Strategy for improving the spirituality of the GBI Church in Bandung based on 2 Timothy 2:1–13

Abstract

The author conducted research to address three problem statements as follows: Firstly, what are the teachings and ideas of Paul in 2 Timothy 2:1–13 to foster the spiritual growth of the congregation? Secondly, how do the leaders of Bethel Church in the Bandung region develop strategies for spiritual nurturing of their congregation? And thirdly, what is the significance of implementing 2 Timothy 2:1–13 in increasing the number of congregations at Bethel Indonesia Church in the Bandung area? To address these problem statements, the author conducted field research by interviewing 19 pastors in the city of Bandung, in addition to library research. From this research, it was found that 42% of churches that adhere to the principles in 2 Timothy 2:1–13 experienced rapid growth, while 32% that only partially followed the principles did not experience the same level of growth. The remaining churches that did not pay sufficient attention to the strategies of spiritual nurturing based on the principles in 2 Timothy 2:1–13 experienced stagnant or declining growth. Out of the 20 GBI church members interviewed, 80% stated that their spiritual growth resulted from discipleship through mentoring methods implemented by their church. Therefore, the strategies for spiritual nurturing identified in this research can be utilised by churches to foster both the spiritual growth and the quantitative growth of the church.

Contributions: This research helps readers to understand how to improve the spirituality of the congregation through the strategies of the Apostle Paul.