ETHICAL-THEOLOGICAL REVIEW OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONGREGATIONS, ELDERS, AND DEACENTS IN THREE GKJTU WITHOUT PAMULANG
Keywords:
GKJTU, Pamulang, Ethical Responsibility, Congregations, Elders, DeaconsAbstract
This study examines the ethical-theological responsibility of congregations in the Gereja Kristen Jawa Tengah Utara (GKJTU) that operate without a pamulang, namely pastors or evangelists who hold special offices in the church alongside elders and deacons. The research focuses on three GKJTU congregations: Gedong, Tayeman, and Talitakum Sleker, located in Getasan, Klasis Kopeng. Employing a qualitative method with a narrative-descriptive approach, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The findings reveal that the absence of a pamulang compels congregations, elders, and deacons to take on greater roles in church ministry. The congregation is understood as a moral agent who is active, responsive, and responsible in realizing the church’s vision. An important finding indicates that ministry in GKJTU without a pamulang occurs within a stage of liminality, supported by dialogical collaboration between the congregation and the church council. In conclusion, Christian ethical responsibility in the context of GKJTU without a pamulang is manifested through a sense of belonging and the collective involvement of congregations in ministry.
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