Observing the Christian Year as a Means of Facilitating Spiritual Growth

2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-233
Author(s):  
C. Edward Shepard
Keyword(s):  
Spiritual Growth ◽  
Faith Formation ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Church

Observing the Christian year in the life and worship of the church facilitates spiritual growth and faith formation in the lives of the participants. This article initially speaks briefly about the Christian year and how it provides a framework for recounting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—the Gospel story. The Christian year provides an opportunity for presenting the core doctrinal beliefs of the Christian faith. Secondly, drawing from the scriptures, spiritual growth is defined as becoming like Christ—“to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom 8:29). Finally, the author presents ways that observing the Christian calendar has provided a means of spiritual growth for the congregation in which the author serves.

Mengkaji Bahaya Sinkretisme dalam Konteks Gereja

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-54
Author(s):  
Yesri E. Talan
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Jesus Christ ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Spiritual Growth ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
Absolute Truth ◽  
In Christ ◽  
True Knowledge ◽  
The Church

Syncretism is not just phenomenology in the church but is a real and serious problem. Syncretism is a mixture of Christian faith and culture that results in the congregation losing its identity as a believer, blurred beliefs and do not have absolute truth. Syncretism in the church is a real and serious problem in the life of the church because it negatively impacts spiritual growth.The church cannot grow in true knowledge about Jesus Christ because of the dualism of belief, so Jesus Christ is not the only way of truth and life. The method used in this paper is theological qualitative research. Qualitative is a research method that emphasizes an in-depth understanding of a problem with the process of observation and interview. Conducting literature review and exposition of verses related to the discussion material. This research is descriptive. The results obtained are found the danger of syncretism to the church, namely: the absence of absolute truth in Christ because of the dualism that affects the spiritual growth of the church. Abstrak Sinkretisme bukan hanya fenomenologi di gereja tetapi menjadi masalah nyata dan serius. Sinkretisme adalah percampuran antara iman Kristen dengan budaya yang mengakibatkan jemaat kehilangan identitasnya sebagai orang percaya, kepercayaannya kabur dan tidak memiliki kebenaran absolut. Sinkretisme adalah masalah serius dalam kehidupan gereja karena memiliki dampak negatif pada pertumbuhan rohani. Gereja tidak dapat bertumbuh dalam pengenalan yang benar akan Yesus Kristus karena dualisme kepercayaan, sehingga Yesus Kristus bukanlah satu-satunya jalan kebenaran dan kehidupan. Metode yang dipakai dalam peulisan ini adalah kualitatif teologi. Kualitatif adalah metode penelitian yang menekankan pada suatu pemahaman secara mendalam terhadap suatu masalah dengan proses observasi dan wawancara. Melakukan kajian pustaka dan eksposisi ayat-ayat yang berkaitan dengan materi pembahasan. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif. Hasil yang diperoleh adalah ditemukan adanya bahaya sinkretisme terhadap jemaat, yaitu: tidak adanya kebenaran mutlak di dalam Kritus karena adanya dualisme yang mempengaruhi pertumbuhan rohani jemaat.

scholarly journals Justice and Demonstration of Christian Principles: Why churchgoers support Fair Trade

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (8) ◽  
pp. 348-357
Author(s):  
Mark Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Fair Trade ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Face ◽  
Research Interviews ◽  
Church Support ◽  
Core Mission ◽  
The Church ◽  
Determined Manner

From the outset, church support for Fair Trade has been encouraged by what Cloke et al. have termed the Fair Trade ‘evangelists.’ 1 These church-based Fair Trade activists have promoted the concept to their congregations, and to the wider community, in a vocal and determined manner. This article examines the motivation of Fair Trade ‘evangelists’ and how they articulate the connection between Fair Trade and their Christian faith. In the face of criticism and indifference, why do these individuals persist? Drawing on my research interviews with nineteen church-based Fair Trade activists, I identify two clear findings. Firstly, that the activists view support for Fair Trade as an integral part of the work for justice, and secondly, that the action that they carry out for Fair Trade provides an opportunity to demonstrate the outworking of core Christian principles. The activists position support for Fair Trade as central to their faith and view it as contributing to the fulfilment of the core mission of the church.

scholarly journals Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God: Kenosis of leadership

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hlulani Mdingi
Keyword(s):  
Imago Dei ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
The Real ◽  
The Core ◽  
The World ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Service To Others ◽  
The Church

