Abstract:The Mamat tradition as a betel nut chewing practice within the Timor Lelogama community faces significant challenges due to the forces of modernization, which have the potential to weaken social cohesion and collective identity.…
dentity. This condition raises critical questions regarding how Mamat functions as an effective cultural instrument to maintain unity, nurture solidarity, and preserve noble intergenerational values. This study aims to analyze the role of the Mamat tradition as a living and dynamic cultural system amid ongoing social transformation. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the symbolic meanings and social functions embedded in the tradition. The findings reveal that Mamat is not merely a habitual practice of betel nut consumption, but a cultural mechanism that strengthens social integration, serves as a medium for conflict reconciliation, and reinforces kinship relations and social respect. The tradition also functions as a vehicle for transmitting cultural values that shape the collective character of the Timor Lelogama community. The novelty of this research lies in its analysis of Mamat as an integrated cultural system encompassing the dimensions of ideas, activities, and cultural artifacts, thereby enriching perspectives on local cultural studies grounded in social practice. The study concludes that preserving the Mamat tradition constitutes a relevant cultural strategy for strengthening social cohesion and sustaining community identity amid the dynamics of globalization.
Abstract:The crisis of integrity, ethical disorientation, and the declining quality of strategic decision-making in contemporary leadership demand a robust and transhistorical normative foundation. The figure of King Solomon in ancient…
ncient Israelite tradition represents a prototype of leadership legitimized by divine wisdom, making it critically relevant for scholarly examination. This study addresses the problem of how the construction of Solomon’s character and the praxis of his wisdom in Old Testament texts can be transformed into a conceptual paradigm for modern leadership without falling into historical romanticism. The objective of this research is to formulate a theoretical leadership model grounded in biblical wisdom through an analysis of Solomon’s character, theological orientation, and decision-making patterns. The method employed is a theological hermeneutical approach integrated with interdisciplinary literature studies, including leadership theory, public ethics, and Old Testament theology. The analysis focuses on key narratives that portray the judicial, administrative, and spiritual dimensions of Solomon’s leadership. The findings indicate that Solomon’s wisdom is theocentric, deliberative, and oriented toward distributive justice, thereby shaping an integrative and visionary model of leadership. The relevance of these findings lies in their capacity to offer a normative framework for leadership formation rooted in transcendent morality while remaining adaptive to modern social complexity. The novelty of this study resides in the formulation of a hermeneutical reconstruction model of Solomonic wisdom as a normative-strategic paradigm for the development of contemporary leadership theory based on sacred texts.
Abstract:This journal discusses the meaning and implications of Genesis 1:1-2 in the context of the creation narrative. The main focus is on the primitive condition of the earth before God’s act of creation. Analysis was carried…
d out on the biblical text and various theologians. The findings show that Genesis 1:1-2 describes an unstructured and empety initial state, which later became the foundation for the creation process. The creation narrative in Genesis 1:1-2 is one of the main foundations of Cristian theology. This research aims to dig deeper into the theological meaning of the phrase “the earth was formless and empty” in Genesis 1:1-2. The main focus is on the primitive condition of the earth before creation, and its implications for understanding God’s power and creativity. This research seeks to clarify various existing interpretations, especially regarding the concept of “tohu wabohu” and its relationship with other creation theories. A close analysis of Genesis 1:1-2 shows that the phrase “the earth was formless and empty” describes an intial state that was unstructured and without form. This condition is not the result of previous destruction, but is a “blank canvas” for God’s creative work. Thorugh His words, God transforms chaos into order, brings light into darkness, and creates everything from nothing. This research provides new contributions, namely: presenting a comprehensive review of various theological views regarding Genesis 1:1-2 including comparisons with other creation theories such as the gap theory, providing a deeper interpretation of the concept of “tohu wabohu” and clarifyng misunderstandings that often occur, highlights the implications of understanding the early conditions of the earth for our understanding of God’s power and creativity and the relationship between creator and creation.
Abstract:This paper aims to delve deeper into the concept of the leadership of Jesus Christ and analyze it is implications in the contemporary context, particularly within the church environment. From the research findings, it is…
found that the leadership of Jesus not only served as a model for His followers in His time but is also relevant and crucial to be applied in the context of Christian leadership today. This study highlights several key aspects of Jesus leadership, including His character, spirituality, and service. Jesus character in leadership inspires exemplary traits of love, devotion, humility, and integrity, forming the foundation for effective and positively impactful leadership. Furthermore, spirituality of Jesus in leading is reflected in His steadfastness in prayer and in His understanding and teaching of Scripture. Jesus service as a leader demonstrates His commitment to selflessly serve with love and prioritize the needs of others over His own. Through a qualitative approach, this research takes the Evangelical Fellowship Church of Eliezer in a specific region as a case study to illustrate how the application of Jesus leadership principles can yield positive social transformation in a church context. The findings of this research provide significant implications for contemporary church leaders to emulate Jesus leadership in serving the people with love, leading by example, and preparing the next generation grounded in spiritual values and integrity.
Abstract:Pandemic conditions have caused several elements in society, including the economy, health and especially education to change. So that shifts and innovations are needed, one of which is teaching techniques in Sunday school…
ol to help teachers convey the Word of God in class. Such as the use of props that can help teachers convey stories to children in class. The use of props that involve IT or audio visual media-based technology such as videos, televisions, slides is expected to attract children’s attention so that they can understand the essence of the story. The teaching of audio-visual media is inspired by the teaching method that the Lord Jesus applied when teaching the crowds and His disciples, “Look at the birds of the sky who neither plant nor reap nor gather into barns” (Matthew 6:34). In teaching, the Lord Jesus often used natural media as a way for Him to convey His Word. This research discusses the role of audio visual media used by teachers in delivering various topics. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Based on this research, it is concluded that the role of audio-visual media is so great in helping Sunday school teachers in teaching to be easily accepted and understood by children and recorded more easily in children’s memory.
