VISIO DEI: JURNAL TEOLOGI KRISTEN

Innovation in Family Ministry

2025-06-26T13:27:17+00:00

The separation of worship between parents and children in church has a positive side, namely allowing teaching to be adjusted to the developmental level of each age. However, this separation also has an inappropriate impact, because it reduces spiritual interaction in the family and weakens the role of parents as role models of faith. The available parenting programs are generally cognitive in nature and are not accompanied by practical guidance in building the family's spiritual life. As a result, children often do not see the direct application of faith in the household, which is not in line with the principles in Deuteronomy 6:6–7. This study aims to identify challenges in family ministry and formulate integrative strategies. The methods used are literature studies and conceptual analysis of existing practices. The results of the study indicate that family-based ministry has a positive impact on children's faith growth and parental involvement. Three main strategies are proposed: Cross-Generational Worship, Family Devotion through home-based cell groups, and Applicable Spiritual Mentoring. These strategies help the church form spiritually intact families and produce generations rooted in God's word.

The Relationship Between Shared Meals and Symbolic Burden in House Worship

2025-06-26T13:27:16+00:00

This study explores church members’ participation in household worship, particularly the relationship between economic conditions and social customs surrounding hospitality practices. The research was conducted at Syalom Kantaman Congregation in Banggai Kepulauan, Central Sulawesi. The study aims to examine whether economic conditions influence members’ readiness to host home worship services and whether the habit of providing meals acts as a moderating factor. A quantitative method with a survey approach was employed. The sample consisted of 30 purposively selected active church members. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using simple linear regression and moderation analysis via SPSS. The findings show that economic conditions do not significantly affect members’ readiness. However, when the habit of providing meals is included as a moderating variable, the influence of economic conditions becomes statistically more apparent. The study concludes that social pressure stemming from hospitality norms plays a more substantial role than economic realities in shaping participation. These findings highlight the need for more contextual and liberating pastoral and liturgical approaches.

An Exploration of Batak Spirituality Among the Younger Generation in the Digital Era Through a Cultural Approach

2025-06-27T22:52:08+00:00

Batak spirituality in the digital era is undergoing significant challenges and transformations in meaning, especially among the younger generation. This spirituality is deeply rooted in belief in God, reverence for ancestors, and harmony with nature. This study aims to explore how young people understand and implement Batak spirituality within the context of digital culture, as well as how these transformations affect the sustainability of cultural values. The research employs a qualitative approach with observation and in-depth interviews involving ten informants representing Generations Z, X, and Baby Boomers. Data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns in the intergenerational interpretation of spirituality. The findings reveal that younger generations tend to integrate Batak spiritual values into Christian religiosity while maintaining cultural symbols as a form of identity. The digital era offers new opportunities for preserving spiritual values, but it also poses risks of symbolic dilution and loss of context. Thus, Batak spirituality today does not disappear but adapts in form to remain relevant in contemporary life.

Integration of Christian Values in Government

2025-06-26T13:27:14+00:00

This article explores the challenges of applying Christian values within governmental leadership and their impact on the quality of democracy and national diversity. The purpose of this study is to formulate relevant Christian values and integrate them into the context of Indonesia’s public administration. Using a normative-theological and qualitative-descriptive approach, the research analyzes theological and biblical literature, conceptual frameworks, governmental practices, and comparative studies. The findings highlight several core values — including love, justice, integrity, humility, service, and moral responsibility — that can form the foundation of a servant leadership model for government. In conclusion, integrating these Christian values into governmental leadership offers a transformative approach, strengthening democratic practices and restoring public trust through service, justice, and integrity as guiding principles for leaders.

