Journal Of Spirituality And Practical Theology

Gaya Penginjilan Kristen Progresif: Tantangan Bagi Usaha Penginjilan Kristen Konservatif

Ayub Sugiharto — 2026-01-31

The phenomenon of progressive Christianity has become a serious concern within Indonesian Christianity because it introduces theological perspectives and evangelistic practices that differ from conservative Christian traditions, particularly regarding the exclusive understanding of salvation. This article formulates the following research questions: how is the evangelistic style of progressive Christianity developed, and why does it pose a challenge to conservative Christian evangelism? The urgency of this study lies in the church’s need to respond to shifts in evangelistic approaches that are increasingly contextual and socially oriented. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method through the analysis of theological literature. The findings indicate that progressive Christianity promotes a holistic model of evangelism that emphasizes relationships, dialogue, and social justice, with minimal emphasis on personal conversion. In conclusion, conservative Christian evangelism needs to formulate contextual strategies without obscuring the core message of the Gospel. This study recommends strengthening theological foundations while cultivating social sensitivity in evangelistic practice.

Efektivitas Layanan Konseling Pastoral Online dalam Menangani Kecemasan dan Depresi pada Pemuda Gereja

Delvie Mangeghong — 2026-01-31

This study examines the effectiveness of online pastoral counseling in addressing anxiety and depression among church youth within the context of digital life and contemporary psychosocial challenges. Online pastoral counseling is conceptualized as a contextual practice of pastoral theology that integrates Christian faith values with digital communication technologies. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study analyzes the experiences of church youth who participated in online pastoral counseling as well as the perspectives of pastoral counselors involved in the mentoring process. The findings indicate that online pastoral counseling contributes significantly to helping youth manage anxiety and depression through empathetic, reflective, and Christ-centered guidance. Key factors supporting its effectiveness include accessibility, a sense of psychological safety, and continuity of pastoral relationships. Furthermore, the study highlights the complementary role of digital pastoral practices and digital faith literacy as meaningful spaces for human–divine encounters. The study underscores the importance of pastoral ethics, counselor competence, and the integration of authentic spirituality to ensure that online pastoral counseling remains theologically sound and pastorally responsible.

Penggembalaan sebagai Manifestasi Agape dalam Pemenuhan Kasih kepada Kristus: Kajian Teologis St. Yohanes Krisostomos

Hendi Hendi — 2026-01-31

This article explores the concept of pastoral ministry as the highest expression of agape (divine love) in St. John Chrysostom's work, On the Priesthood. Unlike interpretations that tend to view pastoral ministry as a managerial function, Chrysostom emphasizes the ontological and eschatological dimensions of the priestly vocation. This study comprehensively analyzes Chrysostom's key arguments linking the willingness to shepherd Christ's flock with the pinnacle of love for Him, and how the responsibility of the priesthood demands moral and spiritual qualities that surpass individual virtue. The article argues that Chrysostom not only presents a pastoral ideal but also offers a sharp critique of formalism and ambition in ecclesiastical leadership, which remains relevant today. Thus, this research is expected to provide new insights into the enduring relevance of Chrysostom's thought in forming spiritual leadership grounded in true agape.

Participation in ICARE Fellowship and Congregational Faith Quality at the International Full Gospel Fellowship Ungaran: A Correlational Study

Hizkia Novihandy Daniast Susilo — 2026-01-31

Amid the growing individualization of faith in contemporary church practice, the formative effectiveness of small-group fellowship is increasingly questioned and remains underexplored through empirical inquiry. This study critically examines the ICARE Fellowship as a relational discipleship model and its impact on congregational faith quality at the International Full Gospel Fellowship (IFGF) Ungaran. Employing a quantitative correlational design with 40 active participants, the study analyzes levels of fellowship participation, faith quality, and the functional relationship between the two using Pearson correlation and linear regression. The findings reveal a very strong and statistically significant positive relationship, with participation in ICARE Fellowship accounting for more than two-thirds of the variance in congregational faith quality. These results challenge individualistic paradigms of spiritual formation and affirm that relational, community-based discipleship constitutes a theologically grounded and empirically validated locus for sustainable faith development within contemporary Christian communities.

Comparative Study of the Concept of Death according to Seneca and Paul

Bonnarty Silalahi — 2026-01-31

Death holds a central place in philosophical and theological reflection and remains a major source of contemporary anxiety, especially within Christian spirituality and pastoral theology. This article compares Seneca’s Stoic understanding of death with Paul’s early Christian vision, focusing on their conceptual frameworks and consolatory strategies. Using qualitative, library-based research, it analyzes Seneca’s De brevitate vitae, Epistulae morales, and selected tragedies alongside key Pauline texts (1 Corinthians 15; Romans 5–8; Philippians 1:21–23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). The comparison is structured around four themes: the ontology of death, eschatology, the constitution of the subject, and modes of consolation. Seneca presents death as a morally neutral and cosmically necessary reality within the order of logos, functioning as philosophical therapy through meditatio mortis and exemplary deaths. Paul, by contrast, depicts death as the enemy and the “wages of sin,” transformed by Christ’s resurrection and communal eschatological hope. These contrasting models offer distinct resources for addressing death anxiety and pastoral care today.