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This study explores the role of the Holy Spirit as the main actor in spreading the gospel according to the Book of Acts and its relevance to the church's current mission strategy. Through a qualitative-descriptive approach with literature review, this study examines biblical texts and theological literature that emphasize that since the events of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has been the main initiator of the church's mission movement. In Luke's narrative, the Holy Spirit not only empowers the disciples to witness, but also leads the direction of ministry, selects and sends missionaries, opens and closes mission paths, and affirms the inclusiveness of the gospel for non-Jewish nations. The Holy Spirit acts as a catalyst that transforms a weak community of disciples into a church that boldly proclaims the gospel, as seen in Peter's sermon and the rapid growth of the congregation. In addition, the Holy Spirit preserves the purity of the church, unites the congregation, and gives spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. The results of this study confirm that the success of the early church's mission did not depend on human strategies, but on obedience to the Holy Spirit's leadership. The implication for the church today is the need to depend on the work of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, fellowship, and the development of the congregation's gifts, so that the church is able to respond to the challenges of the times with divine power and wisdom.  

This study examines the integration of hermeneutic learning and systematic theology in science-based discipleship based on the concept of the Kingdom of God. The background of this research is the gap between the theological understanding of the Kingdom of God and the practice of digital discipleship which tends to be pragmatic and lacks a strong doctrinal foundation. This study uses mixed methods with a sequential explanatory design, which combines a survey of 50 respondents from pastors, lecturers, teachers, and students, as well as in-depth interviews to strengthen quantitative findings. The results of the study showed a very positive response to the integration of the values of the Kingdom of God and the use of science and technology in discipleship, especially in the aspects of digital ethics, love, responsibility, and the formation of Christian character. However, the understanding of hermeneutics and systematic theology still needs to be strengthened so that theological depth is not reduced by digital media and rapid technological flows. This research produces an integrative conceptual model of digital discipleship based on the Kingdom of God that combines hermeneutics as the basis for biblical interpretation, systematic theology as a doctrinal framework, and science and technology as a means of contextual and sustainable faith transformation.

This study aims to develop a Christian Religious Education learning model based on Tongkonan values to strengthen the spiritual identity of Toraja youth amid identity crisis caused by globalization. Using qualitative method with literature study, this research analyzes the integration of Tongkonan philosophical values such as karapasan, kasiuluran, and kasianggaran with theological principles of Christian Religious Education through contextual learning approach and narrative theology. The results show that Tongkonan values have strong resonance with Christian teachings and can be integrated into a learning model comprising five components: theological-cultural foundation, contextual curriculum design, experience-based learning strategies, the role of three educational centers, and authentic evaluation. Implementation of this model has significant implications for strengthening spiritual identity through formation of solid self-identity, authentic moral value internalization, and development of spiritual resilience. This Tongkonan values-based Christian Religious Education learning model bridges the dichotomy between modernity and tradition, making Christian Religious Education more relevant and meaningful for Toraja students by equipping them with a holistic identity as Toraja people who are also followers of Christ.  

The process of Christian Religious Education for early childhood must be aligned with children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual development. One of the main challenges in this learning process is interpreting biblical stories accurately while maintaining simplicity and relevance for young learners. This study aims to examine the role of hermeneutics in understanding and interpreting biblical narratives used in Christian Religious Education for early childhood. The research employs a qualitative approach through a literature review of hermeneutical studies, biblical texts, and scholarly works on early childhood Christian education. The findings indicate that narrative hermeneutics enables educators to interpret biblical texts contextually while translating theological messages into pedagogically appropriate stories for children. Through a hermeneutical approach, learning becomes more meaningful, reflective, and transformative, fostering deeper spiritual understanding in early learners. Furthermore, hermeneutics helps educators bridge the gap between the theological content of the Bible and the everyday experiences of Christian children. In conclusion, hermeneutics functions as a strategic tool in delivering biblical messages in ways that are developmentally appropriate, spiritually enriching, and relevant to the lives of early childhood learners within Christian education contexts.

