Life Of Church Research Articles

Mediokrasi: Tantangan Bagi Pelayanan Kristen

Mediocratis is a social system in which individuals with average or substandard abilities hold positions of power or influence, ignoring the qualities or competencies that should be possessed to hold those positions. In daily life, both work, association and the context of Christian ministry, mediocracy is a challenge that must be seriously addressed because the dynamics of church life are developing rapidly. There are many people who choose to be mediocre when most of them are competent people, have a lot of talent and opportunities to advance or develop.

Impact of COVID-19 on Christian Wellness: A Study among Adventists in Kajiado County

Background: Pandemics disorganize society, and COVID-19 was no exception. COVID-19 significantly impacted the religious practices and lifestyles of millions of believers worldwide. Following COVID-19 guidelines from the World Health Organization, social gatherings, including church attendance, were discouraged, affecting members’ spiritual well-being and church life. This study aimed to determine how COVID-19 impacted Christian wellness from the perspective of church members. Methods: This study used a descriptive survey design to collect data on how COVID-19 affected the Christian wellness of Seventh-day Adventists in Kajiado County through a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the extent of these changes and identify the key factors contributing to wellness outcomes. Results: The findings indicated that spirituality, stewardship, and fellowship practices declined significantly during virtual worship compared to face-to-face worship. Conclusion: These results provide insights that may enhance support mechanisms toward mitigating the unique challenges religious communities face during global health crises.

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS OF THE TOWN OF TOLYATTI IN SAMARA REGION IN 2002–2010

The years 2002–2010 are of interest for the study of church life, since during these years there was an increase in registered religious organizations both in Russia and in the town of Tolyatti, which began in the late 80s of the XX century. The article examines the religious situation in Tolyatti and interaction of religious organizations with Tolyatti city administration in 2002–2010 on the basis of internal documents of Tolyatti city administration and Samara diocesan administration. The purpose of the study is to analyze the situation, activities and number of religious organizations in 2002–2010, to evaluate the results of their interaction with municipal authorities. Materials and methods. Implementation of research tasks was achieved on the basis of using documents extracted from the funds of the current archive of Samara Diocesan Administration. The research methodology includes a document analysis method and a statistical method, which is necessary to analyze data related to the increase in the number of religious organizations. In working with periodical materials, the method of synchronous comparison with documentary material was applied. Research results. The relationship of religious organizations of Tolyatti with Tolyatti city administration in 2002–2010 was studied, the situation, activities and number of religious organizations, the number of their adherents were analyzed. Tolyatti municipal authorities preferred Orthodox religious organizations in religious policy, which is confirmed by their financing, allocation of land plots to construct temples, and media coverage of intra-church events. In 2002–2010, a special, trusting relationship between the heads of Togliatti city administration and the heads of Orthodox religious organizations (the Russian Orthodox Church) developed. Conclusions. In 2002–2010, representatives of four confessions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism) from more than 80 religious organizations and groups with numerical superiority of the Russian Orthodox Church parishes (20 parishes in 2010) carried out their activities in Tolyatti. The government of Samara Region and Tolyatti city administration found opportunities to help in the construction of Orthodox churches, a Muslim mosque and the construction of the Volga Orthodox Institute. Allocation of funds to Orthodox parishes from Tolyatti city budget took place without any competitive procedures. Protectionism of local authorities towards the Russian Orthodox Church manifested in allocation of the best land plots to construct Orthodox parishes and institutions. The clergy of Tolyatti sought to strengthen their influence through various events that were supported by local authorities informatively, organizationally and in some cases financially.

Prospects for an Evangelical Rule of Life: A Case-Study in Living as a Dispersed Community of Missional Discipleship

From 2020 to 2023, I spent 3 years as the Prior of the Community of St Cuthbert based at St Nics Church in central Durham. St Nics is a classic UK evangelical city-centre church with a beloved history of Bible teaching, market-square engagement, and mission. In 2019 the church leadership discerned an opportunity to refresh the church’s (and wider) practice of discipleship by launching the Community of St Cuthbert, and I was recruited as its Prior. This article gives an account of some of the strengths and weaknesses of this endeavour, focused particularly on four issues: the importance of a clear, positive and upbuilding ‘rule of life’ statement; the core issue of how a Rule of Life can facilitate widespread missional discipleship in a dispersed community model; the importance of a clear marker of membership in the Community (and the difficulties around developing one); and the potential (albeit largely unrealised) to use the Community of St Cuthbert model as a way of establishing new worshipping communities. My own retrospective reflection as Prior concludes with two convictions that may be of relevance to those considering such a ‘Community’: the nature and challenge of keeping the focus on God rather than on policing practices; and the ways in which such a re-energising of discipleship can offer an evangelical contribution to the life of the whole church, rather than being limited to self-described evangelical churches.

