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This article aims to explain the theological meaning and implications of the word "worship" (προσκυνέω/proskuneō) in Matthew 2:2 in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ, and its relevance to the worship practices of the church today. This study uses a qualitative method with a contextual-historical analysis approach to the biblical text, supported by a review of theological literature related to worship in the Christian tradition. The results of the study indicate that proskuneō does not only refer to an act of reverence, but also contains the meaning of acknowledgment of divine authority, an attitude of humility, and a deep spiritual commitment. In the context of Matthew 2:2, the actions of the Magi represent theological, relational, and transformative worship. These findings confirm that true worship involves acknowledging God's sovereignty, a readiness for sacrifice, and an openness to renewal of life. The practical implication for the church today is the need to enrich the understanding and practice of worship that goes beyond the liturgy, but is manifested in personal intimacy with God, acts of social benevolence, and service that reflects a God-fearing life. This article contributes to a biblical understanding of worship and its application in the context of the believer's spiritual life.

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 rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed various sectors of human life, including church ministry and religious organizational management. This study aims to analyze Christian leadership ethics in the use of AI within modern church ministry. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method through theological literature review and analysis of recent studies concerning digital technology and pastoral ministry. The findings indicate that AI provides significant benefits for church administration, digital communication, congregational data management, and online evangelism. Nevertheless, ethical challenges also emerge, such as the weakening of pastoral relationships, data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the risk of dehumanization in ministry practices. From a Christian theological perspective, ministry is fundamentally relational and incarnational, reflecting the example of Jesus Christ who ministered through personal presence, compassion, and direct interaction with people. Therefore, AI should be understood as a supportive instrument rather than a substitute for spiritual authority and pastoral presence. Christian leadership in the digital age must be grounded in integrity, transparency, spiritual discernment, and respect for human dignity as the image of God (imago Dei). This study contributes to the development of ethical guidelines for churches in utilizing AI responsibly while maintaining theological integrity and Christian spiritual values.

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.

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.

Widespread structural poverty is one of the tangible effects of a capitalist economic system that emphasizes capital accumulation and economic growth without regard for equity and social justice. This situation has prompted the Church to reexamine its role in a world marked by inequality and marginalization of the poor. This article aims to analyze the relevance of Pope Francis' thinking in the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium as a theological and pastoral basis for the Church's stance towards the poor. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature review approach through document study, with Evangelii Gaudium as the main source, supported by relevant social theology literature and academic studies. The results of the study show that Pope Francis comprehensively understands poverty in three dimensions, namely material, moral, and spiritual poverty. Through Evangelii Gaudium, the Church is called to experience a change in its mission, from a self-centered Church to a Church that moves outward and is actively involved in the liberation of the poor. Thus, the Church not only carries out charitable works, but also acts as an agent of social change that brings the joy of the Gospel, justice, and hope to a world wounded by structural injustice.

Church leadership with integrity is a major challenge today. Melchizedek, a biblical figure of leadership (Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7), serves as a special example because he was both a priest and a king who had no beginning or end. This study aims to determine how Melchizedek's leadership with integrity can be applied by the leaders of the Indonesian Bethel Church in Manokwari. The method used in this research is a qualitative study through reading and reviewing various books and writings. The results indicate that Melchizedek's leadership principles, such as justice, a love of service, and remaining faithful to God, are highly suitable for application in today's church. In conclusion, integrity is crucial in church leadership because it can build trust and create a healthy church community.

This study examines the Common Dange Mess at the Parish of Santo Antonius Padua Mendalam as a manifestation of the inculturation of Catholic faith with the Dayak Kayan culture. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study focuses on the meaning and relationship between the Church altar and the Lasah as symbols of liturgy and culture. The altar remains the sacramental center of the Eucharist, while the Lasah channels prayers, offerings, and local cultural identity, forming a harmonious dialogue without altering theological meaning. Cultural elements such as language, songs, dances, traditional attire, and ritual symbols are purified and aligned with the liturgy, ensuring that all offerings are directed to God. The findings indicate that the Common Dange Mess strengthens the faith of the Dayak Kayan community, preserves cultural identity, and affirms the practice of contextual theology, in which the proclamation of the Gospel is realized contextually, dialogically, and complementarily with local traditions, making this celebration a mature model of inculturation centered on Christ.  

