The Fellowship of Saints in Christ: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Christocentric Ecclesiology in Responding to Contextual Challenges in the GKPS Church

Hofnianto Ebeneger Damanik; Jordan Humala Pakpahan; Pintor Marihot Sitanggang

doi:10.55927/ijcet.v4i3.206

Authors

Hofnianto Ebeneger Damanik Sekolah Tinggi Theologia HKBP Pematangsiantar
Jordan Humala Pakpahan Sekolah Tinggi Theologia HKBP Pematangsiantar
Pintor Marihot Sitanggang Sekolah Tinggi Theologia HKBP Pematangsiantar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/ijcet.v4i3.206

Keywords:

Communio Sanctorum, Ecclesiology, Christocentric Ecclesiology, GKPS

Abstract

Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasized that the existence and obedience of church members must go beyond formal affiliation. The true church is not merely a building or ritual but a fellowship rooted in apostolic faith, engaging in moral action, and serving Christ. He rejected a purely institutional-hierarchical view of the church, highlighting the freedom and generosity of Christ, and developed a Christocentric ecclesiology where Christ is the foundation and center of church life. Bonhoeffer criticized rigid, dogmatic forms of the church and underscored the need for an active, engaged church in the world. He also stressed the importance of a personal relationship with Christ as the source of spiritual life, a moral example, and the center of unity.

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