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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.

Contemporary church ministry is often trapped in a seasonal pattern, with increased activity only during major events like Christmas and Easter, while stagnating at other times. This phenomenon indicates a fundamental problem in leadership patterns that are not poverty-oriented. This article analyzes the roots of seasonal church ministry through a qualitative-descriptive approach and theological reflection based on Osmer's framework. Literature reviews by Barna, Maxwell, Banks & Ledbetter, as well as the leadership principles of Jesus Christ, show that seasonality is eliminated by reactive leadership that lacks a long-term vision, minimal spiritual training, and a weak ministerial cadre system. As a solution, this article offers a sustainable leadership model that emphasizes a year-round discipleship vision, ministerial training and regeneration, systematic ministry evaluation, and the spiritual example of leaders. This model is believed to help churches experience stable growth, establish a consistent ministry rhythm, and present relevant evidence to the world. Thus, sustainable leadership is a strategic and theological approach to addressing seasonal ministry and strengthening the mission of the church today.

This study examines the optimization of military defense in North Sulawesi as a supporting pillar for Indonesia’s new import gateway. Positioned strategically on the Pacific rim, North Sulawesi is expected to become a hub for imported goods to support national economic equalization. However, this import route shift also brings security challenges, including military and non-military threats such as smuggling, maritime crimes, and potential infiltration by terrorist groups. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method based on literature study, focusing on the analysis of naval and air defense strategies, modernization of main weapon systems (alutsista), and the enhancement of human resources within the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The results indicate that strengthening defense infrastructure, including the addition of warships, patrol vessels, and modern fighter aircraft, is urgently needed to maintain regional stability. Furthermore, the application of the smart defense concept, integrating advanced technology with local community empowerment, can sustainably enhance maritime resilience. Investment in the defense sector has been shown to create a conducive climate for international trade, boost investor confidence, and strengthen Indonesia’s economic connectivity with the Asia-Pacific region. This study recommends synergy between the Ministry of Defense, TNI, and the national defense industry to accelerate the modernization and maintenance of alutsista, while ensuring the security of trade routes in North Sulawesi. With these measures, North Sulawesi can function optimally as a strategic import gateway that supports national economic growth and reinforces state defense.

This research is motivated by the persistent difficulty elementary school-aged children have in controlling their emotions and behavior in social situations, particularly within the context of church community development. The study aimed to examine the effect of Christian values-based emotion management training on improving children's self-control. The study used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design on 30 children aged 7–12 years at the GPM Wonreli–Kisar Congregation. The intervention was implemented over four days through activities involving emotion recognition, value reflection, emotion regulation training, and social simulations. Data were collected using a self-control scale and analyzed using paired-difference tests and effect size calculations. The results showed a significant increase in self-control scores after the training, with the largest changes in rule compliance and impulse control, and a more moderate increase in resilience to frustration. The effect size indicates a strong practical impact of the changes. These findings indicate that training that integrates social experiences and value reflection can facilitate the shift in behavioral control from external control to internal awareness. Practically, this research provides a basis for developing a community-based child development program that emphasizes not only discipline but also the understanding of values ​​in character formation and self-regulation.

This study examines the implementation of Servant Leadership within GMIM Syalom Lelema and its influence on congregational attendance in worship fellowship. Rooted in the theological model of leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ, Servant Leadership emphasizes humility, empathy, presence, and service as core leadership values. Using a qualitative case-study approach, data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation to understand the relational dynamics between church leaders and congregational participation. The findings reveal that the congregation highly values leaders—pastors, elders, and deacons—who demonstrate genuine care, pastoral presence, and willingness to serve. Acts of pastoral visitation, listening to members’ struggles, and showing humility significantly strengthen emotional and spiritual bonds within the community, resulting in higher attendance and engagement in various worship activities. Conversely, leaders who lack servant-like attitudes tend to receive weaker responses from the congregation, which negatively impacts their participation in worship. The study concludes that Servant Leadership is not merely a theological ideal but a practical necessity within the communal culture of GMIM Syalom Lelema. The model effectively fosters stronger relationships, increases congregational commitment, and enhances the vitality of church fellowship. Keywords: Servant Leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Worship Attendance, Ecclesial Leadership, GMIM Syalom Lelema.

