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This study aims to develop a strategy for developing praise and worship services through a deeper biblical theology of Psalm 150, as a fundamental solution for congregational growth at YHS Eka Sinta Church in Kapuas Regency. The main premise of this study is based on the crucial disconnect between contemporary church music practices, which tend to be performative, and the essence of the doxology authoritatively contained in the text Scripture. By integrating descriptive qualitative methods and an exegetical biblical theology approach, this study explores the imperative meaning and poetic structure of Psalm 150 and then engages them in intercultural dialogue with the sociocultural context of local churches in Kalimantan. The results reveal that the biblical theology Psalm 150 emphasizes the totality of instrumental use and the universality of the subject of praise as an absolute reflection of God's sovereignty and might. Field findings indicate that the effectiveness of music services is often hampered by technical limitations and theological shallowness of liturgical ministers. This study concludes that healthy congregational growth, both in terms of spiritual quality and quantity, is rooted in the extent to which the church able to actualize biblical theological values ​​in expressions of praise that are relevant and resonate with the cultural background and local identity of its congregation. The resulting strategy offers a holistic ministry model, in which church music returns to its essential function as an instrument of faith transformation and a means of growing the Kingdom of God, adaptively yet faithful to the biblical text.

A crucial issue currently facing the Church is its stance on building good and harmonious relationships with all other belief systems within its own community. Although dogmatically the Church explicitly expresses its openness to all religious practices and piety lived out by the faithful according to their traditional beliefs, the Church remains cautious so that in building relationships through dialogue, the traditions of the Church are not lost. This paper aims to highlight the relationship between the Catholic faith and the traditional belief system of the Manggarai people in light of the dogmatic constitution Nostra Aetate. Nostra Aetate is one of the key documents resulting from the Second Vatican Council that addresses the current reality of religious diversity. Through this document, the Church seeks to declare its commitment to reflecting on the fact that all humanity shares a single origin and a single ultimate goal: God Himself. The beliefs or religious system of the Manggarai people is implicitly monotheistic, namely Mori Jari dedek Ema pu’un kuasa. On this basis, the Church sees that the same concept exists in Catholic doctrine. In this study, the author uses qualitative research with a text analysis approach. Text analysis is a methodology in qualitative research that aims to interpret and analyze texts based on their context.

The study examines John 15:1–8, highlighting its Christological, ecclesiological dimensions, and pastoral implications in a contemporary context, particularly in West Kalimantan. Employing an exegetical approach integrated with theological reflection, the metaphor of the “true vine” is understood as a declaration of Jesus’ identity as the source of authentic life and the relational foundation of the community of disciples. The concept of “abiding” is interpreted as an ongoing existential connectedness with Christ, expressed through practices of faith such as engagement with the Word, prayer, and love. Meanwhile, “bearing fruit” is not merely ethical output but an authentic manifestation of life grounded in this relational union. Furthermore, the study argues that Johannine ecclesiology is organic in nature, portraying the church as a living community deriving its existence from and in Christ, rather than a purely institutional structure. The pastoral implications of this metaphor are significant in addressing local challenges such as individualism, ecological crisis, religious plurality, and the spiritual formation of youth. Using a praxis–reflection–praxis framework, the text is integrated into theological education as a model linking faith reflection with concrete action. The findings affirm that Christ-centered spirituality fosters personal and communal transformation relevant to the contemporary church.

This community service study documents and analyzes a blood glucose screening program conducted by theology students of STT Kadesi–Bogor at the Pentecostal Church (Gereja Pantekosta Jakarta/GPJ) in West Jakarta from February to April 2026. A total of 80 examinations were performed over three consecutive months using the Accu-Check glucometer. Results revealed that 1 participant (1.25%) was classified as diabetic (random blood glucose/RBG ≥200 mg/dL) and 19 participants (23.75%) were classified as pre-diabetic or at elevated risk (RBG 126–199 mg/dL), bringing the total at-risk proportion to 25%. The mean participant age was 52.7 years (range: 21–82 years). Women constituted 78.75% of all participants and accounted for 70% of at-risk cases, while men showed a proportionally higher per-capita risk rate (35.3% vs. 22.2%). Five female participants recorded borderline-low glucose levels (70–75 mg/dL), indicating potential nutritional inadequacy. This study contextualizes its findings within biblical theology—particularly 1 Corinthians 3:16, which declares the human body to be the temple of the Holy Spirit—providing a theological imperative for holistic health stewardship. Practical recommendations include adoption of a balanced diet, engagement in regular physical activity, and periodic blood glucose monitoring as expressions of faithful bodily stewardship.

