Abstract:Christian education not only provides religious knowledge but also builds character and unites communities. Therefore, education must be built with a deep conceptual sistematics to understand the complex relationship between…
ween religion, society, and education which will be based on the foundation of the sociology of Christian education one of which is by understanding the sociology of education. The sociological foundation of education is very important because it can maintain the values of the Christian faith in education while overcoming global challenges and technological advances in the midst of today's modern world. The sociology of Christian education is a solid and strong foundation to respond to changing times without losing the values or core identity of the Christian faith. The sociology of Christian education will maintain how the values and principles of the truth of the Christian faith are related to the way believers live their lives. It is intended to assist each believer in carrying out his or her calling in the world and help reach souls for Christ. Therefore, it is expected that Christian education must continue to adapt to the changing times by maintaining the principles and values of Christian teaching. This study aims to contribute to Christian Education teachers in facing various challenges as a result of rapid technological development. Sociology of Education plays an important role in modern Christian education in order to understand social dynamics, build character, and build a strong community. by maintaining Christian values that pattern and give meaning to each stage of education, without reducing moral values. Therefore, it is expected for Christian education to adapt to the changing times while maintaining the principles and values of Christian teachings.
Abstract:This study aims to explore the impact of social media use on the mental health of university students. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study analyzes data from in-depth interviews with 10 students from various universities…
versities in Indonesia. Thematic analysis reveals that social media use contributes to various aspects of mental health, including anxiety, depression, and self-image disorders. The study identifies that interactions on social media often trigger social comparison and unrealistic expectations about personal life, contributing to a decline in psychological well-being. However, the results also indicate that social media can be a useful tool for supporting mental health, particularly through support communities and awareness of mental health issues. The researchers suggest a need to increase awareness of healthy and constructive social media use among students. This study also emphasizes the importance of mental health education and intervention programs in educational institutions. These results provide insights for policymakers, educators, and mental health practitioners in developing effective strategies to support the mental health of students in the digital era. This study paves the way for further research on the specific impact of social media features and algorithms on student mental health.
Abstract:The Natoni tradition, as an oral cultural heritage of the Timorese community, embodies religious and social dimensions that reflect the relationship between Christian faith and local wisdom. However, the currents of modernization…
rnization and shifts in the lifestyle of younger generations have led to a diminishing understanding of its symbols, ritual language, and moral messages, thereby placing its existence at risk of marginalization. This study addresses the question of how the theological meaning and anthropological values of Natoni are understood and actualized within Christian communities, and to what extent this tradition contributes to the formation of faith identity and social cohesion. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the practice and its meanings. The findings reveal that Natoni functions as a contextual medium of prayer, a means of internalizing faith teachings, a bond of communal solidarity, and a vehicle for transmitting values of respect, responsibility, and intergenerational togetherness. The tradition provides an integrative space between incarnational theology and local cultural realities, thereby enriching contextual expressions of Christian spirituality. The study concludes that the revitalization of Natoni requires synergy among the church, traditional leaders, families, and educational institutions to ensure its continued relevance and responsiveness to contemporary challenges. The novelty of this research lies in its simultaneous integration of theological and anthropological analyses of Natoni as a contextual praxis of faith rather than merely a cultural phenomenon, thus offering a conceptual contribution to the development of Indonesian contextual theology.
Abstract:Massive digital transformation has reshaped patterns of interaction, modes of thinking, and the spiritual construction of the millennial generation, thereby creating serious challenges for the church in nurturing a mature,…
e, authentic, and contextually relevant Christian faith. The abundance of information, instant culture, and growing skepticism toward religious institutions raise a critical research problem concerning how to formulate effective strategies to develop a theologically sound understanding of faith that is also adaptive to digital culture. This study aims to construct a strategic approach that bridges faith tradition and digital dynamics through a qualitative-reflective method based on recent theological literature and critical observation of digital ministry practices. The analysis identifies four primary strategies: contextual proclamation of faith, optimization of digital platforms as spaces for testimony and education, formation of supportive online communities, and strengthening digital and theological literacy among church leaders. The findings indicate that millennials possess a deep spiritual longing but seek integrity, open dialogue, and practical relevance of faith in daily life. The study concludes that a paradigmatic transformation of church ministry is necessary by positioning digital space as a participatory and dialogical locus of spiritual formation, while the novelty of this research lies in the systematic integration of theological reflection and contextual digital pastoral strategies as an adaptive ministry model for the millennial generation in the era of technological disruption.