This study explores the integration of Science, Technology, and the Arts (IPTEKS) within an educational psychology framework to support the development of creativity, innovation, and collaboration among prospective Christian religious education teachers in West Java. Using a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design, the research combines quantitative and qualitative perspectives to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires distributed to prospective teachers, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and participatory observations involving selected informants. The findings indicate that meaningful integration of IPTEKS contributes positively to the development of creative thinking, innovative teaching practices, and collaborative learning skills. Qualitative insights further reveal that institutional support, continuous professional development, and contextualized learning environments play a crucial role in optimizing the impact of IPTEKS integration. The study highlights the importance of aligning technological integration with psychological and pedagogical principles. It concludes that teacher education programs need to redesign curricula and training models that holistically integrate IPTEKS and educational psychology to foster relevant, transformative, and value-based learning in Christian education contexts.

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.

The study describes the implementation of the Christian Religious Education teaching module with the theme Allah Creates Man to Manage in grade VI students of SD Negeri 1 Kereng Bangkirai. The qualitative descriptive approach applied direct observation, documentation of activities, and assessment of learning outcomes in the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor domains to the 11 students who attended. The teaching module is aligned with the Learning Outcomes of Phase C of the Independent Curriculum providing a directed learning structure from Genesis 2:8-15. The opening activities include greetings, prayers, praise, Bible readings, as well as students' experiential questions about nature to build a relationship between the material and everyday reality. Core activities utilize explanations, group discussions, presentations, and clipping projects with the theme of loving God's created nature that increase active participation, cooperation, and creativity of students. Assessments showed good results in all three learning domains despite constraints such as the discomfort of cross-gender discussions and the introverted nature of students; The role of teachers in creating a safe atmosphere strengthens the effectiveness of the process. Reflection confirms meaningful learning that shapes an attitude of gratitude, environmental concern, and Christian responsibility.

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.

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.

That Christian Religious Education teachers update their professionalism and competencies to ensure that Christian education remains relevant, effective, and transformative. This study aims to analyze the modernization of the professionalism of Christian Religious Education teachers, including the integration of spirituality with modern pedagogical approaches and strategies for developing teacher competencies in addressing the challenges of the digital generation. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data through literature review from books, journals, notes, and relevant reports, and presenting the findings in a narrative form. The results show that the modernization of teacher competencies involves the development of pedagogical, personal, social, spiritual, and professional competencies, with the ability to integrate spirituality, technology, and modern teaching methods such as collaborative and digital learning to create contextual, engaging, and transformative learning experiences. In conclusion, the modernization of professionalism among Christian Religious Education teachers is an urgent necessity to enable teachers to deliver God’s Word in a relevant manner, shape students’ character and spirituality, and enhance the effectiveness of Christian education through mastery of holistic and collaborative competencies.  

This study aims to describe the process and results of the implementation of the teaching module "My Responsibility as a Child of God" in Christian Religious Education and Character Education learning in grade IV of SDN 1 Kereng Bangkirai Palangka Raya. This module was developed to instill the value of responsibility as a Christian character in students through active learning activities that include discussions, Responsible Action Challenge games, and the preparation of personal commitments. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach with 10 students as subjects. Data were obtained through observation, cognitive, affective, psychomotor assessments, and documentation during the learning process. The results showed that students were able to understand the concept of responsibility biblically through the story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50, and showed increased enthusiasm, cooperation, and courage in expressing opinions. The personal commitment products produced by students showed that most students were able to formulate concrete actions as a form of implementation of responsibility in everyday life. Obstacles found were variations in students' ability to focus and differences in the speed of students in understanding instructions, but these could be overcome through more intensive guidance and direction.  

This study aims to describe the implementation process of the Christian Religious Education teaching module with the topic "Human Life in God's Care" for seventh-grade students of SMP Negeri 12 Palangka Raya. The focus of the activity was directed to determine the implementation of learning, student responses, and learning outcomes achieved through the biblical story approach, discussion, reflection, and creative poster-making projects. The research method used was descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques through observation, documentation, and assessment of work results. Data were analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the implementation of the teaching module went well and achieved the learning objectives. Students were able to understand the concept of God's care, relate God's word to personal life experiences, and demonstrate an attitude of gratitude through reflection and discussion. In addition, students produced a poster with the theme "God Cares for My Life" as a form of creative expression and the meaning of faith. Despite several obstacles such as limited time for the project and variations in student activity levels, learning remained effective and conducive. The assessment showed positive developments in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects of students.