Penerapan Pastoral Konseling terhadap Perkembangan Rohani Bagi Jemaat di GMIM Martin Luther Warembungan

Pastoral counseling is an essential aspect of church ministry aimed at supporting the spiritual growth of the congregation. This study aims to explore the role and importance of pastoral counseling in supporting the spiritual growth of the congregation at GMIM Marthin Luther Warembungan. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were obtained through in-depth interviews with church leaders, pastoral counselors, and literature studies. The results of the study indicate that pastoral counseling plays a crucial role in helping congregants overcome various personal and spiritual issues, such as crises of faith, family problems, and emotional struggles. Effective pastoral counseling helps congregants find inner peace, strengthen their faith, and increase their involvement in church life. Additionally, trained pastoral counselors can provide the necessary emotional and spiritual support and guide congregants in their spiritual journey. This research confirms that pastoral counseling not only serves as a tool for problem resolution but also as a means to build a deeper relationship with God, enhance Biblical understanding, and facilitate spiritual transformation. Therefore, the church needs to pay more attention to developing comprehensive and sustainable pastoral counseling programs and ensure that pastoral counselors receive adequate training. Thus, pastoral counseling can become a strong foundation for the spiritual development and overall well-being of the congregation.

Socialization of the Church's Challenges in Facing the Influence of Globalization for the Millennial Generation at the Kalam Kudus Doyo Baru Congregation

Community Service Activities by STAKPN Sentani Postgraduate lecturers and educational staff at the Kalam Kudus Doyo Baru Congregation aim to equip the millennial generation to face the challenges of globalization on faith and spirituality. In the modern era filled with the flow of digital information, values such as secularism, materialism and moral relativism often conflict with Christian teachings. Through lecture methods, group discussions and Biblical training, this activity provides participants with in-depth insight into the importance of maintaining the foundations of faith amidst the negative influences of globalization. This activity also emphasizes the role of technology as a means of deepening faith and the importance of a strong spiritual community among millennials. As a result, the younger generation of the Kalam Kudus Doyo Baru Congregation is better prepared to face cultural shifts without losing their Christian identity. With creative and relevant approaches, such as the use of digital media and innovative services, it is hoped that participants will become more actively involved in church life. This service succeeded in having a significant impact in strengthening the faith and spirituality of the millennial generation, as well as strengthening their commitment to maintaining Christian values in the era of globalization.

Reflections on ‘A Future with Hope’ from a lay perspective

This short reflection responds to papers presented at two ‘A Future with Hope’ events held at New College, Edinburgh in 2023 and 2024 (featured in this issue of Theology in Scotland). John Sturrock provides a layperson’s perspective on the Church of Scotland’s failure to grasp the implications of the profound social and cultural changes that have occurred in Scottish society over recent decades. He further explores the potential for the church to adapt by empowering the laity and embracing new forms of church life.

Изменение отношения крестьянских сообществ Архангельской губернии к монастырям в начале XX века

The decay of the patriarchal rural life, which intensified at the turn of the 19th century, caused a transformation in religious beliefs among the peasantry. The establishment of Soviet rule accelerated the changes in the position of the Orthodox clergy, parishes and monasteries. The author examines the reasons behind this process, which was affected by the economic, political and intra-church transformations in the life of Russian society. Further, the consequences of changes in the religious sentiments of peasants are explored, such as the decline in the clergy’s authority, separation of church life from everyday life of the peasant community, and secularization of peasant consciousness, which facilitated the claims of local residents for monastic property. Cases of plundering by local dwellers in 1917–1918 are studied using the examples of the following men’s monasteries: Onega Cross Monastery, Archangel Michael Monastery, Kozheozersk Monastery, Krasnogorsk Monastery, and Pechenga Monastery, as well as women’s Kholmogory Monastery. The peasants tried to justify their actions by saying that they had the right to take away land and property from the monasteries according to the decree “On the Separation of Church from State and School from Church”. The author comes to the conclusion that cases of disorderly conduct towards northern monasteries were recorded long before the revolutionary events of 1917. In the early 20th century, some monasteries turned to the police or volost authorities for protection. All Arkhangelsk monasteries were closed after the end of the allied intervention and the ouster of the White Guard. Subsequently, monastic lands were taken over by agricultural communes and artels consisting of local residents and controlled by the Soviet government, while the monastics were dismissed. This article broadens our understanding of the reasons behind the changes in the peasants’ religious worldview and highlights the most striking facts of interaction between northern monasteries and local peasants during the period under study. The results can fill the existing regional information gaps in the history of interactions between northern monasteries and the local population in the early 20th century and help to understand the building up of relationships between the reviving northern monasteries and the local population today.

