RERUM: Journal of Biblical Practice

FOLLOWING THE SUFFERING MESSIAH: AN EXEGESIS OF MARK 8:27–33 AND A CRITIQUE OF THE THEOLOGY OF GLORY IN THE CONTEMPORARY CHURCH

2026-02-27T04:02:17+00:00

Abstract
This study examines the concept of the suffering Messiah in Mark 8:27–33 as a corrective to the theology of glory prevalent in contemporary churches. The central problem addressed is the tendency of Christian communities to confess Jesus as the Messiah while neglecting or rejecting suffering as an essential dimension of His identity and mission. The purpose of this research is to provide an exegetical interpretation of Mark 8:27–33 and to explore its theological and practical implications for contemporary Christian discipleship. The study employs a grammatical-historical exegetical method, incorporating historical context, narrative structure, textual criticism, and grammatical-lexical analysis of the Greek New Testament text. The findings demonstrate that Mark intentionally presents Peter’s confession and Jesus’ prediction of suffering as a theological turning point in the Gospel, correcting messianic expectations shaped by triumphalism. The suffering of the Messiah is portrayed as a divine necessity (???) within God’s redemptive plan rather than a failure of mission. Consequently, following Christ entails taking one’s place behind Him on the path of the cross. This study concludes that Mark 8:27–33 offers a significant theological critique of the theology of glory and reaffirms a model of discipleship grounded in the cross, obedience, and faithfulness amid suffering.

Abstrak
Penelitian ini membahas pemahaman tentang Mesias yang menderita dalam Markus 8:27–33 sebagai koreksi terhadap teologi kemuliaan yang berkembang dalam gereja masa kini. Masalah utama yang dikaji adalah kecenderungan gereja dan jemaat untuk mengakui Yesus sebagai Mesias, tetapi menolak atau mengabaikan dimensi penderitaan sebagai bagian integral dari identitas dan misi-Nya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menafsirkan secara eksegetis perikop Markus 8:27–33 serta menyingkapkan implikasi teologis dan praktisnya bagi pemuridan Kristen kontemporer. Metode yang digunakan adalah eksegesis gramatikal-historis dengan menganalisis konteks historis, struktur naratif, data tekstual, serta aspek gramatikal dan leksikal teks Yunani Perjanjian Baru. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Markus secara sengaja menempatkan pengakuan Petrus dan nubuat penderitaan Yesus sebagai titik balik teologis Injil, guna meluruskan ekspektasi mesianik yang berorientasi pada kemuliaan. Penderitaan Mesias dinyatakan sebagai keharusan ilahi (???) dalam rencana Allah, bukan sebagai kegagalan misi. Dengan demikian, mengikuti Kristus berarti bersedia berjalan di belakang-Nya dalam jalan salib. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa Markus 8:27–33 memberikan koreksi teologis yang signifikan terhadap teologi kemuliaan dan menegaskan kembali pemuridan yang berakar pada salib, ketaatan, dan kesetiaan di tengah penderitaan.

ETIKA KEPEMIMPINAN DAUD DALAM 1 TAWARIKH 29:10-13: KAJIAN EKSEGETIS DAN RELEVANSINYA BAGI KEPEMIMPINAN KONTEMPORER

2026-02-25T07:13:54+00:00

Abstract
This study explores the ethical leadership principles derived from the Book of 1 Chronicles, focusing on the examples of leadership portrayed in the text. The background of the problem lies in the contemporary challenges faced by leaders in both public and private sectors, where ethical dilemmas frequently arise. The objective of this research is to identify and analyze the spiritual and moral values of leadership in 1 Chronicles and their applicability in modern leadership contexts. The methodology employed includes hermeneutic analysis and literature review, examining relevant biblical texts and contemporary leadership theories. The findings suggest that the values of humility, accountability, and service exemplified in 1 Chronicles can significantly enhance ethical leadership practices today. This research contributes to the discourse on leadership ethics by providing practical insights for contemporary leaders grounded in timeless spiritual principles.

Abstrak
Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi prinsip-prinsip etika kepemimpinan yang diambil dari Kitab 1 Tawarikh, dengan fokus pada contoh-contoh kepemimpinan yang ditampilkan dalam teks. Latar belakang masalah terletak pada tantangan kontemporer yang dihadapi oleh para pemimpin di sektor publik dan swasta, di mana dilema etika sering muncul. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis nilai-nilai spiritual dan moral dalam kepemimpinan yang terdapat dalam 1 Tawarikh dan penerapannya dalam konteks kepemimpinan modern. Metodologi yang digunakan meliputi analisis hermeneutik dan tinjauan literatur, dengan mengkaji teks-teks alkitabiah yang relevan dan teori kepemimpinan kontemporer. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa nilai-nilai kerendahan hati, akuntabilitas, dan pelayanan yang dicontohkan dalam 1 Tawarikh dapat secara signifikan meningkatkan praktik etika kepemimpinan saat ini. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi pada diskursus etika kepemimpinan dengan menawarkan wawasan praktis bagi pemimpin masa kini yang berlandaskan pada prinsip-prinsip spiritual yang abadi.

