Studi Teologis-praktis tentang Efektifitas Pelayanan Pendeta yang Membujang

Abstract

This paper intends to examine and describe institutionally the reality in which the Protestant denomination do not recognizes anymore the existence of a celibate life form of the priest. This means that the priests may marry; but in some facts, it turns out that there are still found any unmarried priests. From a theological perspective, we might ask whether the Bible obliges Christian ministers not to marry. This issue is going to study deeper in this paper, by using a qualitative research approach. The object of this research is the humans' beings, who have their own subjectivity; therefore, in fact, the phenomenological approach is also a perspective in seeing this existing phenomenon. The aims of this studies is to identify various reasons, why there are still some Torajan Church priests who choose to live in celibate; and it is hoped that this research can explain the efficiency of the status of a priest who chooses a celibate way of life in his ministry. Finally, this study aims to show there are several factors that form the basis of the fact that a priest is still single. Not being married is a value that also takes place within the framework of subjective decision-making. This single status has an impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of the ministry of the single pastor.