Analysis of the Rasulan Tradition in Christian Religious Education Perspektive and Its Implication for Evangelism

This article aims to examine the Rasulan tradition that developed specifically in the Gunung Kidul area of Yogyakarta Province – Indonesia from the perspective of Christian Religious Education and explore its implications, especially in the evangelism. The method of writing this article is through the analysis of literature studies and autoethnographic studies where the author is involved and has direct experience in it. This research seeks to explore the meaning, practice, and significance of the Rasulan tradition for the local community, which is then examined in the perspective of Christian Religious Education by focusing on theological aspects and values that are in line as a meeting point or separation point that has the potential to conflict with the principles of Christian Religious Education in which it talks about the Christian faith. The findings in this study show that this in-depth understanding of the Rasulan tradition has important implications as well as being an effective bridge for the contextualization of the Gospel and the development of effective and adaptive evangelism strategies to local cultures. Furthermore, this article also proposes practical approaches for local church members to integrate positive values from local traditions into church life, while of course maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith. The conclusion for this article is the need for the development and strategy of evangelism that is effective and adaptive to local culture, then it is hoped that there will be a continuous dialogue between the christian faith and local traditions such as the Rasulan and others local tradition, this is very important to create a harmonious relationship between the church and society, as well as to enrich cross-cultural understanding among Christians.

DESKRIPSI KETERLIBATAN ORANG MUDA KATOLIK DALAM HIDUP MENGGEREJA: Studi Kasus pada Sanggar Emaus Paroki Santo Petrus Kanisius Wonosari

Nowadays, young Catholics are seen as having a more important role in church life. Based on this, each parish has its way of encouraging Catholic Youth to be involved in church life. Therefore, this article aims to get an overview of the involvement of Catholic Youth in church life and the dynamics that occur in Sanggar Emaus. This research uses a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, questionnaires, and interviews. The results showed that the Catholic Youth in St. Peter Kanisius Wonosari Parish who often gather in Sanggar Emaus are not fully involved in church life. Most of them involve themselves only within the scope of the parish church. The church life seen in Young Catholic of Wonosari Parish is more dominant by involving their activities in the field of liturgy and coinonia. Meanwhile, Sanggar Emaus is the centre of involvement of Young Catholics of Wonosari Parish, especially those who live within the city area. The dynamics in Sanggar Emaus are fluid, there are no binding rules, and activities are carried out according to the wishes of young people. Sanggar Emaus can be a model of informal mentoring with a pleasant atmosphere so it is expected to encourage Catholic Youth to play an active role in church life.

PERSEPSI ORANG MUDA KATOLIK TERHADAP REKSA PASTORAL SEBAGAI SARANA PERWUJUDAN IMAN

This study aims to explore the perceptions of young Catholics towards pastoral care as a means to realize faith. Using quantitative methods, data were collected from 54 respondents in the Santa Maria Parish, Blitar. The results showed that the majority of respondents understood pastoral care as a form of pastoral mission in meeting the needs of the congregation and playing an important role in developing faith. Additionally, the research identified key factors influencing young people's engagement in pastoral activities, including theological understanding, personal experiences, and community support. The findings highlight the significance of adapting pastoral approaches to resonate with the values and expectations of the youth. This study is expected to provide insight for the church in facing modern challenges and increasing the involvement of young people in church life, ultimately fostering a more vibrant and active faith community.

On the Being and Becoming of Appreciative Inquiry and Christian Faith

Appreciating Church suggests that active dialogue between Christian faith and Appreciative Inquiry can address challenges facing longstanding Christian denominations in the UK. It is important to keep working and living appreciatively, drawing creatively from scripture, tradition and experience. This article makes eight key suggestions for embedding Appreciative Inquiry in church life to encourage generativity and spark transformation.

