Misi Dan Penginjilan Di Gereja Protestan Indonesia (GPI) Papua: Tantangan, Konteks, Dan Transformasi Pelayanan

Abstract

Abstract : This study examines the dynamics of mission and evangelism within the Gereja Protestan Indonesia (GPI) Papua in the context of social change, religious plurality, and the transformation of church ministry in Papua. Mission and evangelism are understood not merely as efforts to expand church institutions, but as the proclamation of the Gospel centered on the salvific work of Jesus Christ while upholding human freedom and dignity. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive–interpretive method through a literature study of various theological, historical, and contextual sources related to church ministry in Papua. The findings reveal that the implementation of mission within GPI Papua has evolved from an institutional model of evangelism toward a more dialogical, contextual, and transformative approach. Within the multicultural and multireligious context of Papuan society, the church is challenged to develop a paradigm of peaceful mission that emphasizes social service, interreligious dialogue, education, healthcare, and community empowerment as integral dimensions of Christian witness. The study further identifies several major challenges faced by GPI Papua’s mission ministry, including social changes driven by modernization and digitalization, interreligious relations, limited ministerial resources, and the need for contextual theological formation. Therefore, the transformation of church mission should be directed toward strengthening the spirituality of ministry, increasing congregational participation, and developing mission approaches that are relevant to the social realities of Papuan society. In this sense, church mission is understood not only as verbal proclamation, but also as the praxis of ecclesial presence that embodies peace, justice, and social solidarity within society.

Keywords: church mission, evangelism, GPI Papua, ministry transformation, interreligious dialogue, Papua