INTEGRASI BIBLIOTHERAPY DAN JOURNALING DALAM PENDAMPINGAN PASTORAL REFLEKTIF BAGI REMAJA KRISTEN DALAM MENJALANI PACARAN

2026-02-27T03:56:26+00:00

Abstract
Dating among Christian adolescents remains a complex challenge in pastoral care, often addressed through moralistic approaches that lack reflective depth. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of reflective pastoral counseling through the integration of bibliotherapy and journaling as creative, faith-based methods. Using a qualitative descriptive approach grounded in library research, the study synthesizes scholarly literature published between 2020 and 2025 in the fields of pastoral theology, adolescent psychology, and spiritual formation. The analysis reveals that bibliotherapy functions as a dialogical bridge between scriptural values and relational experiences, while journaling serves as a safe space for emotional regulation and spiritual self-reflection. The proposed model consists of three integrated stages: guided engagement with faith-based texts, reflective journaling as a spiritual discipline, and non-directive pastoral dialogue. This conceptual framework offers churches a theologically grounded yet psychologically informed alternative to moralistic counseling, fostering character formation and responsible relational maturity among Christian youth. Designed for practical implementation, the model requires future empirical validation through field-based trials.

Abstrak
Pacaran remaja Kristen masih menjadi tantangan kompleks dalam pelayanan pastoral, yang sering kali direspons melalui pendekatan moralistik tanpa kedalaman reflektif. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan model konseptual pendampingan pastoral reflektif melalui integrasi biblioterapi dan penjurnalan sebagai metode kreatif berbasis iman. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif berbasis studi pustaka, penelitian ini mensintesis literatur ilmiah yang terbit antara tahun 2020 dan 2025 dalam bidang teologi pastoral, psikologi remaja, dan formasi spiritual. Analisis menunjukkan bahwa biblioterapi berfungsi sebagai jembatan dialogis antara nilai-nilai Alkitabiah dan pengalaman relasional, sedangkan penjurnalan berperan sebagai ruang aman bagi regulasi emosi dan refleksi spiritual diri. Model yang diusulkan terdiri atas tiga tahap terintegrasi: keterlibatan terpandu dengan teks berbasis iman, penjurnalan reflektif sebagai disiplin spiritual, dan dialog pastoral non-direktif. Kerangka konseptual ini menawarkan kepada jemaat suatu alternatif yang berakar pada teologi namun peka secara psikologis terhadap konseling moralistik, sehingga mendorong formasi karakter dan kedewasaan relasional yang bertanggung jawab di kalangan remaja Kristen. Model ini dirancang untuk penerapan praktis dan memerlukan validasi empiris lebih lanjut melalui uji coba lapangan.

Pastoral, Bukan Spekulatif: Resepsi Historis-Teologis Martin Luther atas Predestinasi

2026-02-25T07:31:57+00:00

Abstract
The doctrine of predestination is often trapped in speculative misconceptions that reduce its depth to merely a Calvinist theological framework. This article aims to critically analyze the concept of predestination in the theology of Martin Luther and to trace the patterns of its reception and reinterpretation within the Calvinist tradition, the English Reformation, and Lutheran churches in Indonesia, with particular focus on Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP). Using a historical-theological method through literature study, this research demonstrates that, for Luther, predestination is not a rigid deterministic doctrine, but rather a logical consequence of the teaching of justification by faith and the radicality of God’s grace (Sola Gratia). The findings reveal significant differentiation in its reception: the Calvinist tradition develops it in a systematic-dogmatic manner, whereas Lutheran churches, including HKBP, position it as a source of consolation for the anxious soul. The primary contribution of this study is to reaffirm Luther’s predestination as a contextual pastoral theological category, while distinguishing it from the more normative and speculative doctrinal formulations within its recipient traditions. This study concludes that predestination, from a Lutheran perspective, functions as an anchor of assurance of faith, affirming that salvation is entirely secure in the hands of the faithful God, rather than in the fragility of human will.