This study is motivated by the author’s interest in the concept of God’s faithfulness (khesed) as revealed in the book of Hosea, which portrays God’s steadfast love through the marriage of Hosea and Gomer. Gomer represents Israel, the unfaithful spouse, while Hosea embodies God’s enduring love despite betrayal. Contemporary family life faces numerous challenges, including infidelity, economic hardship, incompatibility, and divorce problems also affecting Christian families in the Toraja Church congregation of Tabang. This study aims to describe the hermeneutics of khesed in the book of Hosea and its practical theological implications for families in that congregation. A qualitative research method was employed, incorporating library research, field research, and interviews with six informants. The findings reveal that khesed refers to an act of faithfulness rooted in obedience to previously agreed vows, commitments, and principles. The practical theological implication is that every Christian family is called to reflect God’s faithfulness by remaining loyal to their spouse, to others, and to God in every dimension of life.

This study aims to analyze the participation of the faithful in the Sacrament of Penance and to identify the pastoral challenges influencing its practice in the Vicariate of West Sulawesi, Archdiocese of Makassar. Theologically, the Sacrament of Penance serves as a means of reconciliation that restores the relationship between humanity, God, and the Church. However, in contemporary contexts, its practice encounters various social, psychological, and pastoral dynamics. This research employed a descriptive quantitative approach involving 267 respondents from four parishes through questionnaire distribution. The data were analyzed using percentage-based statistics to map participation frequency, spiritual motivation, level of understanding, post-sacramental experiences, and perceived obstacles. The findings indicate that although most respondents demonstrate strong theological understanding, sincere spiritual motivation, and positive spiritual experiences after receiving absolution, participation remains largely seasonal and periodic. The principal challenges include psychological factors such as shame and anxiety, structural limitations related to schedule and accessibility, and formative deficiencies such as insufficient ongoing catechesis. The study concludes that the primary issue is not a crisis of faith in the sacrament itself, but a gap between theological awareness and concrete practice, thus calling for more dialogical, communicative, and contextual pastoral renewal.

The study aims to analyze the role of digital media as a distracting factor affecting the faith loyalty of Catholic adolescents in their relationship with God amid religious pluralism in Indonesia. The development of digital media has transformed how adolescents understand, express, and live out their faith, while simultaneously presenting both opportunities and ambivalent challenges. This research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method, analyzing various theological, sociological sources, and Church documents. The findings indicate that digital media can serve as a broad and participatory space for expressing faith, but it also has the potential to create distractions in three main dimensions: cognitive, affective, and practical. Cognitively, adolescents experience confusion in understanding faith teachings due to the diversity of information available. Affectively, there is a shift in orientation from a relationship with God toward the pursuit of emotional gratification in digital spaces. Practically, there is a decline in engagement in concrete religious practices. Within the context of religious pluralism, this complexity intensifies and influences the formation of adolescents’ faith identity. This study also finds that digital media does not only have negative impacts but also holds positive potential as a means of deepening faith when used critically and reflectively. Therefore, the role of the Church is essential through contextual, dialogical, and integrative pastoral accompaniment combined with critical digital literacy. Through this approach, adolescents are expected to integrate their digital experiences into a more mature, authentic faith life rooted in a deeper relationship with God.

The rapid development of digital technology has significantly transformed the ways in which faith is experienced, particularly in the lives of adolescents. From the perspectives of digital religion and mediatization of religion, digital space is no longer merely a medium, but has become a cultural arena that actively shapes religious practices and meanings. The study aims to analyze these dynamics, especially within the context of Generation Alpha, by examining the opportunities and challenges that emerge in the lived experience of faith in the digital age. The findings indicate that digital environments offer creative, participatory, and contextual opportunities for evangelization, enabling young people to engage actively in constructing their religious experiences. However, this dynamic is inherently ambivalent, as it also risks reducing the meaning of faith to symbolic, instant, and less sacramentally grounded experiences, detached from the communal life of the Church. Furthermore, the formation of religious identity in digital spaces tends to be fluid and performative, potentially leading to superficial relationships and fragmented identities. Therefore, technologically mediated religious experience should be understood as a bridge, rather than a substitute, for authentic faith encounters. The Church is thus called to adopt adaptive and reflective pastoral approaches, positioning media as a means of fostering communio without obscuring the essence of faith. An integrative approach through the synergy of Church, family, and educational institutions is essential to balance digital literacy and spiritual depth, ensuring that adolescent faith continues to grow reflectively and remains rooted in real-life experience.