Many churches face great challenges in carrying out the mission of the gospel effectively in the midst of their limited resources, one of which is the Evangelical Kalimantan Church (GKE), especially in the Calon Resort (Cares) of GKE Bulik Timur. This study uses a qualitative approach by examining the condition of objects naturally, where the researcher plays the role of a key instrument and the sampling technique is carried out by purposive sampling. The results of the study show that limited funds caused by the lack of spiritual health of congregation members are the main obstacle to service, especially in PKB mission activities and congregation formation. The low financial support of the congregation is influenced by the weak theological understanding of giving and the limited economic income of the congregation. To overcome this, the church implements various theological and responsible efforts and strategies, including through strengthening preaching, spiritual formation, and the development of productive investment in the form of oil palm plantations. This plantation business has proven to be able to be a sustainable solution in supporting church finances so that services can run more optimally.

This research analyzes the application of J. Oswald Sanders' servant leadership concept to tongkonan (traditional house) leadership in Toraja society. The background of this study is the presence of authoritarian leadership tendencies among to parenge (tongkonan leaders) who prioritize personal power over community service and empowerment. This research employs a qualitative approach through literature review, analyzing academic articles, research journals, and theological sources to understand the relevance and applicability of Sanders' principles within the Toraja cultural context. The findings reveal that Sanders' servant leadership, which is grounded in spiritual discipline and community empowerment, represents a viable alternative for reconstructing tongkonan leadership from an authoritarian model to a collegial model. However, implementing this model faces structural challenges due to the transformation of tongkonan's functions and the intrusion of formal government systems. In conclusion, Sanders' principles can be applied to tongkonan leadership through institutional reconstruction that combines traditional Toraja values with transparent and accountable leadership practices, thereby creating leadership that is simultaneously serving and empowering the community.

This study aims to explore Christology in the Gospel of John, specifically the identity of Jesus as the pre-existent Word (Logos), His incarnation, the claim to divinity through the statement "ego eimi," unity with the Father, and its relevance for the early church and the contemporary church. The method used is a qualitative approach through literature study, with the primary source being the Gospel of John (especially John 1:1-18 and the statement "ego eimi"), supported by commentaries, theological journals, and the works of scholars such as Culpepper, Bauckham, and Dunn, analyzed in historical and theological contexts. The results show that John presents an explicit high Christology, depicting Jesus as the true God who became man, with theological essences such as the basis of worship, the certainty of salvation, and the resilience of faith for the congregation facing exclusion and polemics, while also being relevant for the foundation of faith, pastoral comfort, and missionary motivation in the current era of pluralism.

This study reexamines Genesis 26:12–13 to illuminate the hermeneutical tension between the original meaning of the Hebrew term זָרַע (zāraʿ) and the interpretive patterns characteristic of the Prosperity Gospel. Through a historical-critical approach combined with narrative analysis, the study demonstrates that Isaac’s act of sowing must be understood as an actual agrarian activity undertaken within conditions of crisis and limitation, and grounded in the initiative and faithfulness of God. The findings indicate that the blessing Isaac received was never intended as a universal, reproducible formula but as a theological declaration of divine care within a history marked by uncertainty. In contrast, the Prosperity Gospel employs a hermeneutic that is predominantly literal and selective in its use of texts while disregarding their contexts, thereby reshaping the covenant narrative into a reductive pattern of guaranteed prosperity. This analysis shows that such reading not only shifts the theological focus of the text but also obscures the dynamics of faith, obedience, and grace that form the heart of the narrative. The study affirms the necessity of a more critical and responsible hermeneutic and argues that recovering the historical context and narrative structure serves as an essential theological corrective to Prosperity Gospel readings that detach the text from its original context.