This paper discusses the role of education in shaping students' ability to recognize and appreciate religious diversity within Indonesia's pluralistic society. Indonesia, as a pluralistic nation, boasts a diversity of ethnicities, cultures, and religions, which demands the instilling of tolerance from an early age, particularly through educational institutions. Students are understood as individuals developing intellectually, morally, socially, and spiritually, requiring systematic guidance to understand differences as a gift from God. Recognizing and appreciating religious diversity is not merely about passive tolerance but also encompasses the ability to respect others' beliefs, engage in dialogue, and coexist peacefully without losing one's faith identity. Through education, particularly Christian Religious Education and Pancasila Education, values ​​of tolerance can be instilled through curriculum integration, teacher role models, an inclusive school environment, and practices such as opportunities to worship according to one's religion, interfaith cooperation, and social activities. Teachers play a strategic role as facilitators and role models in fostering empathy and appreciation for differences. Various strategies such as integrating multicultural values, providing worship spaces, strengthening cooperation, and cultivating mutual respect have proven effective in developing tolerant character in students. Research results indicate that education that emphasizes the value of tolerance aligns with the spirit of Pancasila and the teachings of Christ's love in the Bible. Therefore, developing students who value religious diversity is a long-term investment in creating a peaceful, just, and civilized society. Education that prioritizes inclusivity provides a crucial foundation for a generation capable of becoming agents of peace amidst the nation's diversity.

The implementation of the eighth-grade Christian Religious Education teaching module on the topic "Love as the Foundation of a Believer's Life" was carried out as an effort to provide an active, reflective, and contextual learning process in accordance with the principles of the Independent Curriculum. Learning is designed through an interactive approach with discussion activities, analysis of biblical texts, case studies, problem-solving, and personal reflection that provide opportunities for students to construct understanding independently. Through these activities, students are guided to understand the concept of agape love as sincere love, giving without expecting anything in return, and is manifested in concrete actions towards others. The implementation results show that this teaching module is able to improve students' conceptual understanding of the meaning of love from a biblical perspective and its relevance in modern life. Students appear to be increasingly confident in expressing opinions, are able to work together in groups, and are actively involved in learning activities. In addition, the emergence of attitudes of empathy, tolerance, and habits of helping each other are indicators that the value of love is not only understood cognitively, but also internalized in behavior. This teaching module also contributes to improving students' critical thinking skills and spirituality through reflection activities that invite them to evaluate acts of love in daily life at school, family, and society.

This study aims to implement the Christian Religious Education and Character Education (PAK) teaching module in grade V of SDN 1 Sabaru, Palangka Raya, with a focus on the topic “Jesus Was Crucified, Died, and Risen for Me.” The learning process is designed to support students’ spiritual and character development through an interactive and project-based approach. Teaching methods include group discussions, the use of miniature media as visual learning aids, collaborative activities, and guided reflection on Christian values relevant to students’ daily experiences. The results of classroom observations show that most students are active, enthusiastic, and involved in the learning process, able to understand the theological meaning of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and apply the values of love, gratitude, and responsibility in everyday life. Obstacles found include a lack of self-confidence in some students and less optimal group dynamics during activities. These findings serve as important evaluation materials for improving the effectiveness of future learning implementation

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.

This study aims to describe the implementation of the Christian Religious Education teaching module on the topic "Gratitude for God's Creation" in grade VII of SMP Negeri 12 Palangka Raya. The implementation was carried out to help students understand the meaning of gratitude for God's creation and apply it in everyday life through active and creative learning activities. The learning activities used group discussion methods, faith projects, role-playing, presentations, and personal reflection so that students were directly involved in learning, not only as listeners but as active actors in the learning process. The research subjects were three students who participated in the learning according to the Christian Religious Education subject schedule. The results showed that students were able to recognize and name various creations of God through reading Genesis 1:1–31, express gratitude through poster works and simple songs, and show enthusiasm during the learning process. The assessment of learning outcomes showed that two students obtained the good category and one student the adequate category, which means that the implementation of this teaching module has a positive impact on the development of students' knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

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.

This study aims to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a learning module designed for X grade students (Phase E) at SMAN 4 Palangkaraya, focusing on the Christian values of love, justice, and tolerance within the framework of the Merdeka Curriculum. The implementation involved classroom teaching using lectures, group discussions, and quizzes to foster active and meaningful learning experiences. The objectives included ensuring students' understanding of the core values, developing their ability to articulate these values, and achieving a minimum score on quizzes. The methodology included direct teaching, observation of student responses and engagement, and evaluation of learning outcomes through cognitive and affective assessments. Findings revealed that 90% of students actively participated in discussions, and all groups engaged in answering quiz questions. The use of rewards notably enhanced student enthusiasm and participation. Despite the overall success, some students did not achieve the highest performance level. The implications suggest that integrating technology into the learning process and thorough preparation of teaching materials are crucial for enhancing student outcomes. This study contributes to the understanding of how Christian values can be effectively integrated into the curriculum to promote holistic student development, aligning with the Pancasila Student Profile, which emphasizes faith, moral integrity, global diversity, and collaboration.