The development of digital technology has brought about significant changes in various aspects of life, including early childhood faith education. Today’s children are growing up in an environment familiar with digital media, making it necessary to adopt a catechetical approach that keeps pace with the times. This article aims to examine the use of digital catechesis as a tool for early childhood faith education. This study employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach, gathering data from books, scientific journals, research articles, Church documents, and other relevant sources. The data is analyzed using descriptive-qualitative methods to understand the benefits, challenges, and role of digital catechesis in fostering children’s faith. Research findings indicate that digital catechesis can serve as an effective, engaging, and interactive medium for helping children learn about the teachings of the faith from an early age. The use of animated videos, religious songs, educational images, and learning apps can enhance children’s interest in learning, attention, and understanding of Catholic faith values. Furthermore, digital catechesis also assists the Church, families, and schools in providing faith education that is more contextual and aligned with the world of today’s children. However, the use of digital media still requires the guidance of parents, teachers, and faith mentors so that children receive proper direction and are protected from the negative impacts of technology. Thus, digital catechesis is a relevant tool in the faith education of young children when used wisely and purposefully. The presence of digital media does not replace the role of faith educators but serves as a tool that enriches the process of proclaiming the faith in the modern era.

This study aims to analyze the relevance of Robert Raikes' Christian educational thinking to the character formation of children in contemporary Sunday School services. This study uses a qualitative approach with a library research method. Data were obtained from various literature sources such as books, scientific journals, and research articles related to Christian education, character education, and the history of Sunday School development. Data analysis techniques were carried out through the stages of data reduction, grouping themes, interpretation, and drawing conclusions using descriptive qualitative methods. The results show that Robert Raikes' thoughts remain relevant in modern Christian education, especially in the formation of children's character through the teaching of God's Word, discipline, role models, and the instilling of Christian values. Sunday School plays an important role as a means of fostering faith, morality, and social responsibility in children from an early age. In addition, the challenges of the digital era require churches to develop more creative, interactive, and contextual learning methods without abandoning the basic values ​​of the Christian faith. This study confirms that the success of children's character formation depends not only on the church, but also on the role of Sunday School teachers and families who work together to build a conducive spiritual environment. Thus, Robert Raikes' thinking makes an important contribution to the development of Christian education that is relevant in the modern era.

Christology is a branch of Christian theology that discusses the person and work of Jesus Christ as the core of the Christian faith. The development of the modern era, characterized by globalization, pluralism, technological advancement, and cultural diversity, presents new challenges in understanding Christ in a relevant and contextual manner. This research aims to examine the development of Christological reflection in various life contexts and explain its application in contemporary life. The research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method thru the examination of various classical and modern theological literature from both Protestant and Catholic traditions. The analysis was conducted using a historical-critical approach to understand the development of Christological thot from the early church period to the modern era. The research results show that Christology is not only doctrinal but also has practical dimensions related to personal, social, cultural, interfaith dialog, ecological, and modern challenges. Christological reflection affirms that Jesus Christ is understood as the true God and true man, serving as the foundation of spirituality, ethics, and social action for Christians. Furthermore, the contextual Christological approach helps the church present Christ's teachings relevantly in a pluralistic and dynamic society. This research implies the importance of developing contextual, inclusive, and transformative theology so that the Christian faith remains meaningful in modern life.

Technological developments have brought significant changes to various aspects of human life, including church life. These changes also impact intergenerational relationships within the congregation. This paper aims to examine the challenges faced by church leaders at GEKISIA Depok in serving Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z, and to examine the relevance of the theological principle of Romans 12:2 in addressing these challenges. Ultimately, the author observes that differences in generational characteristics influence communication patterns, ministry models, and congregational expectations of church leadership. Therefore, church leaders in the digital age are required to be adaptive, transformative, and remain rooted in biblical values. Romans 12:2 serves as an important theological foundation for Christian leaders to experience a renewed mindset so they can serve according to God's will without being influenced by worldly patterns. Furthermore, the challenge of cross-generational leadership is not merely practical in nature, but also theological. Each generation brings different experiences, values, and perspectives in understanding faith and spirituality. Generation X tends to value institutional stability and loyalty, while Millennials are more oriented toward authentic experience and community. Generation Z, having grown up entirely in the digital age, communicates and expresses faith in ways that differ greatly from previous generations. In this context, church leaders are called to become bridges between generations, rather than simply following trends or rigidly preserving tradition.