Abstract:This study originates from the increasing prevalence of subclinical narcissistic traits among church congregants, manifested in religious practices that appear devout yet are latently oriented toward external validation…
rather than an intimate relationship with God. This phenomenon generates a distortion of spirituality, as religious identity is constructed upon social recognition, thereby hindering spiritual-psychological well-being and displacing the longing for divine love. The research problem focuses on how subclinical narcissism operates as a psycho-spiritual disorder within the context of worship and how faith community engagement moderates this dynamic. Employing an integrative conceptual analysis and critical engagement with the psychology of religion literature, including the typology of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, this study finds that performance-based community cultures intensify narcissistic tendencies through symbolic competition and religious self-imaging, whereas inclusive and transformational communities function as corrective spaces that reorient the existential framework of congregants. The study concludes that restoration cannot be achieved merely through behavioral modification or the intensification of religious activities, but through a reorientation of worship that restores the True Self in relationship with Christ as the authentic source of self-worth. The novelty of this research lies in its conceptualization of subclinical narcissism as a form of worship disorder and in its emphasis on the role of faith community as a moderating variable within holistic spiritual therapy, thereby offering both theoretical and pastoral contributions to contemporary churches facing the challenges of performative spirituality.
Abstract:This study develops an interdisciplinary theological framework that integrates collective memory, a theology of woundedness, and local wisdom as epistemological and pastoral strategies for engaging with social trauma inscribed…
cribed in the communal body of postcolonial and post-conflict societies in Indonesia. Collective memory, as examined by Halbwachs, Assmann, and Volf, is not construed as a mere aggregation of historical facts but as a cultural construction that shapes theological identity through performative, ritualistic, and narrative social processes. The theology of woundedness, informed by the works of Rambo, Moltmann, Jones, and Brock, resists binary categorizations between suffering and salvation, positioning wounds instead as loci theologici—revelatory spaces wherein the Holy Spirit dwells amidst unhealed wounds as a manifestation of divine solidarity and the possibility of redemption. Employing a qualitative-descriptive methodological framework and contextual hermeneutics, this research investigates local narratives, healing rituals, customary symbols, and inculturated liturgies among Christian communities in Ambon, Poso, and East Nusa Tenggara. The findings suggest that local wisdom functions not merely as a cultural instrument but also as a sacramental medium through which the Spirit operates incarnationally. The integration of these three dimensions demonstrates that post-traumatic restoration cannot be reduced to psychological or therapeutic pastoral practices alone; rather, it demands a theologically transformative, contextually rooted, and dialogical articulation of the wounded social body. Within this construct, the Church is envisioned as an anamnetic community that employs collective memory as a praxis of salvation, regards local culture as a spiritual body, and embraces woundedness as a participatory locus within the salvific narrative. Accordingly, this study contributes a novel paradigm for contextual theology and pastoral praxis in multicultural societies marked by the legacy of historical suffering and the urgent need for reconciliation grounded in justice and 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:Indonesian Migrant Workers constitute a labor group that makes a significant contribution to the national economy through remittances, particularly from regions with high migration intensity such as East Nusa Tenggara Province;…
ovince; however, the strong public interest in working abroad is often not accompanied by adequate understanding of safe migration procedures, protection mechanisms, and the rights and obligations of migrant workers. This condition has led to serious problems, including the increasing number of non-procedural migrant workers, deportation cases, and vulnerability to human trafficking crimes, indicating an information and communication gap between migrant worker protection institutions and prospective migrant workers. This study aims to analyze the communication strategies implemented by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Service Center of East Nusa Tenggara Province in enhancing public awareness of migrant workers’ rights. A qualitative approach with a descriptive method was employed to provide an in-depth portrayal of the communication practices carried out by the institution, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observation of socialization activities, and documentation studies. Data analysis was conducted using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, while the conceptual analytical framework was based on the Shannon–Weaver Two-Way Communication Model to assess message delivery effectiveness, communication channels, message recipients, and feedback mechanisms. The findings indicate that the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Service Center of East Nusa Tenggara Province has implemented various communication strategies, including direct community outreach, pre-departure orientation, the use of visual and audio media, and cross-sector collaboration with local governments and community leaders. Although these strategies contribute to increasing public knowledge regarding migration procedures and migrant workers’ rights, their effectiveness remains constrained by low literacy levels, challenging geographical conditions, and weak feedback mechanisms from target communities. The study concludes that strengthening dialogic and participatory communication, simplifying messages to improve comprehensibility, and adapting communication media to local cultural contexts are essential for improving migrant worker protection. The novelty of this study lies in integrating a two-way communication model with the socio-cultural context of East Nusa Tenggara as a basis for formulating more contextual, adaptive, and community-empowering communication strategies for migrant worker protection.