Mission Of Church Research Articles

Book Review: Lalsangkima Pachuau, God at Work in the World: Theology and Mission in the Global Church

Book Review: Lalsangkima Pachuau, <i>God at Work in the World: Theology and Mission in the Global Church</i>

Book Review: God at Work in the World: Theology and Mission in the Global Church by Pachuau, Lalsangkima

Book Review: <i>God at Work in the World: Theology and Mission in the Global Church</i> by Pachuau, Lalsangkima

MISIOLOGI DAN PELAYANAN HOLISTIK SEBAGAI DASAR KEPEDULIAN SOSIAL: IMPLEMENTASI PRINSIP YAKOBUS 2:14-17

This article examines the role of missiology and holistic ministry as the basis of social care with the implementation of the principles outlined in the letter of the Apostle James 2: 14-17. The verses emphasize that faith without works is dead, indicating that real action must accompany true faith. This study aims to provide insights and practical guidance for churches and Christian organizations in carrying out holistic ministry, which not only reaches out to souls but also has a real positive impact on society. Through a missiological approach, this article uses a descriptive qualitative method that has concluded how the church's mission is not only limited to the spread of the gospel but also includes holistic ministry, which means paying attention to humans' physical, emotional, and social needs. First, Christians are expected to be able to understand the theological basis of missiology and holistic ministry in the study of theological analysis of James 2: 14-17 to be able to bring the role of the church in increasing social care and also the practical implications of the principles of James 2: 14-17 in holistic ministry. The holistic ministry emphasizes the integration of evangelism and social action as a manifestation of the Christian faith, which churches and Christian organizations can implement. Thus, missiology-based and holistic ministry meets not only spiritual needs but also physical needs through biblical teachings.

BERMISI DALAM MASYARAKAT MAJEMUK MELALUI DIALOG DAN KERJA SAMA

Indonesia is a pluralistic society because its citizens consist of various ethnic groups, races, religions, and social groups. Missions in a pluralistic society certainly have their own characteristics and uniqueness. This paper is a study of church missions in the context of a pluralistic society, taking West Sulawesi as the location of the research. The research method used to write this article is a qualitative method in the library, supplemented by field observations by observing the phenomena of church members' lives and interviews with several church leaders. This study employs a qualitative method with a case study approach, involving in-depth interviews with church leaders, congregation members, and other religious figures involved in interfaith dialogue and cooperation.. The results of the study indicate that honest and open dialogue, along with cooperation in social and humanitarian projects, can be effective tools for building mutually beneficial relationships between religious communities. This approach not only strengthens the role of the church in society but also helps to overcome prejudices and conflicts that may arise due to religious and cultural differences. These findings highlight the importance of cultural understanding, empathy, and communication skills in the implementation of missions in a pluralistic society. The study concludes that missions focusing on dialogue and cooperation are not only relevant but also essential in promoting peace and harmony in a pluralistic society. Practical recommendations are provided for churches and mission organizations in developing programs that support interfaith integration and cooperation, as well as advocating for policies that encourage inclusiveness and tolerance in society.

Christian Paguyuban: Toward an Indonesian Missional Church

Christian Paguyuban: Toward an Indonesian Missional Church

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.

Indigenous dance, sport-for-development, and settler colonial (de)choreographies in the Indian Residential School System

ABSTRACT The Department of Indian Affairs and church counterparts who administered Canada’s Indian Residential School System promoted Euro-Canadian physical activities to reform and replace traditional Indigenous physical culture practices like the Sundance and the potlatch. Administrators used Western forms of movement to compel obedience to Euro-Canadian culture, including spirituality. An observer wrote that the students ‘must not sing, dance, beat a drum, or pray in the Indian way. They may dance in the manner of the White people …’ (Sheridan, ca. 1930s). The use of sport for such social engineering, usually by colonial state and church missions, has been called sport-for-development. This paper examines how these institutions conceptually framed, and put into practice, their interventions into Indigenous physical cultures using the terrain of the body. I argue that the Indian residential school system imposed ‘settler colonial choreographies’ in a domestic sport-for-development process.

