PERAN DIAKONIA GEREJA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT BERDASARKAN KAJIAN TEOLOGI DAN SOSIOLOGI KRISTEN

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of church diakonia in enhancing community well-being from the perspectives of Christian theology and sociology. It employs a qualitative method using a literature review approach, examining theological texts, Christian sociological literature, scholarly journal articles, and relevant prior research. The findings indicate that diakonia is an integral part of the church's calling to manifest the love of Christ tangibly within the community. From a theological perspective, diakonia is rooted in the example of Jesus Christ’s ministry and the church's mandate to serve the whole person. Meanwhile, the Christian sociological perspective positions the church as an integral part of social life, bearing responsibility for addressing issues such as poverty, injustice, limited access to education and healthcare, and various forms of social vulnerability. Integrating these two perspectives fosters the development of transformative diakonia an approach that transcends mere charitable aid to promote empowerment, self-reliance, solidarity, justice, and social change. Thus, diakonia can serve as a vehicle for the church to foster sustainable community well-being.