationships, life experiences, and role models, as demonstrated in God's relationship with Israel, the life of Jesus Christ, and the practices of the early church. The integration of these two approaches demonstrates that effective Christian character formation requires a combination of modeling, mentoring, and a supportive community, along with the spiritually renewing work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, modern psychological theory and the principles of faith education can complement each other to create a holistic approach to Christian education, whether in the church, school, or family.

This article aims to understand how cultural expressions of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are inculturated in the liturgy of the Catholic Church as a manifestation of a dynamic encounter between Christian faith and local culture. The research method used is qualitative with a desk observation approach, which involves an in-depth study of Church documents, biblical texts, and practices of contextual liturgical analysis in various regions of NTT. The main results of the study indicate that the process of cultural inculturation in the liturgy in NTT not only enriches the forms of expression of the faith of the people, but also deepens the meaning and experience of the liturgy as a space for authentic theological dialogue between the Gospel message and local cultural heritage. Furthermore, this inculturation emphasizes the relevance of faith in the socio-cultural context, where local elements such as music, dance, clothing, and symbolism are brought to life to reveal the mystery of Christ more contextually. The theological and pastoral implications of these findings are that the Catholic Church in Indonesia, particularly in NTT, is a living, contextual, and relevant witness to the faith, demonstrating that the Gospel can be firmly embedded in the local land and culture, while strengthening the religious identity of the people amidst cultural plurality.

The Theology of Mission in Pluralism, as presented in the Book of Jude, provides an understanding of God's mission (Missio Dei) that is universal and involves the Church's participation in proclaiming the Gospel amidst cultural and religious diversity. This study aims to explore the concept of theological mission found in the Epistle of Jude, particularly in the context of pluralism in culture and religion during the early Church period. Using an exegetical method and literature analysis, this research identifies that Christian mission according to Jude is not only limited to the proclamation of the Gospel but also includes the struggle against false teachings and the strengthening of the faith of the believers. The mission in the Book of Jude emphasizes the importance of showing compassion to those who are uncertain in their faith, as well as the need for decisive action to save people from the fire of judgment. Furthermore, this study reveals that the Church plays a central role as the sphere of mission, where the congregation is called to remain firm in faith and contribute to saving others from misleading teachings. Overall, the theology of mission in pluralism according to Jude teaches the importance of balancing firmness in upholding the truth with gentleness in guiding those who are uncertain.

The implementation of Christian Religious Education (PAK) plays an important role in strengthening the spiritual growth of the congregation through Sunday worship as a means of continuous faith formation. This research and community service (PKM) activity was conducted at the GKSI Kampung Rama Church with the aim of understanding how PAK is implemented in Sunday worship and its impact on the spiritual life of the congregation. The method used was a qualitative-descriptive approach that included observation, field questionnaires, and literature study. The results of the study show that the church implements PAK through various elements of worship such as sermons, Bible readings, liturgy, praise, and special programs such as catechism, Sunday school, and cell groups. All of these elements complement each other to guide the congregation towards maturity in faith and a comprehensive understanding of God's word. However, there are several challenges in implementing PAK, such as limited teaching staff, lack of facilities, the influence of culture and globalization, and lack of support from families and congregations in spiritual guidance. To overcome these challenges, the Church has made several improvements, such as improving the quality of teaching the Word, developing participatory worship, utilizing technology to train ministers, and forming communities for spiritual guidance after worship. Through these efforts, the spiritual growth of the congregation has shown positive and more focused changes. Thus, the implementation of PAK through Sunday worship has proven to be effective in helping the congregation grow spiritually and strengthen their faith in their daily lives.

This article aims to explain the correct practice of devotion to Mary in the light of Christ-centered faith, which is a faith centered on Jesus Christ as the one and only mediator and savior. The main issue discussed is the tendency of some Catholics to give excessive devotion to Mary, which risks diverting focus from Christ. This study employs a theological and doctrinal approach by tracing the Church's teachings on honoring Mary, particularly through the distinction between latria, dulia, and hyperdulia. The study's findings indicate that proper devotion to Mary is rooted in a relationship with the Holy Trinity and guides the faithful to increasingly know, love, and emulate Christ. Conversely, disproportionate forms of devotion may lead to misunderstandings or deviations in faith practices. The implications of this research emphasize the Church's role in providing adequate catechesis, so that devotion to Mary remains balanced, leading the faithful to Christ through Mary and in Mary, while deepening the understanding of Trinitarian theology in the daily lives of Christians.

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.

The Protestant Reformation, pioneered by Martin Luther in the 16th century, was an important moment in Christian history. This movement emerged as a critique of Catholic Church practices, particularly the sale of indulgences and the abuse of power by clergy, which were considered to deviate from the teachings of the Bible. In response, the Catholic Church convened the Council of Trent. This council not only reaffirmed the teachings of the faith but also tightened spiritual discipline and reformed the internal structure to maintain the unity of the Church. In addition, the Council of Trent also encouraged pastoral renewal supported by religious orders, especially the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), which played a major role in education, missions, and social services. This study analyzes the roots of the Reformation, examines the Council of Trent as the official response of the Catholic Church, and explores the forms of pastoral renewal that emerged afterwards. The results show that although the Protestant Reformation was a major challenge, the Catholic Church's response through the Council of Trent and the pastoral renewal movement succeeded in strengthening Catholic identity and left an important legacy that has influenced the development of the Church to this day.

This study examines the increasing prevalence of premarital sexual behavior among Indonesian adolescents, including Catholic youths, which poses a significant challenge to the moral formation and faith development promoted by the Catholic Church. Using a qualitative method with a literature study approach, this research analyzes the phenomenon of adolescent free sex from the perspective of Catholic moral theology and family pastoral care. The findings reveal that the rise of free sexual behavior among adolescents is strongly influenced by curiosity, fragmented family structures, weak value-based sexual education, and the unregulated use of digital media. Moral theology views sexuality as a divine gift whose authentic meaning is realized only within the sacramental bond of marriage; therefore, premarital sex is considered a deviation from human dignity and the true nature of love. The study also highlights the essential role of the family as the Domestic Church in shaping conscience, character, and responsible sexual attitudes among youths. Pastoral strategies proposed include integral sexual education, strengthening parent–child communication in the digital age, and contextual pastoral accompaniment rooted in compassion, as emphasized in Amoris Laetitia. This research underscores the need for collaborative efforts between families, the Church, and educational institutions to guide young people toward a holistic understanding of sexuality, authentic love, and their Christian vocation in contemporary society.  

The creative Sunday School teaching program at GKSI Imanuel Teretek was implemented as a community service initiative focused on increasing children’s enthusiasm for participating in spiritual activities. The program was motivated by initial findings showing that many children exhibited declining interest due to monotonous learning methods that lacked creative engagement. Therefore, the service team designed a series of activities based on creative approaches, including the use of visual media, educational games, art activities, and interactive storytelling to align learning with the developmental needs of children. The implementation process was carried out through several stages, including observation, material planning, activity execution, and evaluation. The results showed a significant increase in attendance, active participation, and positive responses from the children. They appeared more engaged, more willing to ask questions, and better able to remember biblical messages through enjoyable and easy-to-understand activities. Additionally, Sunday School teachers gained new insights regarding creative teaching strategies that can be applied sustainably. These findings affirm that innovation in teaching methods has a real impact on children’s learning motivation and strengthens the church’s role in nurturing faith from an early age.