TITIK TEMU MAKNA BAPTISAN MENURUT ROMA 6:3-6 DAN KONSEP MANUNGGALING KAWULO GUSTI BAGI PEMURIDAN KONTEKSTUAL MASYARAKAT JAWA

Baptism and discipleship are two things that cannot be separated. In the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus, they are intertwined. One of the concepts contained in baptism is union with Christ found in Romans 6:3-6. This is an important theme that believers must understand, especially through discipleship. On the other hand, the author sees the dominance of the Javanese tribe among the Indonesian population. This dominance occurs in the government, economic sectors, and church life. This fact drives this research to actualize contextual discipleship carried out by the Church towards Javanese congregations. One of the concepts of Javanese thought with a common theme of human unity with God is the concept of manunggaling kawulo gusti. Through the literature research method, this concept is explored in depth. This exploration will be seen and interpreted from the baptism perspective in Romans 6:3-6. As a result, there are points of convergence as well as points of difference. The findings obtained will then become material for the actualization of contextual discipleship in Javanese society.

Education of church musicians in Krakow in the period from the end of the Second Vatican Council to the present day

The training of church musicians in Cracow in the period after the Second Vatican Council became one of the important tasks of the institutional Church associated with the post-conciliar renewal of the liturgy. In the 1970s, the training of church organists here took on a systematic and organised character. The activities of the Archdiocesan Organist’s College, as well as the Church Music Section at the Liturgical Institute, were constantly evolving. Over time, their tasks were taken over by the Archdiocesan Organist School (now the Archdiocesan Music School) and the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Krakow (now the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow). Since 1997, the Academy of Music in Cracow has also been educating church musicians. At present, Cracow and the Archdiocese of Cracow offer many opportunities of professional music education, which are eagerly used by organists, choir conductors, as well as people passionate about Gregorian chant, liturgical composition and the broadly understood animation of the musical life of churches. The immediate impulse for writing this article was the 25th anniversary of the Cardinal Franciszek Macharski Archdiocesan School of Music, celebrated in 2023, which is an ­important link in the series of educational institutions thanks to which the level of education of church musicians is constantly rising.

Meningkatkan Kolaborasi Peserta Didik Melalui Model Problem Based Learning Fase C Kelas V SDN 047165 Simpang Nagara

This research is classroom action research which aims to determine the effect of applying the problem based learning (PBL) model on improving students' collaboration skills on the material The Holy Spirit Strengthens the Lives of the Apostles and living together inspired by the Holy Spirit in class V Phase C SDN 047165 Simpang Nagara in the odd semester of the 2024/2025 academic year with a total of 8 students consisting of 3 men and 5 women. The method used is Classroom Action Research (PTK) with a problem base learning model which is carried out in two cycles. The research results showed that the implementation of PBL significantly improved collaboration skills and student learning outcomes, with the percentage of collaboration skills reaching 76% in cycle 1 and increasing again to 91% in cycle II. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of the Problem Based Learning model can improve students' collaboration skills on the material "The Holy Spirit Strengthens the Lives of the Apostles and living together inspired by the Holy Spirit" and the material "Involving in church life".

Synodal Discernment on a Catechetical Drama called “Service of Light,” Its Impact on the Integral Education and Edification of Faith of the Laity

Synodality is a vital characteristic of the Catholic Church's life and mission, highlighting joint revitalization through listening, discernment, and active participation. Inspired by this concept, researchers started a study exploring the impact of the "Service of Light," a catechetical drama observed during Easter vigil, on local parishioners within the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in the Philippines. Employing an exploratory and qualitative approach, the researchers examined the denotative and connotative meanings embedded in images and narratives surrounding this ritual, using Roland Barthes' semiotic model for analysis. The study involved visiting five local Catholic parishes within the archdiocese, conducting purposive sampling for survey interviews, and gathering visuals. Results uncovered meaningful impacts of the Service of Light on the integral Christian education and spiritual edification of the parishioners. The catechetical drama served as a powerful teaching tool that deepened the parishioners’ understanding of Christian doctrine. It helped develop a sense of belonging within their faith community. Moreover, the Service of Light generated spiritual renewal and strengthened individual faith. The ritual's symbolism aroused a deeper connection with God, empowering parishioners to live out their faith more fully in daily life. The Service of Light was acknowledged as a tool of faith that continues to inspire the parishioners to bear fruit for years to come. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of the Service of Light in parishioners' Christian education and spiritual journey, emphasizing its role in fostering community, deepening understanding of faith, and inspiring personal and communal growth. As a recommendation, the researchers are suggesting future research to explore the perspectives of ordained clergy for a comprehensive understanding of its impact on Christian communities.

