Persepsi peserta kelas pemuridan tentang gerakan pemuridan dalam Gereja

Abstract

Discipleship has become a crucial element in various churches, including the West Kalimantan Christian Church (GKKB) in Pontianak. Since 2013, the program has implemented a development model through discipleship classes of varying durations: one, three, and two years. This program aims to shape congregations into disciples of Christ who grow in faith, bear fruit in life, and actively witness. The goal is to encourage more discipleship class participants to engage in church ministry. However, after a decade (until 2023), there remains a gap between the intended goals and the results achieved, marked by a shortage of ministers and the inactivity of some participants in ministry. Therefore, this study aims to understand the perceptions of discipleship class participants regarding the discipleship movement implemented by the church, thereby gaining a more comprehensive picture of the program's effectiveness and impact on building congregational life. This study employed basic qualitative methods with thematic analysis to explain and reflect the reality. The study respondents consisted of ten people who had graduated from the discipleship class, five men and five women aged 23 to 55. Respondents' educational backgrounds varied, ranging from high school (SMA) to master's degree (S2). Data collection took place in May 2024 through semi-structured interviews lasting between 45 and 50 minutes. Interviews were conducted face-to-face, recorded with the respondents' permission, then transcribed and analyzed through coding. The results of this study provide a general overview of participants' perceptions of the discipleship movement in the church. Participants first learned about and participated in the discipleship class through a promotion conducted by the church. During the discipleship class, the most memorable experiences for them were the learning of God's Word and the dynamics of small-group interactions. Furthermore, various motivating and supporting factors assisted participants in the discipleship process. The significance of the discipleship movement for the participants was reflected in aspects of spiritual growth, community formation, the curriculum used, and the involvement of small-group leaders. Overall, discipleship class participants assessed the discipleship movement implemented by the church as appropriate and having a positive impact on their faith development.