Leadership is at the core of Christianity; it operates from the paradigm of God’s revelation to humanity through creation. The creation of the world and the creation of Imago Dei are markers of the service that God has maintained from creation to the fulfilment of soteriology (Gn 1:26, 3 and I Cor 15:42). The early church’s worship of Christ, at least in the Didache, stemmed from the fact that this Hebrew prophet was a servant of God and was YHWH in the flesh. The early teachings of the church were service to the world. This article contends that Christianity faces a crisis because of neglect of the nuclei of Christian theology and faith oriented around the real or physical person of Christ and service to others. The emphasis of this article focuses on kenosis as a prerogative of true Christian faith and leadership. A kenotic model of leadership is service to humanity and the world. The article seeks reflection on the theological importance of kenosis, which interacts with creation and creature. This approach will highlight underlying theology for leadership as it relates to the person of Christ.

scholarly journals St. Catherine of Siena

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 119-129
Author(s):  
Grazia Mangano Ragazzi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fourteenth Century ◽  
Spiritual Growth ◽  
Moral Life ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Church

In this article, the author shows how Catherine of Siena, a mystic who lived in Italy for thirty-three years in the second part of the fourteenth century, known for ecstasies and revelations, put discretion (and prudence, its synonym), the leading virtue in the moral life, at the core of her spirituality, thus becoming a real lover of the truth and a teacher of true freedom. The article contains bibliographical references for the reader’s further study of the writings (Dialogue, Letters, and Prayers) linked to this formidable figure, who was canonized in 1461 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1970. Catherine’s teaching, firmly anchored in what the Church and her great Doctors have always taught, remains to this day a rich treasure for spiritual growth.

scholarly journals Gereja dan Pemuridan: Pilar Pendidikan Agama Kristen dan Implikasinya bagi Murid Kristus

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-66
Author(s):  
Yakub Hendrawan Perangin Angin ◽  
Tri Astuti Yeniretnowati
Keyword(s):  
Christian Education ◽  
Religious Education ◽  
Spiritual Growth ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Church Ministry ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Bible ◽  
The Church

Many churches and Christians are still unfamiliar with the practice of discipleship, and even if they are familiar with the term discipleship, there are still many who are reluctant or less serious in making discipleship the core of church ministry. It is for this purpose that this research was conducted. The method used is a literature study from discipleship and church experts which is analyzed to get the root of the problem and concepts that should be according to the Bible so that applications can be drawn for today, especially for Christian education patterns in church discipleship or churches that make disciples. The result of this research is the discovery of several applications that are very important for the perspective of Christian religious education related to the church and discipleship that must be continuously worked on, namely: First, Discipleship is the responsibility of all Christians. Second, Discipleship of the church has a strong impact on the spiritual growth of believers. Third, sending students to make disciples is an effective pattern of Christian education. Fourth, the importance of having a fellow disciple disciple in the same vision.

Charismatic Movements, State Relations and Public Governance in Sierra Leone

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-256
Author(s):  
Joseph Bosco Bangura
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
Church Development ◽  
Public Governance ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
State Relations ◽  
New Church Development ◽  
The Church

Sierra Leone has seen the rise of Charismatic movements that are bringing about greater levels of co-operation with the state. This new church development aims at renewing the Christian faith and projecting a more proactive role towards public governance. This ecclesial development shows that African Pentecostal/Charismatic theology appears to be moving away from the perceived isolationist theology that once separated the church from involvement with the rest of society. By reapplying the movement's eschatological beliefs, Charismatics are presenting themselves as moral crusaders who regard it as their responsibility to transform public governance. The article probes this relationship so that the Charismatic understanding of poverty, prosperity, good governance and socio-economic development in Sierra Leone can be more clearly established.

All His Father’s Sins

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Christian Faith ◽  
Christian Identity ◽  
Jeremy Bentham ◽  
Church Of Scotland ◽  
Parting Ways ◽  
The Church ◽  
Critique Of Religion

This chapter explores the life and thought of John Stuart Mill’s father, James Mill. It seeks to unravel his journey from pursuing the calling of an ordained Christian minister in the Church of Scotland to parting ways with the Christian faith altogether. It will also seek to understand James Mill’s mature critique of religion, as well as that of his friend the Utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham, the author of several works critical of traditional Christianity. The unhappy marriage of John Stuart Mill’s parents is presented as a vital background for understanding his future choices and convictions. The Christian identity of his mother and siblings are also presented.