Entering the third decade of the 21st century, the church faces the urgency of redefining its existence amidst the shift to a digital ecosystem. This research aims to analyze the synergy between church management and transformational leadership toward the effectiveness of leader multiplication in the Digital 4.0 era. Using a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach through library research, this study explores the integration of modern management theories and theological principles. The findings indicate that church management serves as a vital infrastructure providing operational stability, while transformational leadership acts as a catalyst for innovation and behavioral change in facing VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) conditions. The synergy between these two elements creates a “Digital Shepherding” model, where the digital space is transformed into a theological medium for character formation and spiritual transmission. The study concludes that the effectiveness of leader multiplication is determined by a shift from person-centered leadership to a system-inspired approach that integrates digital capabilities with biblical integrity. Strategic implications suggest that churches must adopt a digital mindset and establish digital leadership laboratories to ensure the sustainability of their mission among Generation Z.

Modern urban churches, specifically Gereja Bethel Indonesia (GBI) PRJ Jakarta, face challenges in bridging the intergenerational gap in leadership regeneration. This research aims to reformulate the paradigm of church leadership towards the next generation by exploring the theological meaning of Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet based on the text of John 13:12-17. Using a qualitative method through a library research approach as well as textual and contextual biblical analysis, this study deconstructs the concept of worldly elitist power into a servant leadership model. The results of the expository analysis show that Jesus validated His historical and political authority not through social status distance, but through incarnational ministry, relational proximity, and role modeling. As a practical implication for the quality of ministry at GBI PRJ Jakarta, these findings recommend a strategic transition from a one-way communication leadership style to relational mentoring, the empowerment of the younger generation through the delegation of authority, and the tangible modeling of integrity. In conclusion, the improvement of shared ministry quality highly depends on the willingness of church leaders to lay aside structural egos and disciple the younger generation through the example of humility centered on the work of the cross of Christ.

This study examines the use of YouTube Streaming in large-class Sunday School as a medium for children’s faith education at Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis (GKE) Nazaret Palangka Raya. The background of this research is the growing integration of digital media into church education, which brings both opportunities and challenges for children’s spiritual formation. The objective of this study is to describe the implementation of YouTube-based Sunday School and to analyze its benefits and challenges related to children’s participation, understanding of faith, and learning concentration. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving Sunday School teachers and parents. The findings indicate that YouTube Streaming helps maintain continuity of faith education and enhances children’s interest through audio-visual content. However, children’s participation tends to be passive, their understanding of faith often remains at a cognitive level, and their learning concentration is relatively limited. The study concludes that YouTube Streaming functions effectively as a supportive medium but cannot replace direct interaction and relational aspects essential in children’s faith education

The Holy Communion is one of the sacraments performed in the Toraja Church as a direct command from God for all who believe in Jesus Christ. Therefore, everyone, both adults and children, is required to participate as part of the Kingdom of God's family. This study aims to analyze parents' understanding of the practice of Holy Communion involving children in the Gasing Congregation of the Toraja Church. The research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method to explain parents' understanding of the meaning and practice of Holy Communion involving children. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, field observation, and relevant literature review related to the research topic. The findings indicate that many parents still lack a proper understanding of the theological significance of Holy Communion, particularly when it involves children. Most parents simply follow the synod's decision without deeply understanding its theological foundation. Moreover, the church does not provide direct pastoral guidance to parents but merely reads out the meaning of Holy Communion during Sunday worship services, resulting in very limited comprehension among the congregation. Therefore, more intensive socialization and guidance from the church council to all congregation members, especially parents, is highly needed. This research is expected to contribute to the development of knowledge at IAKN Toraja and provide insights for readers, particularly congregants of the Toraja Church in general.

This article examines pneumatological methods and spiritual practices across three Pentecostal seasons: Classical Pentecostalism, Charismatic, and Neo-Charismatic. It highlights the importance of these three movements within the framework of the development of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Church in Indonesia. This research begins with the observation that scholars continue to use the terms Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Neo-Charismatic overlappingly, despite their unique theological and practical emphases. This article presents a critical-comparative literature review on baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and spiritual gifts, forms of spirituality, interdenominational relations, theological risks, and ecclesiological implications. The research finds that Classical Pentecostalism emphasizes baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues as the primary evidence, Charismatics extend Spirit-led activities toward cross-denominational renewal, while Neo-Charismatics place additional emphasis on power, miracles, healing, spiritual warfare, and success in life. The contribution proposed in this article is a theological typology that can be used for critical reading of Pentecostal-Charismatic practices in Indonesia while still appreciating the richness of the experience of the Spirit. This typology can help churches consider experience, Scripture, Christian character, and ecclesiastical institutional accountability in a more balanced way.

