PEMAHAMAN PANGGILAN PELAYANAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN: STUDI KASUS PADA JEMAAT GKJ PETORAN

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The unwillingness of some congregants to accept calls to serve as elders or deacons presents a ministry challenge at the Petoran Congregation of the Javanese Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Jawa, GKJ), even though they remain involved in church activities. This study aims to understand how congregants interpret the call to ministry and identify the factors influencing their willingness to accept church leadership roles from the perspective of Christian Religious Education (CRE). The study employed a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with congregants who declined or were not yet willing to accept the call, former elders and deacons, and the pastor or other individuals involved in congregational development. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing, while source triangulation was used to establish data credibility. The findings indicate that the call to ministry is understood as an expression of gratitude for God's salvation and grace; however, this understanding does not necessarily lead to a willingness to accept formal church positions. Reluctance is influenced by perceptions of substantial ministry responsibilities, psychological readiness, family obligations, expectations of exemplary conduct, and concerns about criticism and social gossip. Nevertheless, congregants continue to participate in ministry through areas that align with their abilities and personal circumstances. The study concludes that CRE plays an important role in fostering an understanding of the call to ministry through planned, dialogical, and sustained formation, alongside the development of a supportive church culture that encourages spiritual growth and responsible participation in ministry.

ABSTRAK

Ketidaksediaan sebagian warga jemaat menerima panggilan sebagai penatua atau diaken menjadi tantangan pelayanan di Gereja Kristen Jawa (GKJ) Petoran, meskipun mereka tetap berpartisipasi dalam berbagai kegiatan gerejawi. Penelitian ini bertujuan memahami pemaknaan warga jemaat terhadap panggilan pelayanan dan faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi kesediaan mereka menerima jabatan gerejawi dalam perspektif Pendidikan Agama Kristen (PAK). Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dengan warga jemaat yang menolak atau belum bersedia menerima panggilan, mantan penatua dan diaken, serta pendeta atau pihak yang terlibat dalam pembinaan jemaat. Analisis data dilakukan melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan, sedangkan keabsahan data diperiksa melalui triangulasi sumber. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa panggilan pelayanan dimaknai sebagai ungkapan syukur atas keselamatan dan anugerah Allah, tetapi pemaknaan tersebut tidak selalu diikuti kesediaan menerima jabatan gerejawi. Ketidaksiapan dipengaruhi oleh persepsi mengenai besarnya tanggung jawab pelayanan, kesiapan psikologis, tanggung jawab keluarga, tuntutan keteladanan hidup, serta kekhawatiran terhadap kritik dan pergunjingan sosial. Meskipun demikian, warga jemaat tetap menunjukkan partisipasi melalui bidang pelayanan yang sesuai dengan kemampuan dan kondisi mereka. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa PAK berperan penting dalam membangun pemahaman panggilan pelayanan melalui pembinaan yang terencana, dialogis, dan berkelanjutan serta pengembangan budaya gereja yang mendukung pertumbuhan iman dan partisipasi pelayanan secara bertanggung jawab.