Abstrak
Doktrin predestinasi sering kali terjebak dalam miskonsepsi spekulatif yang mereduksi kedalamannya hanya pada kerangka teologi Calvinis. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis secara kritis konsep predestinasi dalam teologi Martin Luther serta menelusuri pola penerimaan dan reinterpretasinya dalam tradisi Calvinis, Reformasi Inggris, dan gereja Lutheran di Indonesia, dengan fokus pada Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP). Menggunakan metode historis-teologis melalui studi kepustakaan, penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa predestinasi bagi Luther bukanlah doktrin deterministik yang kaku, melainkan konsekuensi logis dari ajaran pembenaran oleh iman dan radikalitas anugerah Allah (Sola Gratia). Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan adanya diferensiasi signifikan dalam resepsinya: tradisi Calvinis mengembangkannya secara sistematis-dogmatis, sementara gereja-gereja Lutheran, termasuk HKBP, menempatkannya sebagai sumber penghiburan bagi jiwa yang gelisah. Kontribusi utama penelitian ini adalah menegaskan kembali predestinasi Luther sebagai kategori teologis pastoral yang kontekstual, sekaligus membedakannya dari perumusan doktrin yang lebih normatif dan spekulatif dalam tradisi-tradisi reseptornya. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa predestinasi dalam perspektif Lutheran merupakan jangkar kepastian iman yang memastikan keselamatan sepenuhnya aman di tangan Allah yang setia, bukan dalam rapuhnya kehendak manusia.

YOUTH SPIRITUALITY AND THE INFLUENCE OF CHURCH TEACHING IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL DISRUPTION: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS

2026-02-25T08:20:07+00:00

Abstract
This paper is a research conducted to find out how the church can implement its role in influencing the church's teaching on the spirituality of youth when facing an era of disruption. This research also aims to delve deeper into how youth spirituality in the church when entering the Era of Disruption, and it also aims to explore further the factors in youth understanding related to the growth of youth spirituality in the current Disruption period. Using a qualitative research method involving several resource persons who were youth from various churches, the approach was carried out in the form of interviews. The results obtained are that church youth have awareness of the challenges that occur in the present, technology itself can be a tool for the growth of spirituality if used very wisely, this also sees that contextual ministry is very effective in shaping the character and faith of youth, it is also seen that youth spirituality will not be separated from the dynamics of the times, but can still grow through various meaningful services.

Abstrak
Tulisan ini merupakan sebuah penelitian yang dilakukan guna untuk mencari tahu bagaimana gereja dapat mengimplementasikan perannya dalam memberikan pengaruh akan pengajaran gereja tentang spiritualitas para pemuda ketika menghadapi era disrupsi. Penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk menggali lebih dalam mengenai bagaimana spiritualitas pemuda dalam gereja ketika memasuki Era Disrupsi, serta hal ini juga bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi lebih jauh mengenai faktor-faktor dalam pemahaman pemuda terkait dari pertumbuhan spiritualitas pemuda di masa Disrupsi saat ini. Dengan menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif yang melibatkan beberapa narasumber yang merupakan pemuda/I yang berasal dari berbagai gereja, pendekatan dilakukan dalam bentuk wawancara. Hasil yang diperoleh bahwa pemuda gereja memiliki kesadaran akan tantangan yang terjadi di masa sekarang, teknologi sendiri dapat menjadi alat pertumbuhan spiritualitas jika digunakan dengan sangat bijak, hal ini juga melihat bahwa pelayanan yang kontekstual sangat efektif dalam membentuk karakter dan iman pemuda, hal ini juga dilihat bahwa spiritualitas pemuda tidak akan terlepas dari dinamika zaman, namun tetap dapat bertumbuh melalui berbagai pelayanan yang bermakna.

PERAN GURU PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH PERTAMA YADIKA 8 JATIMULYA

2026-03-03T03:31:51+00:00

Abstract
This study aims to analyze the role of Christian Religious Education teachers in improving student learning outcomes at Yadika 8 Jatimulya Secondary School. The main issue identified is that some teachers tend to focus solely on cognitive aspects, while the integration of faith formation, character development, and exemplary living has not been fully realized. This condition affects student learning outcomes, which remain suboptimal across the domains of knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The research employed a qualitative method, with questionnaires used as supporting instruments to strengthen the data. The findings reveal that Christian Religious Education teachers at Yadika 8 Jatimulya Secondary School have carried out their roles effectively, as perceived by the students. Teachers arrive on time, prepare materials thoroughly, communicate learning objectives clearly, and use language that is easy to understand, enabling students to grasp the lessons quickly. In conclusion, Christian Religious Education teachers are required not only to deliver knowledge but also to serve as role models of faith and character for students, thereby enhancing learning outcomes across knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