Interreligious dialogue in contemporary plural societies faces serious challenges, particularly due to differences in the use and interpretation of religious language, which is often understood in a monolithic and decontextualized manner. Religious language is frequently reduced to doctrinal propositions debated through logical arguments, thereby neglecting the form of life from which it emerges. This study aims to analyze the transformation of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s thought from the picture theory presented in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus to the concept of language games developed in Philosophical Investigations, as well as its implications for understanding religious language and contemporary interreligious dialogue. This research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method through philosophical-conceptual analysis of Wittgenstein’s major works and relevant secondary literature. The findings indicate that the concept of language games allows religious language to be understood as a social practice with internal rules and contextual meanings, rather than as metaphysical propositions subject to empirical-logical verification. In the context of interreligious dialogue, this approach helps explain differences in the meanings of religious terms such as “salvation” or “God” without treating them as absolute logical contradictions. By viewing religious language as part of language games rooted in distinct forms of life, interreligious dialogue can be directed toward mutual understanding and respect for diversity rather than the pursuit of theological uniformity.

Poverty remains a multidimensional crisis requiring holistic interventions that integrate spiritual and economic dimensions. This study aims to analyze forms of spiritual support in pastoral counseling for the poor and identify mechanisms through which such support contributes to the sustainability of economic empowerment programs. Using a qualitative approach with systematic literature review, data were collected from academic journals, theological texts, and previous research published between 2006-2025, analyzed through thematic content analysis. The findings reveal five integrated forms of spiritual support: spiritual-theological support for restoring meaning and hope, transformative psychosocial accompaniment integrating counseling techniques with faith values, communal empowerment based on Christian values creating sustainable support ecosystems, practical life skills guidance and economic capacity development, and advocacy facilitating access to structural resources. These forms contribute to sustainability through five mechanisms: mindset transformation from helplessness to self-agency, strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity, forming social networks and social capital, integrating Christian values in work ethics, and establishing continuous mentoring systems with participatory evaluation. This study confirms that spiritual support is an essential element determining the long-term success of economic empowerment programs for the poor.

This article theologically analyzes the Christian doctrine of creation, highlighting the nature of God as Creator and its implications for human understanding of the world, the self, and the relationship with God. Creation is understood not merely as the initial event of the cosmos but also as God’s continuous act of sustaining, preserving, and directing all creation toward His divine purpose. Through a study of biblical texts and the reflections of classical theologians such as Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin, this paper explores the concepts of creatio ex nihilo, the orderliness of creation, and the dignity of humanity as the image of God (imago Dei). This article also outlines how the doctrine of creation provides an ethical foundation for ecological responsibility, the sanctity of life, and respect for others in the context of contemporary challenges marked by moral crises and environmental degradation. The analysis shows that the doctrine of creation remains relevant for today’s faith, emphasizing that the world derives its meaning from God and that humanity is called to participate with God in caring for creation. Thus, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the significance of the doctrine of creation for Christian faith and ethical practice in contemporary life.  

Understanding God in Christian education plays a crucial role in the moral formation of children, as the theological concept of God forms the foundation for values, character, and ethical actions, developed from an early age. In Christian education, the process of moral formation does not simply rely on rules or customs, but rather rests on the child's personal relationship with God as a loving, guiding Being, and the source of truth. This study uses qualitative methods with a library research approach to explore how the concept of God according to Christian theology can serve as a foundation for the comprehensive moral formation of children. The aim of this study is to analyze how God's attributes such as love, holiness, justice, and faithfulness can be applied in the educational process so that the moral values formed are not formalistic but grow from a deep spiritual awareness. The research findings show that a proper understanding of God helps children recognize moral standards rooted in God's character, develop ethical attitudes, and strengthen the internal drive to live according to His will. This research is also expected to contribute to Christian educators in developing theological, contextual, and effective learning strategies to continuously cultivate children's morality in accordance with the principles of the Christian faith.