Factors Underlying Leadership Conflict at Legio Maria of Africa Mission Church in Ugenya Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya

This study explores the factors underlying leadership conflict within the Legio Maria of Africa Mission Church in Ugenya Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya. Leadership conflicts in this religious institution have been a persistent issue rooted in resource control, leadership claims, and personal disputes, notably involving self-proclaimed leaders. Resource conflicts, cited by 8% of respondents, often stem from disagreements over financial management and equitable distribution. Leadership claims, leading to factionalism and power struggles, are another critical factor, with 4% of respondents highlighting conflicts over papal authority. Historical analysis reveals that leadership conflict has been present since the church's inception, starting with a dispute between the founder, Baba Messiah Melkio Simeo Ondeto, and Gaudencia Aoko, who was excommunicated for attempting to assert herself as a leader. The study underscores the need for structured conflict resolution and peace-building initiatives, emphasizing the inclusion of women leaders and collaboration with expert organizations. Reconciliation, inspired by biblical principles, requires humility and open dialogue to address pride and self-interest among leaders. Forgiveness, crucial for healing and relationship restoration, is recommended to resolve ongoing conflicts. Implementing transparent resource management, fostering unity, and advocating for reconciliation can significantly mitigate leadership conflicts. This comprehensive approach aims to restore harmony within the church, ensuring it continues to serve as a sanctuary for its members. The findings provide a foundation for understanding the complex dynamics of leadership conflict and offer practical solutions for achieving lasting peace in the Legio Maria of Africa Mission Church.

Navigating the Direction of Modern Church Mission by the Right Placing ‘The 4th Place’

Navigating the Direction of Modern Church Mission by the Right Placing ‘The 4th Place’

Doa dan Misi

Some outstanding missionaries from Methodist Church of the end of 19th century-early 20th century expressed that prayer and mission are closely intertwined. Their experiences in mission area showed that prayer is the most needed, though it does not mean that everything which sustain mission activities are unimportant. Two patrons of mission in the Catholic Church expressed similar opinion that prayer is the most important dimension in mission because prayer touches the heart of people more effectively. In his mission Jesus was intensely aware of the importance of prayer as he offered a prayer before choosing his disciples, at the beginning of his work, during his work, before his suffering and his death. Jesus had offered a prayer before his activities in mission because he was aware that he is the messenger of God. In other word Jesus was aware that his mission was God’s mission-Abba’s mission, and his identity was a messenger of God’s/Abba’s Kingdom. The awareness of Jesus identity and the close relationship with his father in prayer are the mode of our mission. Seeing the attitude of Jesus in doing mission one could conclude that prayer plays a pivotal role in mission and the goal of mission is to share the Kingdom of God the Father.

For Hannes Adonis: Demolishing Walls

The study aims to indicate how the lives of religious people can serve as a source of theological knowledge and beliefs. This study engages the life and work of Hannes Adonis through the methodology of biography as theology. A key characteristic of Hannes Adonis's life and work is the dismantling of all walls of division in church and academia. First, the methodology of biography as theology is discussed. Secondly, Adonis’s contribution to the Dutch Reformed Mission Church (DRMC)/Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) is engaged. Thirdly, Adonis’s impact on academia, particularly the South African historiography, is discussed.

Interpreting History. Unlocking Various Phases of History in the Story of the Upington Uniting Reformed Church over its first Hundred Years of Existence (1875–1975)

The Upington congregation of the Uniting Reformed Church in South Africa (URCSA), established in 1875, is one of two URCSA congregations in Upington in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The congregation has a long, interesting history entrenched in the sociopolitical realities of the “Coloured” people of the Orange River Valley in and around Upington. This article explores the history of this congregation, its origins as a mission station on the other side of the Orange River, and the complexities and perceived cultural boundaries linked to its establishment and development. Furthermore, there is the story behind the significant church schism of 1902. The article also focuses on the interesting, complex link between the former Dutch Reform Mission Church (DRMC) Upington congregation and the Dutch Reform Church (DRC) Upington over certain periods—a relationship of many phases. This is an attempt to discover new elements and perspectives on the history of the URCSA Upington, adding to current engagements and evaluations of congregational histories in eras before the so-called postcolonial era. Church and congregational records (including celebratory publications), theses linked to the establishment of churches in the 1800s in the Orange River Valley, and historical documents of the former DRMC form the basis of this study (source analysis).

The Role of Small-Group Practices on Members’ Participation in Church Mission in North-West Rwanda

The Role of Small-Group Practices on Members’ Participation in Church Mission in North-West Rwanda

Local Women in the Christian Mission History of the Protestant Church in Southeast Sulawesi (Gepsultra), Indonesia

In the history of Protestant missions, women do not play a significant role in the collective memory. This study endeavors to examine and analyze the involvement of women in the historical records of the Protestant Church mission in Southeast Sulawesi, employing a feminist perspective. The primary thesis of this article posits that the adoption of feminist perspectives is imperative in order to elucidate the interrelated nature of masculine hegemony, Indonesian historiography, and the marginalization of women as individuals who have been excluded from the annals of missionary history and the collective recollection of the Protestant church in Southeast Sulawesi. The article commences with an examination of women and historiography, situated within the framework of feminist discourse. The results indicate that local women deserve to be dubbed missionaries because they serve as missionary heroes, leaders, and cultural bridges.