Gender Gaps in World Christianity: Membership, Participation, and Leadership

This article presents findings from recent research that nuances gender gaps in World Christianity utilizing quantitative data on religious membership, participation, and leadership. The article outlines the assumptions and theories undergirding this project on global gender inequalities by utilizing data from the United Nations and World Economic Forum. It then presents original research that produced gendered data on church membership, participation, and leadership around the world, drawing from the World Christian Database, Pew Research Center, and World Values Survey. These data are put into conversation with national level gender gap data in Mongolia, Israel, Estonia, and Ghana to provide country-level examples of how data can be used to shed light on women’s challenges and opportunities both in society and the church. Without comprehensive quantitative data on women's experiences around the world, it is difficult to know what problems exist and how they can be addressed. Data from this project can be applied contextually to address the gendered dynamics of church life and interrogate unequal social norms that perpetuate women’s overlooked status in churches and societies worldwide.

Charismatics and People with Special Needs

This research article highlights the suitability of charismatic churches to individuals with special needs by focusing on their inclusivity and accessibility within Kakamega, in Western Kenya. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, which suited the qualitative nature of the initial study that culminated into this research article, it was conducted across 12 sub-counties in Kakamega County. A sample of 78 respondents was selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The findings revealed that charismatic churches in Kakamega County serve as crucial community hubs, with physical accessibility playing a key role in enhancing inclusivity and enabling individuals of all abilities to participate fully in church activities. It concludes that fostering a culture of acceptance and support is vital for empowering individuals with disabilities, and in ensuring they feel valued and integrated into all aspects of church life. In this treatise, we view the definition of “special needs” as encircling the emotional, intellectual, sensory impairments, and physical challenges.

Participation of Athonite Monks in church and cultural processes in the 17th century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth territorie

The article studies the participation of Athonite monks in the church and cultural life of the Ukrainian-Belarusian lands in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the end of the 16th century onwards into and during the 17th centuries. Attention is drawn to the participation of Athonite clergy in literacy, educational and other activities after the tragic events of the Union of Brest. Evidence for the stay of the Ukrainian monk and polemicist Ivan Vyshenskyi in the Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos is an early printed book issued in 1595 kept at the monastery library, which contains a gift inscription by Vasyl Surozhskyi to Ivan Vyshenskyi. The presence of archimandrite Leontii, the abbot of the Peresopnytsia Monastery, who also spent some time there, is confirmed by remarks in several early printed books from the Zograf library. A considerable number of Ukrainian-Belarusian early printed books from the 16th and 17th centuries, preserved in the libraries of Zograf, Hilandar and other Athonite monasteries, attest to their close contacts with the clergy and monks of the Kyiv Metropolis during this period. The tradition of Athonite participation in the spiritual, cultural, and political life of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Cossacks gradually became a well-established practice from the 17th century onwards. This, in turn, contributed to the intensification of spiritual and cultural life in the Ukrainian-Belarusian lands, the revival of Orthodoxy and monasticism, and the restoration of ties between the Orthodox of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Holy Mount Athos and the Orthodox world.

Circulation of books, manuscripts, and ideas between Hungary and Italy. Cultural transfers in the environment of György Klimo, Bishop of Pécs (1751-1777)

The period between 1750 and 1800 witnessed a significant transformation in the modernization of Hungarian culture and literature. The members of the ecclesiastical elite, who had completed their studies at the Collegium Germanicum et Hungaricum in Rome, played a pivotal role in this process; they emerged as key figures in the Catholic renewal upon their return to Hungary following their studies in Rome. Their contributions extended beyond the revitalization of the Hungarian Catholic Church and religious life, encompassing the reconstruction of bishoprics, the establishment of educational institutions and libraries, and the publication and dissemination of both religious and secular literary works. This dissemination of knowledge was also closely intertwined with the influential court in Vienna. On the one hand, the rich heritage of ancient Rome played a crucial role in reshaping the baroque tradition. High-ranking clerics began to take a keen interest in the historical context of their immediate surroundings, initiating local excavations and conducting research in the Vatican Archives. On the other hand, they were greatly influenced by the vibrant culture of contemporary Rome, including Catholic reform efforts, the patronage of the Roman aristocracy, and the volumes of recent Italian literature. This paper explores the cultural influence of Bishop György Klimo of Pécs through an analysis of his correspondence with members of the ecclesiastical aristocracy in Rome and Vienna. Notably, Klimo made significant contributions to the spreading of Ludovico Antonio Muratori’s ideas in Hungary. He also played a pioneering role in disseminating knowledge by being the first among his contemporaries to open his personal library to the public. Furthermore, he commissioned research at the Vatican to compile a comprehensive history of his diocese. By examining Klimo’s endeavors, we gain valuable insights into the transformative influence of Roman culture on the Baroque tradition in Hungary. Moreover, the analysis sheds light on the distinct and organic development of the Italian line within Hungarian culture.