Ecclesiology and the church's calling amidst the development of the times marked by increasingly dynamic social, cultural, technological, and lifestyle changes. The background of the problem in this paper departs from the fact that the church often faces challenges in maintaining its theological identity while responding to the demands of the modern era, so that a contextual and relevant understanding of ecclesiology is needed. The research method used is a qualitative method with a library research approach, namely reviewing and analyzing various library sources such as the Bible, theological books, scientific journals, and church documents related to ecclesiology and the role of the church. The purpose of writing this article is to re-examine the nature of the church from a theological perspective and formulate the church's calling to remain faithful to God's mission amidst the changing times. The benefits of this paper are expected to provide theoretical contributions to the development of church theology studies and become material for practical reflection for the church in carrying out its duties of fellowship, service, witness, and diakonia in a relevant, contextual, and responsible manner in modern society.

The development of modern education demands that teachers play a broader role beyond merely delivering subject matter, including building professional reputation, credibility, and positive influence on students, colleagues, parents, and society. For Christian Religious Education teachers, personal branding has a deeper dimension because they also serve as role models and ambassadors of Christian values. This study aims to describe the formation of personal branding among Christian Religious Education teachers based on spiritual and theological values, as well as its impact on teaching and student character development. The method used is descriptive qualitative through a literature study of books, journals, notes, and relevant reports, with narrative analysis to illustrate the practices and values that shape teachers’ personal branding. The findings indicate that the personal branding of Christian Religious Education teachers is an integration of professional competence, personal integrity, and Christian values, encompassing authenticity, consistency, professionalism, spiritual and moral role modeling, inspirational and communicative abilities, adaptation to technology, and positive relationships with students and the community. Spiritual and theological values such as Christian love, integrity, humility, patience, justice, service, and commitment to God’s Word form the main foundation that strengthens teachers’ credibility, motivates students, and establishes them as living examples of Christian life. Personal branding for Christian Religious Education teachers is not merely an image or popularity, but a real reflection of faith, character, and daily behavior consistent with Christian teachings, thus supporting effective learning, student character formation, and the teacher’s reputation as an authentic, inspiring, and professional educator.  

This study discusses the position of women in the creation of humankind based on Amina Wadud's feminist hermeneutics perspective as an effort to critique classical interpretations of the Qur'an that tend to be gender biased. For centuries, the tradition of interpretation dominated by male exegetes has shaped a theological understanding that places women in a subordinate and inferior position, especially in the narrative of human creation. Amina Wadud, as one of the contemporary Muslim feminists, offers a feminist hermeneutics approach that emphasizes the importance of historical context, linguistic analysis, and women's experiences in understanding the Qur'anic text in a more fair and comprehensive manner. This study specifically examines Wadud's interpretation of QS. An-Nisa 'verse 1, which states that humans were created from nafsun wahidah (one soul). Wadud asserts that this concept indicates the equality of origin between men and women, thereby rejecting the patriarchal view that women were created from men's ribs as second-class beings. The research method used was qualitative with a literature study approach, through analysis of Amina Wadud's works and relevant academic literature. The results of the study show that Wadud's feminist hermeneutics not only serves as a critique of classical interpretations that are laden with patriarchal bias, but also provides a strong theological basis for the recognition of gender equality in Islam. This approach opens up space for women to play an equal role in the social, political, and religious spheres. Thus, Amina Wadud's thinking contributes significantly to building a more inclusive, egalitarian, and gender-equitable understanding of Islam in accordance with the universal values of the Qur'an.

This study examines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Christian Religious Education (PAK), using four Biblical principles love, justice, truth, and stewardship as a framework. Employing a qualitative approach with thematic triangulation through interviews with leaders, lecturers, and students, the research aims to understand how AI can be used ethically in PAK. The findings indicate that AI, when applied thoughtfully and ethically, can significantly enhance the learning process. The principle of love emphasizes the importance of honesty, empathy, and a compassionate approach in the use of AI. Justice calls for equitable access to AI tools, ensuring that all learners can benefit regardless of their backgrounds. The principle of truth encourages theological discernment in the application of AI, ensuring that it aligns with Christian teachings. Stewardship highlights the responsibility to manage AI technologies wisely, using them to serve God's purposes. AI is viewed not as a replacement for human educators but as a tool to serve and glorify God in the educational process. The study suggests that theological institutions should create ethical AI guidelines to ensure responsible use and should focus on enhancing faith-based digital literacy among students, preparing them for the digital age while remaining rooted in their faith.