Abstrak
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik di Sekolah Menengah Pertama Yadika 8 Jatimulya. Permasalahan yang muncul adalah masih terdapat guru yang cenderung berfokus pada aspek kognitif semata, sehingga pembentukan iman, karakter, dan keteladanan hidup belum sepenuhnya terintegrasi. Kondisi ini berdampak pada Pendidikan Agama Kristen pada hasil belajar peserta didik yang belum optimal, baik dalam ranah pengetahuan, sikap, maupun keterampilan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan kuesioner sebagai instrumen pendukung untuk memperkuat data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen di Sekolah Menengah Pertama Yadika 8 Jatimulya telah menjalankan peran secara baik dan nyata dirasakan oleh peserta didik. Guru hadir tepat waktu, menyiapkan materi dengan matang, menyampaikan tujuan pembelajaran secara jelas, serta menggunakan bahasa yang mudah dipahami sehingga siswa cepat menangkap isi pelajaran. Kesimpulannya, guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen dituntut tidak hanya menyampaikan pengetahuan, tetapi juga menjadi teladan iman dan karakter bagi peserta didik, sehingga hasil belajar dapat meningkat secara menyeluruh pada aspek pengetahuan, sikap, dan keterampilan.

CONSTRUCTING A CHRISTOCENTRIC LIQUID CHURCH: A SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF LIQUID ECCLESIOLOGY ENGAGEMENT WITH HUMANISM IN THE MILLENIAL ERA

2026-03-03T08:35:23+00:00

Abstract
This paper departs from the phenomenon of increasingly fluid patterns of church attendance, marked by digitalization and demands for cultural relevance. Its main objective is to construct a Christocentric ecclesiology through a critical reading of Pete Ward's concept of the liquid church. Using literature study and systematic theological analysis methods, this research shows that the integration of Christocentric ecclesiology and fluid ecclesiology produces the principle of a church that is “missionary in its fluidity” through digital networks and flexible relationships, but “dense in its Christocentric, doctrine, and sacraments,” so that liquidity does not turn into a spiritual market, but rather becomes a dynamic pilgrimage of faith for the church. This study emphasizes that the church needs to develop contextual theology and ministry models that are firmly rooted in Christ in facing the millennial era.

Abstrak
Tulisan ini berangkat dari fenomena perubahan pola menggereja yang semakin cair, ditandai dengan digitalisasi dan tuntutan relevansi budaya. Tujuan utamanya adalah mengkonstruksi eklesiologi Kristosentris melalui pembacaan kritis terhadap konsep liquid church yang ditawarkan Pete Ward. Dengan menggunakan metode studi literatur dan analisis teologi sistematika, penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa intergrasi eklesiologi Kristosentris dan eklesiologi cair menghasilkan prinsip gereja yang “cair secara misioner” melalui jejaring digital dan relasi yang flekibel, tetapi “padat secara Kristosentris, doktrinal, dan sakramental,” sehingga likuiditas tidak berubah menjadi pasar rohani, melainkan menjadi dinamika penziarahan iman bagi gereja. Penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa gereja perlu mengembangkan teologi dan model pelayanan yang kontekstual sekaligus berakar kuat kepada Kristus dalam menghadapi era millenial.

KAJIAN KRITIS TERHADAP TEORI SUMBER-SUMBER: TINJAUAN JULIUS WELHAUSEN (DOCUMENTARY HYPOTHESIS)

2026-03-09T06:30:37+00:00

The Pentateuch contains the first five books in the Old Testament, namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. These five books, according to the view of the layman, especially by the Batak, are written by Moses because indirectly the Bible (the Bible in Batak) writes the name of this book with 1 Moses to 5 Moses. The research method is carried out through the descriptive qualitative method, namely with literature, both through journals and even books written by Julius Wellhausen himself and not forgetting the books of other theologians. These five books were not only written by Moses but according to Julius Wellhausen there are five groups in the writing of this book, namely Yahwis (Y), Elohis (E), Deuteronomists (D), and Priests (P) where this plays a role in the process of canonization of these five books which lasts even centuries until the Pentateuch itself is formed.

CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: CHALENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS OF THE HKBP SILALAHI CHURCH

2026-02-27T06:10:40+00:00

Abstract
The development of digital technology has brought significant changes in the way humans interact, communicate, and form social identities, including among teenagers and young people in the church. Amid this digital globalization, the church is challenged to reinterpret its calling contextually to remain relevant to the younger generation. This paper aims to analyze contextual theology in the digital era, specifically in the context of youth ministry at the HKBP Silalahi Church. This study uses a qualitative-descriptive approach with interviews with ten teenagers and young people of HKBP Silalahi as the primary source, complemented by a review of theological and sociological literature from books and scientific journals. The results show that digitalization opens up significant opportunities for the church to expand its ministry and deepen faith relationships through social media, creative content, and virtual spaces. However, on the other hand, challenges also arise in the form of spiritual disturbance, decreased commitment to physical worship, and a crisis of faith identity due to exposure to secular values that dominate the virtual world. Therefore, the church needs to develop a contextual theology strategy that places Christ at the center of the digital lives of teenagers and young people, through faith training, digital literacy, and a participatory ministry model. Through theological reflection and interviews, this study concludes that HKBP Silalahi's youth ministry in the digital era requires a creative and collaborative approach grounded in deep theological understanding. The HKBP Silalahi Church can serve as an example of a contextual ministry model that combines Batak faith traditions and digital innovation to foster faithfulness to the Gospel in this new era.

Abstrak
Perkembangan teknologi digital telah membawa perubahan signifikan dalam cara manusia berinteraksi, berkomunikasi, dan membentuk identitas sosial, termasuk di kalangan remaja dan pemuda gereja. Di tengah arus globalisasi digital ini, gereja ditantang untuk memaknai ulang tugas panggilannya secara kontekstual agar tetap relevan bagi generasi muda. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis teologi kontekstual di era digital, khususnya dalam konteks pelayanan remaja dan pemuda di Gereja HKBP Silalahi. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif-deskriptif dengan wawancara terhadap sepuluh remaja dan pemuda HKBP Silalahi sebagai sumber utama, dilengkapi dengan kajian literatur teologis dan sosiologis dari buku serta jurnal ilmiah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa digitalisasi membuka peluang besar bagi gereja dalam memperluas pelayanan dan memperdalam relasi iman melalui media sosial, konten kreatif, dan ruang virtual. Namun, di sisi lain, muncul pula tantangan berupa distraksi spiritual, penurunan komitmen ibadah fisik, serta krisis identitas iman akibat paparan nilai-nilai sekular yang mendominasi dunia maya. Oleh karena itu, gereja perlu mengembangkan strategi teologi kontekstual yang menempatkan Kristus sebagai pusat kehidupan digital remaja pemuda, dengan menekankan pembinaan iman, literasi digital, dan model pelayanan yang partisipatif. Melalui refleksi teologis dan hasil wawancara, penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pelayanan remaja dan pemuda HKBP Silalahi di era digital membutuhkan pendekatan yang kreatif, kolaboratif, dan berbasis pada pemahaman teologis yang mendalam. Gereja HKBP Silalahi dapat menjadi contoh model pelayanan kontekstual yang memadukan tradisi iman Batak dan inovasi digital demi mewujudkan kesetiaan kepada Injil di zaman baru ini.

Hierarchical and Polycentric Leadership in the Church on Congregation Participation

2026-02-27T06:23:21+00:00

Abstract
The church leadership structure is a critical factor influencing congregational involvement. The traditional hierarchical model, which centers on a single authoritative figure, is now widely questioned for its effectiveness in empowering the active participation of all members of the body of Christ. As an alternative, a polycentric (distributed) leadership model that distributes authority based on gifts and functions is increasingly being adopted. However, claims regarding the relative effectiveness of the two models in encouraging congregational participation require systematic study. This study uses a qualitative comparative literature review method. The primary data sources consist of scientific journal articles. The analysis was conducted thematically to identify, compare, and synthesize findings regarding the definition, implementation, and impact of each model on indicators of congregational participation. The study reveals fundamental differences in the philosophy and impact of the two models. Hierarchical leadership tends to create efficiency in decision-making and maintain doctrinal stability, but often limits participation to the implementation of predetermined programs. Conversely, polycentric leadership is significantly more effective in encouraging initiative, creativity, and a sense of ownership among congregations toward ministry. Its success depends heavily on a culture of mutual trust, a clear disciplinary system, and a commitment to nurturing gifts. However, the polycentric model also faces challenges such as potential conflict, slow decision-making, and the need for more intensive coordination. This study concludes that there is no “one size fits all” model. Hierarchical leadership may remain relevant in contexts that require high stability and uniformity, while polycentric leadership excels in building empowering and adaptive communities. The practical implication for the church is the need for a contextual hybrid leadership design that takes the principle of gift distribution from the polycentric model without completely disregarding the clarity of accountability from hierarchical structures. Further research is needed to explore this hybrid model in various denominational and cultural settings.