Jurnal Teologi Rai
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Jurnal Teologi RAI - Edisi Agustus

MISI KRISTEN DI PERSIMPANGAN INJIL DAN TRADISI:: MENGULIK KEMBALI STRATEGI MISI GEREJA GKPI SILABAN MARGU DI LINTONGNIHUTA

septiarma silaban (STT HKBP PEMATANGSIANTAR)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study examines Christian missions at the intersection of the gospel and Batak Toba traditions, focusing on the Silaban Margu Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (GKPI) in Lintongnihuta. This study is based on the understanding that Batak Toba customs are not merely cultural expressions, but rather a communal value system that governs social relations, life rituals, and the formation of the congregation's faith identity. Customary practices such as mangongkal holi and mangalap tondi provide a concrete space for the encounter between the gospel and culture, which requires critical and responsible theological assessment. This study attempts to examine the relationship between the gospel and tradition, identify normative tensions in church practice, and formulate a direction for contextual mission strategies. The research method used is interpretive qualitative with a missiological and anthropological approach through literature study and interviews with purposively sampled church elders and local traditional leaders, selected based on their direct involvement in religious and customary practice. This study emphasizes the importance of dialogical contextual mission where the gospel plays a role as incarnational praxis rooted in a communal rural context. These findings enrich the discourse on rural church missiology in Indonesia and offer a reflective framework for GKPI in formulating contextual and theologically pastoral sustainable mission practices. 

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

rai

Publisher

Subject

Religion

Description

RAI Journal of Theology (published by Rajawali Arastamar Indonesia Theological Seminary) is an academic platform that presents in-depth and scientific studies of theology, biblical exegesis, historical theology and missions. This journal aims to provide in-depth analysis, critical interpretation, ...