This research examines digital charity practices within Christian media communication on YouTube, focusing on two distinct donation formats: marapthon live stream donations (e.g., 24‑hour fundraising events) and sermon‑based donations (offerings collected during or after online worship services). Despite the rapid growth of faith‑based online giving, a critical problem remains: the absence of an integrated system that aligns these two donation models with Christian values of transparency, accountability, and community stewardship. Existing platforms often treat live marapthon and sermon donations separately, leading to fragmented donor experiences and inefficient fund utilization. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework for an integrated digital charity system by comparatively analyzing media communication strategies in both donation contexts. The proposed method is a netnographic comparative analysis, involving systematic observation of YouTube comments, chat logs, and video descriptions from 10 Christian channels (5 marapthon‑focused, 5 sermon‑focused) over six months, supplemented by semi‑structured interviews with content creators and donors. The main findings reveal that marapthon donations emphasize urgency and real‑time social proof, while sermon donations rely on theological framing and pastoral trust. The synthesis proposes a hybrid system architecture incorporating real‑time donation tracking, automated acknowledgment, and weekly theological reflection modules. In conclusion, integrating both models into a single development framework enhances donor engagement and aligns digital charity with Christian communication ethics, offering practical guidelines for church‑based YouTubers and platform developers.

This study examines eschatology within the framework of Catholic faith as a reflection of faith and hope of salvation, not merely as a depiction of the end times. The background highlights the need to avoid reducing eschatology to a sole event of judgment day, by emphasizing the close relationship between eschatology, Christology, and soteriology, as well as the role of faith in the daily life of Catholic believers. The aim of the study is to articulate eschatology as an integrative framework that connects faith, hope, love, sacraments, liturgy, and inculturation in the Church’s praxis, and to consolidate the active participation of the faithful in the Kingdom of God, which has been initiated but not yet completed. The research method is descriptive-analytical literature review, comparing the views of experts, the Church Magisterium, and contemporary liturgical and theological documents to construct a comprehensive theoretical framework. The main findings indicate that Catholic eschatology functions as a moral and spiritual engine: (1) it integrates the “already and not yet” in the experience of faith; (2) it links eschatological hope with the actions of love, justice, and social liberation; (3) it bridges private faith with sacramental practice and inculturation. Theological and pastoral implications include strengthening faith formation, participation in liturgy, and an imaginative response to present-day social and environmental challenges. This narrative affirms a living, inclusive, and relevant eschatology for the Church’s life of faith in the contemporary era.

This study is motivated by the importance of understanding theology not merely as a theoretical concept, but as a reflection of faith that is lived within the cultural context of society. In the context of the Dayak community in Central Kalimantan, there is a close relationship between cultural values and spiritual life, thus requiring a theological approach that can bridge the two. This study aims to analyze the praxis model in contextual theology and its application in the life of the Dayak community. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach through literature study by examining various relevant sources. The results show that the praxis model emphasizes the relationship between lived experience, faith reflection, and concrete action. Cultural values such as togetherness and mutual cooperation are in line with Christian teachings; however, there are also traditional practices that create tension with faith. The church plays an important role in addressing this through a dialogical and reflective approach. The implications of this study indicate that the application of the praxis model enables believers to live out their faith in a contextual, relevant, and transformative way in daily life without losing their cultural identity.Top of Form

Pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra has experienced a decline in quality in fostering the maturity of faith and the spiritual life of the congregation. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which emotional intelligence influences the quality of pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra. This study uses a quantitative approach. The data obtained were analyzed using simple linear regression techniques. This study proves that: Based on data reduction, it is known that the emotional intelligence of pastors, administrators, and servants of the Voice of Truth Gospel Church in the North Sumatra region is in the high category; Based on the results of data reduction, it is also known that the majority of respondents assess that pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra has been running quite effectively; Emotional Intelligence has a positive and significant effect on the variable of Pastoral Care Quality. This can be seen from the calculated t (8.857) > t table (1.65437) and Sig. (0.000) < 0.05, and based on the results of the coefficient of determination test, it is known that the Quality of Herding is influenced by the Emotional Intelligence variable with a value of 61.2% and the remaining 39.8% is influenced by other variables outside this study.

