Empowering Local Mentors as a Principle of Inclusivity in Children’s Ministry: A Study of Acts 10:1–48 and Its Application at PPA IO 0769 Ebenhaezer Malang

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the empowerment of local mentors as a contextual mission strategy based on Acts 10:1–48 in the ministry context of PPA IO 0769 Ebenhaezer Malang. The study is motivated by the diverse social, economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds of the children served by PPA and the need for a relational, contextual, and non-discriminatory ministry approach. This research employed a qualitative field method with a theological perspective and a case study approach. Data were collected through participatory observation, structured interviews, and documentation conducted from January to June 2026. The participants consisted of five informants: a local church pastor, a PPA coordinator, and three PPA mentors. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that Acts 10:7–8 provides principles of involvement, equipping, entrusting, and commissioning that can be applied to the empowerment of local mentors, although the passage does not explicitly describe the modern concept of local mentoring. Local mentors play a strategic role because they understand the children's life contexts, develop interpersonal communication, provide one-to-one mentoring, conduct home visits, and bridge the message of the Gospel with the children's everyday experiences. Acts 10:34–35 also provides a theological foundation for ministry that does not discriminate based on social or cultural background. The study concludes that empowering local mentors through the process of calling, equipping, entrusting, commissioning, and accompanying can strengthen PPA ministry to become more relational, contextual, holistic, and sustainable, while maintaining Jesus Christ as the center of Gospel proclamation.