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Pandemic ecclesiology: Church re-actualisation during the pandemic


Gernaida K.R. Pakpahan
Fibry J. Nugroho
Priskila I. Benyamin
Frans Pantan
Wiryohadi Wiryohadi

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought significant changes to the life of the Christian church in Indonesia. Such changes can  degrade the essence of the fellowship of believers. The reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, which became the church’s starting point, has triggered a  change in the pattern of carrying out its duties and services to the people and their environment. The church can adapt and transform its ministry  innovations as a living organisation. The church needs to reinterpret the effectiveness of its presence through adapting new service patterns, namely  onsite services to virtual services or hybrid services, to remain relevant to every dimension of rapid change in all aspects. This research study analyses the actualisation of church ecclesiology in the midst and after the pandemic. Using descriptive qualitative methods with interactive data analysis from Miles  and Huberman, the following points have been found: (1) virtual ministry as a church reality, (2) a pneumatic encounter spirituality characterises the  church, (3) ecclesiology in the context of universal communion and (4) the sacrament as a means of manifesting divine power.


Contribution: This study  provides the concept of collaboration between ecclesiology as a principle and technology as a method. Ecclesiology and technology can realise the  ministry of church unity. Collaboration between principles and methods in the church will build a flexible church in all conditions. However, the principles  and duties of the church vocation are not neglected. 


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eISSN: 2072-8050
print ISSN: 0259-9422