This study examines the dynamics of church music regulation implementation in the congregation of the Adventist Secondary School – Surya Nusantara Adventist University (SLA-UASN) Pematangsiantar (September 2022–December 2025). The goal is to describe the implementation of the regulation in worship practices, address challenges, reveal congregational responses, and align local practices with the views of Ellen G. White and official SDA documents. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study method; data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 informants, participant observation, and documentation studies, then analyzed thematically using source triangulation. The results indicate that the regulation originates from church regulations (SDA Church Guidelines) and local policies, but is disseminated orally, resulting in differing understandings. There is intergenerational tension between supporters of traditional music (hymnals) and contemporary music that has not been bridged dialogically. Resistance from music ministers arises from inconsistent implementation and minimal involvement in policy development. Communication between music leaders and ministers remains weak, with no regular evaluation forum, resulting in a continued decline in the quality of music worship. This study concludes that effective music regulation requires clear written documentation, structured intergenerational dialogue, ongoing music theology education, and inclusive and participatory pastoral leadership.

In the face of Indonesia’s escalating family crises amid rapid digital disruption and post-pandemic social recovery, this study proposes a novel “Dual-Ethos Synergy Model” that integrates the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) with the second principle of Pancasila, namely “Just and Civilized Humanity.” The study is grounded in qualitative fieldwork conducted at Gereja Bethel Indonesia Pemulihan Keluarga Allah (GBI PKA). The findings demonstrate that the integration of Christian spiritual values and civic ethics fosters restorative character formation within families and church communities. This synergy produces practical outcomes, including stronger empathy in community service, improved interpersonal relationships, and more constructive conflict resolution practices. Using data gathered through nine in-depth interviews, participant observations, and document analysis, the study addresses existing gaps in urban church discipleship by combining spiritual transformation with social responsibility and civic engagement. The proposed model also offers implications for scalable digital-hybrid ministry programs focused on family restoration and contributes to the development of contextual theological praxis within pluralistic and multicultural societies. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

This study examines the theological tension between devotion to God and the influence of mammon within the context of church ministry, as reflected in Matius 6:24. The research aims to analyze how materialism shapes attitudes, motivations, and practices in ecclesiastical service, particularly in relation to financial and administrative responsibilities. The method employed is a literature analysis combined with a phenomenological approach, allowing for an integration of biblical teachings and lived ministry experiences. The findings reveal that mammon is not merely a material entity but a competing spiritual force that demands human loyalty, often subtly influencing the orientation of ministry. Materialism, therefore, emerges as a critical challenge to ministerial integrity, especially in contexts involving financial management. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of theological reflection with empirical ministry experience, emphasizing that integrity in church service is not only tested in spiritual expressions but also in the handling of material resources. This study contributes to practical theology by offering a contextual understanding of how faithfulness to God must be maintained amidst the persistent tension between spiritual calling and material demands.

This research aims to examine the values contained in Dalihan Na Tolu through the perspective of Christian eschatology and examine its relevance to the mission of the Catholic Church in society. Dalihan Na Tolu as a socio-cultural system of the Batak community contains the values of respect, solidarity, responsibility, and brotherhood which play an important role in building social harmony. This research uses a qualitative method with a library research approach through the collection of data from various books, journals, Church documents, and scientific sources relevant to the research theme. The results of the study show that the values in Dalihan Na Tolu are related to eschatological expectations in the Christian faith, especially in building a life that reflects the love, brotherhood, and fellowship that God wills. In addition, Dalihan Na Tolu also has relevance in the Church's mission as a means of inculturation in the proclamation of the Gospel that is more contextual in the Batak community. Thus, local culture is not seen as an obstacle to faith, but rather as a means that can support the realization of the values of God's Kingdom in common life.

This theological research explores Mary’s essential role in the narrative of salvation and her deep connection with the Church, as outlined in key Catholic documents like Lumen Gentium and Redemptoris Mater. Using a qualitative approach that combines descriptive and analytical methods, the study reviews Church teachings, Scripture, and theological literature. It highlights Mary’s pivotal status as Mother of God (Theotokos) a title affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, which underscores both Christ’s divinity and Mary’s unique participation in God’s redemptive plan. The study traces the theological roots of this title through biblical texts, portraying Mary as the chosen vessel through whom the Word became incarnate. It examines how Old Testament prophecies about Mary are fulfilled in New Testament events, especially in the Annunciation and Elizabeth’s greeting of Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” The research also delves into Mary’s bond with the Church, focusing on her recognition as Mother of the Church by Pope Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council. Mary is presented as the ideal disciple, embodying unwavering faith, obedience, and humility in her acceptance of God’s will. Her presence at key moments, from the Incarnation to Pentecost, positions her as both a member and a model of the Church. Ultimately, the study concludes that Mary’s unity with the Church is reflected in her dual role as Mother of Christ and spiritual mother to all believers, offering a profound example of Christian virtues and guiding the faithful in their collective journey toward salvation.