The rapid advancement of information technology has reshaped modern society, in particular influencing how young individuals express their identities through fashion. The choice of clothing goes beyond mere practical functions, becoming a symbol of social status and values as young people attempt to adapt to rapidly changing trends, driven largely by digital platforms such as social media. These phenomena have simultaneously led to alarming waste production and environmental degradation, reflecting the mismatch between modern lifestyles and theological mandates on the management of creation. The fast-paced fashion industry, characterized by rapid production cycles and high consumerism, exacerbates the ecological crisis by generating large amounts of textile waste and contributing to detrimental practices in global supply chains. The study uses a qualitative approach, emphasizing literature research to analyze relevant literature and synthesize findings into meaningful discourse. Ultimately, it advocates a transformative catechesis that integrates ecological awareness into the formation of young people's faith, leveraging digital spaces to advocate for simplicity and community engagement in sustainable practices. The challenges faced in fostering this ecological awareness include the prevalence of a culture of instant gratification and the gap between knowledge and action, which hinders the alignment of belief with action. Theological reflection further emphasizes the spiritual implications of consumer behavior, placing ecological responsibility as a fundamental aspect of authentic expression of faith. Based on these insights, this paper underscores the importance for the Church to be proactively involved in the fight for ecological preservation, recognizing that true faith is manifested through tangible actions that honor the divine creation.

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed patterns of communication, learning processes, and the ways believers access religious information in daily life. While this transformation provides easier access to information, it also fosters an instant culture characterized by fast, brief, and less reflective information consumption. This condition poses significant challenges for the Church, particularly in faith formation, as it may weaken the depth of believers’ understanding of faith. This study aims to examine the role of literate catechesis as a response to the instant culture of the digital era, while also exploring the opportunities offered by digital media in faith proclamation. This research employs a qualitative approach using a literature review method based on relevant academic sources. The findings indicate that literate catechesis plays a crucial role in fostering mature faith through reading, reflection, and critical thinking processes, enabling believers not only to consume information but also to internalize and live out their faith more deeply. On the other hand, digital media offers significant opportunities to develop catechesis that is broader, more participatory, and contextually relevant. Integrating reflective depth with creative digital approaches is essential to ensure that faith formation remains both meaningful and relevant within an increasingly instant-oriented culture.

Advances in digital technology have transformed the paradigm of faith proclamation, requiring the Church to optimize social media as a relevant catechetical instrument. This study aims to examine how the use of the TikTok platform can be optimized as an effective means of creative catechesis in connecting complex faith teachings for people in the digital era. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a literature study technique, where data is collected from various scientific literature, Church documents, and relevant library sources. The research findings indicate that TikTok is an effective digital space for catechesis because it is supported by attractive audio-visual features, interactive features such as stitches and comments that enable two-way dialogue, and an algorithmic system that expands the reach of proclamation. The strategy of catechesis through short videos has proven to be able to change the perception of faith teaching that has become rigid to a more personal spiritual experience that is easily understood by all levels of society, especially the younger generation. The implications of this study emphasize the need for the Church to consistently adapt to digital culture and increase content creativity to ensure the continuity of inclusive evangelization amidst the dynamics of modern developments.

This research aims to analyze the integration of biblical authority in the construction of the theological education curriculum through a theological and pedagogical approach. The authority of the Bible as the normative and final word of God has a central role in the formation of doctrine, ethics, and practices of church life, so it should be the main foundation in the development of the theological education curriculum. In practice, however, there is a tendency that the construction of the curriculum is more influenced by modern academic and pedagogical approaches without adequate integration into biblical theological foundations. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature study approach that analyzes various sources of systematic theology and Christian education theory. The results of the study show that the integration of biblical authority in the theological education curriculum can be carried out through three main aspects, namely: (1) the placement of the Bible as a normative source in the entire curriculum structure, (2) the integration of theological values in learning design, and (3) the development of pedagogical models oriented towards spiritual formation and character. The findings of this study confirm that the construction of a theological education curriculum rooted in biblical authority not only results in academic competence, but also shapes spirituality, integrity of faith, and readiness for ministry. Thus, this research makes a conceptual contribution in developing an integrative theological education curriculum model between theological and pedagogical dimensions.