Abstract:Congregational growth and spiritual development of church members are the primary goals of every religious community. However, the challenges faced by the church today are not solely limited to spiritual aspects but also…
consider management aspects that support healthy and sustainable growth. This paper aims to investigate the implementation strategies of church management theory as an effort to advance congregation growth and enhance individual spiritual quality. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, allowing researchers to delve into the complexity of social situations influencing church growth. By combining data from various sources, including books, scholarly articles, and academic journals, the author presents key principles of church management theory, such as shared leadership, humility, and resource management effectiveness. Furthermore, this paper discusses factors influencing congregational growth, including the significant role of prayer, discipleship, fellowship, and testimony in shaping enthusiastic and committed communities. By applying appropriate strategies supported by strong leadership, churches can achieve meaningful and spiritually significant growth, strengthening the foundation of faith and expanding their influence in society. Thus, this paper provides a comprehensive view of the importance of integrating management theory within the church context and offers practical guidance for churches to reinforce growth and spiritual development efforts.
Abstract:This research investigates the challenge posed by the perceived lack of assertiveness among pastors in disciplining members of the congregation amidst the proliferation of fake news or hoaxes. It delves into the multifaceted…
eted roles of pastors within the church context, the nuanced concept of discipline as it pertains to congregational dynamics, and the pervasive phenomenon of hoaxes in contemporary society. Emphasizing the critical importance of pastors taking proactive measures to address and counteract the dissemination of hoaxes to safeguard the integrity and unity of the church community, this paper employs a comprehensive descriptive research methodology. Through an in-depth exploration of the characteristics and implications of hoaxes, the functions and responsibilities of pastors, and the significance of discipline within the ecclesiastical setting, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the complexities of managing misinformation within religious communities. By synthesizing theoretical frameworks and empirical observations, the paper offers actionable recommendations for pastors to effectively combat hoaxes while fostering an environment of truth, trust, and integrity within the church.
Abstract:Abstract This research explores the influence of organizational culture on church management effectiveness, a crucial aspect in the dynamics of religious life within communities. Through a qualitative descriptive approach,…
ach, we delve into various sources to gain a profound understanding of this phenomenon. Our findings highlight that the church's organizational culture comprises norms, values, and assumptions that shape its unique identity. Dimensions such as communication, training, recognition, decision-making, risk-taking, planning, collaboration, and management practices contribute to this organizational culture framework. Church management effectiveness, as an effort to integrate resources to achieve the church's goals, is influenced by various factors such as organizational characteristics, environment, members, and management practices. The close relationship between organizational culture and church management is key to achieving effectiveness, while weak culture can impede church goals. Furthermore, a positive organizational culture positively impacts church members' performance and creates an adequate religious environment. In conclusion, a strong relationship between organizational culture and church management supports the growth and sustainability of the church in fulfilling its mission and goals. Thus, a deep understanding of the dynamics of church organizational culture can help enhance church management effectiveness and contribute positively to the religious life of communities.
Abstract:This research delves into the prohibition of idol worship in the Bible, especially the Old Testament, with an emphasis on the role of the prophets who emphasized this prohibition. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding…
g of the concept of idol worship prohibition through the qualitative research method of Literature Review. The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, consistently conveys the prohibition of bowing down to worship idols. This activity is considered serious and carries severe consequences, especially for the people of Israel. Violating this prohibition is seen as betrayal to God and has the potential to trigger divine punishment. The theological basis for this prohibition lies in the jealousy of God, which arises when offerings are given to idols. Idol worship is equated with the practices of pagan nations and reflects unfaithfulness to God. This research also describes the history and theology behind this prohibition. Through the perspectives of Brian S. Rosner, E. L. Carlson, and Christie Kusnandar, the research demonstrates how idol worship triggers God's jealous reaction and disrupts the human relationship with Him. This message is strong in the Bible and integrated into Jewish religious teachings. In conclusion, the prohibition of idol worship serves as an important warning to maintain loyalty to God and avoid practices that are inconsistent with faith.
Abstract:This study aims to analyze the concept of spiritual example in Joshua's leadership and its impact on increasing spiritual perseverance in the context of leadership. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature…
review approach to explore the concept of spiritual example in Joshua's leadership and how this concept influences the increase of spiritual perseverance in the context of leadership. Through analysis of religious, theological, and leadership literature, this study reveals that Joshua, an ancient leader in the Bible story, represents a spiritual role model in leadership roles. Joshua's leadership characteristics that reflected spiritual values, such as integrity, firm faith, and commitment to moral goals, had a positive impact in guiding the Israelites and strengthening spiritual perseverance in the face of challenges. This study describes how Joshua's spiritual example inspires and guides community members to follow the spiritual values he exhibits. Furthermore, the implication of the concept of spiritual example in leadership is the potential to strengthen the moral and ethical foundations in leadership roles. This research also shows the importance of the spiritual dimension in forming meaningful and authentic leadership characters in dealing with modern dynamics. The results of this study have significant practical implications for contemporary leaders. An understanding of the concept of spiritual example in Joshua's leadership can help leaders integrate spiritual values into their leadership practices. As such, this research makes a valuable contribution to understanding the relationship between spiritual example, spiritual perseverance, and meaningful leadership in this complex world.