Missional Church and the Healing of Memories: A Missiological Construction of African Pentecostal Praxis

Abstract This article explores the role of the church in addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and communities, particularly in the context of African Pentecostalism. The article argues that the church is called to actively engage with its surrounding culture and to bring healing and restoration to those who have experienced trauma or pain. In the African Pentecostal context, this often involves addressing issues related to cultural identity, historical injustice, and social inequality. Through its emphasis on the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of community, African Pentecostalism offers a unique perspective on how the church can facilitate the healing of memories and promote reconciliation and restoration. The use of “African Pentecostals” in this article refers to the Pentecostal churches whose doctrines align with the mainline Pentecostal theology and praxis (the classical Pentecostal Churches and the Neo-Pentecostal Churches).

Rubble and Ruin: the CMS Hospital of Gaza in World War I … and Today?

ABSTRACT While the Ahli Arab Hospital of Gaza – formerly the CMS Mission hospital – has been the focus of public attention due to the 17 October 2023 explosion on its premises and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, less attention has been given to its history. Very little information is publicly available. This article addresses that gap, aiming to bring texture, nuance and depth to contemporary discussions. Taking a narrative approach, this article poses two questions: first, how did the social, political and religious contexts of the hospital’s founding period shape its identity and role in the community? Second, how did it fare in World War I and the political transition that followed it? This article argues that Anglican Missionaries from the Church Mission Society (CMS) established the hospital in 1881 with the motivation and inspiration of their evangelical faith. After facing resistance from the local population, the missionaries won people’s trust through medical service. Their work was boosted after local leaders gave their endorsements and British imperial agents offered support. The situation changed rapidly, however, during World War I and the Ottoman entry into the war on the German side. The missionaries were expelled and the hospital was closed and eventually destroyed. Yet, after British victory, the missionaries were granted permission to resume services and rebuild the hospital.

The St Andrew's Scottish Church mission in Cape Town, 1838-1878

The St Andrew's Scottish Church mission in Cape Town, 1838-1878

Synodalitou k obnově naplňování poslání partikulární církve

Synodalitou k obnově naplňování poslání partikulární církve

COOPERATION OF THE STATE AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TO COUNTERACT SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES

ABSTRACT: Aim: The main purpose of the article is to determine the scope of cooperation between the Catholic Church and the state in counteracting social pathologies on the basis of selected social problems. Methods: The work mainly uses the dogmatic-legal method. Additionally, an analysis of the literature on the subject and case law was carried out. Results: The Catholic Church undertakes a number of activities to counteract social pathologies in various areas. For this purpose, activities are undertaken both independently and as a co-participant in combating pathology together with the state. Conclusion: Due to their source, both entities are obliged to act actively in counteracting all forms of social pathologies. There is no exhaustive catalog of spheres of activity of cooperation between the state and the Church. Originality: The scope of cooperation between the state and churches and other religious associations has been analyzed many times in the literature on the subject. However, the constant evolution of social problems, as well as the implementation of new solutions by the state, which also affect the reactions of the Catholic Church, require a return to the topic in order to verify the applicable legal status. Keywords: social pathologies; mission of the Catholic Church; cooperation between the state and the Catholic Church; assistance of the Catholic Church to the state; common good; counteracting sexual crime; principle of cooperation; state-church relations

OBITUARY: Arnold Clemens Ap: His West Papuan legacy lives on

Arnold Clemens Ap was born on 1 July 1946 on Numfor Island in Biak, at the time, part of the Dutch colony of Netherlands New Guinea. After schooling at church missions in Biak, he studied geography at the Teacher Training School of Cenderawasih University in Abepura, Jayapura, between 1967 and 1973. That year, he was appointed as the curator of the university’s museum, known as Loka Budaya, which became a centre for West Papuan cultural revival. His work to collect and perform songs in Papuan languages played a vital role in the development of a West Papuan national identity, transcending colonial boundaries and inter-tribal conflicts. He was murdered by Indonesian special forces in 1984. This year, 26 April 2024, marked the 40th anniversary of the death of this charismatic cultural leader. For West Papuans, in exile and at home, it has been an important time for commemoration.