The Doctrine of the Sacraments

2019 ◽  
pp. 239-251
Author(s):  
Gordon S. Mikoski
Keyword(s):  
Digital Age ◽  
Word Of God ◽  
Holy Communion ◽  
Christian Initiation ◽  
The Core ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
The Church

This chapter maps the essential contours and points of dialogue or contention pertaining to the sacraments among Presbyterian denominations. First, the chapter examines the distinctively Presbyterian understanding of sacraments in general. The chapter then explores in detail the theological meaning and practices of the two Presbyterian sacraments: baptism and Holy Communion. For Presbyterians, baptism serves as the rite of Christian initiation. The chapter also explains why Presbyterians practice paedobaptism. While baptism is for Presbyterians the sacrament of initiation into the church, the sacrament of Holy Communion is at the core of the church’s corporate life and work. The chapter next examines several contemporary issues related to the sacraments for Presbyterians. In the spirit of “the Reformed church always being reformed according to the Word of God,” the chapter concludes by posing several provocative questions for Presbyterian denominations and the sacraments in the digital age.

Kristus Sebagai Pusat Misi Pendidikan Kristen Untuk Mewujudkan Murid Kristus Dalam Gereja Lokal

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-63
Author(s):  
Hardi Budiyana
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Christian Education ◽  
Local Church ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
Disciples Of Christ ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Teaching Process ◽  
The Church

Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan dan mengetahui Misi Pendidikan Kristen dalam Mewujudkan Murid Kristus, yang tentunya Murid Kristus yang memiliki karakter Kristiani dalam jemaat melalui proses pengajaran di gereja lokal. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian bersifat kualitatif dengan cara studi pustaka yakni mengkaji tentang Misi Pendidikan Kristen yang berpusat pada Kristus akan mewujudkan Murid Kristus yang memiliki wewenang untuk membangun karakter jemaat sesuai dengan ajaran iman Kristiani. Hasil penelitian ini memberikan pemahaman bahwa Misi Pendidikan Kristen berperan baik dalam Mewujudkan Murid Kristus yang memiliki pembentukan karakter kristiani dalam jemaat. Oleh karena itu, disarankan agar Para hamba Tuhan dalam hal ini Gembala Jemaat memiliki loyalitas yang tinggi dalam melaksanakan tugas dan tanggung jawab sebagai rekan kerja Allah yang bukan hanya berkotbah semata, tetapi juga menyampaikan pengajaran dengan hasil terwujud adanya murid Kristus yang memiliki karakter Kristiani nyata dalam diri Jemaat, sehingga jemaat mau melibatkan diri dalam pelayanan maupun dalam penginjilan baik dalam gereja maupun di luar gereja. Kata Kunci: Misi Pendidikan Kristen, Murid Kristus, Gereja Lokal. AbstractThis study aims to describe and know the Mission of Christian Education in Realizing Christ's Disciples, which is certainly Christ's Disciples who have Christian character in the congregation through the teaching process in the local church. This research is a qualitative study by means of literature study that examines the mission of Christian Education centered on Christ will realize Christ's Disciples who have the authority to build the character of the church in accordance with the teachings of the Christian faith. The results of this study provide an understanding that the Christian Education Mission plays a good role in realizing Christ's disciples who have the formation of Christian character in the congregation. Therefore, it is recommended that the pastors of the Church of the Church Shepherd have a high loyalty in carrying out their duties and responsibilities as partners of God who not only preach, but also deliver teaching with the results of the realization of disciples of Christ who have a real Christian character in themselves Congregation, so that the congregation wants to be involved in ministry and in evangelizing both in the church and outside the church. Keywords: Christian Education Mission, Christ Disciples, Local Church

scholarly journals PENGEMBANGAN KURIKULUM PENDIDIKAN KRISTIANI

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Branckly Egbert Picanussa
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Development ◽  
Christian Education ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
Education Curriculum ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Christian Community ◽  
Education Foundations ◽  
Church Ministry ◽  
Church Life ◽  
The Church

Some Christian education experts have expressed their views on how the church should develop a curriculum to educate church members to achieve maturity in the Christian faith. This article purpose to develop a curriculum for Christian education in Church ministry. The method used is a literature study on the opinions of D. CampbellWyckoff and Maria Harris. The characteristics of Wyckoff and Harris's opinions and various responses in "imaginative dialogue", as well as modifications of the Christian education Foundations, Principles andPractices schemes of Robert W. Pazmino became a model to develop a Christian education curriculum in church life. The development of the Christian education curriculum begins with setting the goal of implementing Christian education for a group in the Christian community. Furthermore, curriculum development requires thecontribution of various development foundations, including biblical, theological, philosophical, educational, scientific and technological, historical, socio-cultural, ecclesiological and psychological.

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