Fathers’ Participation in Church Worship

2025-06-26T13:27:12+00:00

The low participation of fathers in worship services is a phenomenon observed in many local churches, including in the Getsemani Lempek Congregation. Observations show that many fathers rarely or never attend worship services, whether in church or other fellowship activities. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to the low participation of fathers in worship at the Getsemani Lempek Congregation. The study employed a quantitative method with a descriptive survey approach. The research population consisted of all fathers in the congregation, totaling 27 individuals, selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire with a four-point Likert scale, validated by expert review and tested for reliability using Cronbach's Alpha (>0.70). Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS. The results indicate that the main factors causing low participation include heavy work burdens, a sense of underappreciation in worship roles, and family responsibilities that indirectly affect attendance. Other factors such as economic burden, family support, and daily busyness showed lower levels of influence. The study concludes that low participation is closely related to occupational burdens and the weak spiritual awareness of fathers as family leaders, indicating the need for targeted spiritual formation, practical service opportunities, and personal pastoral approaches to enhance their engagement.

Jesus’ Mentoring Model in Mark’s Gospel for Sustainable Local Church Leadership

2025-06-28T13:35:28+00:00

Sustainable church leadership is a pressing challenge for many local congregations amid rapid social and technological changes. The core issue addressed in this study is the absence of a structured mentoring strategy for nurturing prospective spiritual leaders, resulting in stagnation within the church’s leadership pipeline. The purpose of this study is to develop a leadership mentoring model based on Jesus Christ’s discipleship pattern as depicted in the Gospel of Mark, providing a relevant and applicable framework for local church contexts. The study employs a Research and Development (R&D) approach combined with exegetical analysis of Mark 1:16–20, 3:13–19, 6:7–13, and 16:15–18. The data were collected through a systematic review of biblical texts, and analyzed exegetically to identify the key stages and dynamics of Jesus’ mentoring of the disciples. The results reveal four distinct phases of the mentoring process: a divine call, character formation, active ministry engagement, and commissioning for global mission. In conclusion, these findings form the basis for the LEAD (Locate, Empower, Act, Deploy) mentoring model, offering a structured and practical approach for local churches to cultivate spiritually mature leaders who are both mission-ready and capable of reproducing this discipleship process across generations.

Historical Traces and Influence of the Nestorian Church in Indonesia on the Development of Christianity in Asia

2025-06-28T13:35:10+00:00

This study examines the role of the Nestorian Church in the spread of Christianity in Indonesia and its impact on the development of Christianity in Asia. The main issue explored is the historical traces of the Nestorian Church in Indonesia, particularly in the port of Barus, and its influence on the growth of Christianity in Asia. The aim of this research is to explore the history of the Nestorian Church in Indonesia and Asia, as well as identify their cultural and social contributions. The research uses a qualitative approach with a historical method, where data is obtained through literature study from primary and secondary sources, and analyzed using content analysis. The findings reveal that, despite their limited influence in Indonesia, the Nestorian Church played an important role in introducing Christianity through trade routes, especially in China and Indonesia. In conclusion, while facing challenges and limited impact, the Nestorian Church made a significant contribution to the spread of Christianity in Asia, with social and cultural effects that warrant further attention.

The Spirituality of Ina na Marsahala and the Existence of Batak Women

2025-06-28T13:34:53+00:00

This study examines the concept of Ina na Marsahala as a cultural-theological representation of Batak women’s spirituality and character within the framework of contextual theology. The central research question explores how the values of sahala—understood as the integration of spiritual depth, moral excellence, and personal integrity—are embodied in the lived experiences of Batak women in their families, communities, and church life. The study was conducted in a Batak community in Pematangsiantar and involved nine participants, including two key informants who have long-standing roles in Batak religious and cultural life. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews, then analyzed thematically and validated through triangulation. The research identified six core values that define the Ina na Marsahala identity: Sitiop Puro, Soripada, Parsonduk Bolon, Parsangkalan na so ra mahiang, Partataring na so ra mintop, and Parbahulbahul na Bolon. These values reflect a form of incarnational spirituality and ethical leadership that is deeply rooted in everyday practices. Ultimately, the study concludes that Ina na Marsahala provides a strong theological foundation for contextual feminist theology—one that is both rooted in indigenous wisdom and aligned with the vision of transformative Christian ministry among Batak communities.