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.

The Presbyterian-Synodal system of church government is based on the ideal theological foundation of Christocracy, the confession that Christ is the sole Head of the Church who rules directly through His Word and Spirit. Theoretically, this model rejects hierarchy, affirms the parity of all ecclesiastical officers (ministers, elders, deacons) as servants, and views the local church council as a complete church (ecclesia completa). However, in historical and contemporary practice, a fundamental tension exists whereby this system consistently deviates into hierarchical and clerical practices. This deviation manifests as a hierarchy of office (clericalism) and a hierarchy of assemblies (Synod-centrism), where authority shifts from Christ to official figures and Synodal structures that are viewed as the "highest court." This article aims to analyze the fundamental causes of this authority shift. Using a qualitative library research method, the author conducts a systematic-theological, historical-critical, and comparative analysis of the works of Reformers (especially Calvin), historical church order documents, and contemporary case studies (such as in Malawi and GMIM). This study concludes that this authority shift stems from two primary factors: First, a "theological deficiency" in many church order documents, which fail to affirm Christ's rule "through His Word and Spirit," stating instead only His rule "through the ministry of officials," thus effectively equating official authority with Christ's authority. Second, the historical legacy of Scottish "national covenant" ecclesiology, which was historically intentionally designed with a centralized authority structure for "godly officials" to "rule over" a mixed populace. The author recommends that churches in this tradition revise their church orders to explicitly re-assert the supremacy of Christ's rule through His Word and Spirit over any human official or synodical authority.

State-based conservation in Indonesia often faces institutional failure and social resistance, resulting in continued deforestation. Conversely, Indigenous conservation models in West Java, specifically the Leuweung Larangan (forbidden forest), demonstrate significant ecological resilience. However, the legal standing of these customary practices within Islamic jurisprudence remains under-theorized, creating a dichotomy between Adat (custom) and Sharia. This study proposes a juridical reconstruction of the Sundanese taboo mechanism (Pamali) as Jarimah Ta’zir (discretionary sanction) to strengthen environmental law enforcement. Utilizing a socio-legal approach and ecological hermeneutics, this research analyzes Yusuf al-Qardhawi’s concept of Fiqh al-Bi’ah and Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s sacred science, alongside relevant empirical data on Indigenous forest governance. The findings demonstrate that Leuweung Larangan structurally manifests as Hima Syar’i (sacred protected zone). Operationally, Pamali functions not merely as a cultural myth, but as a preventive legal instrument (Sadd al-Dzari’ah) where environmental violations constitute religious criminal acts. This creates a "Sundanese Eco-theology" model that establishes a double-layered compliance system—social sanctions and theological liability—proving more effective for carbon preservation than state regulations alone. The study recommends integrating this model into the Green Constitution framework to resolve tenurial conflicts and enhance climate resilience.

The phenomenon of the dual role of wives is a complex social reality amidst the patriarchal culture that is still deeply rooted in Indonesian society. In this social system, women often bear the double burden of domestic responsibilities as well as public roles, which often gives rise to gender inequality, role conflict, and psychological stress. This article aims to analyze the dual role of wives in a patriarchal culture using a gender perspective and maqasid sharia as an analytical framework. The research method used is a literature study with a qualitative-descriptive approach to various relevant literature. The results of the study indicate that patriarchal culture tends to limit access and recognition of women's roles, thus contradicting the principle of gender justice. Meanwhile, maqasid sharia emphasizes the values ​​of balance, justice, and benefit in husband-wife relations. The principles of hifz ad-din, hifz an-nafs, hifz al-aql, hifz an-nasl, and hifz al-mal provide theological legitimacy for women's social and economic roles as long as they are carried out within the framework of justice, shared responsibility, and family harmony.