PWGI: Proclaiming the Kerygma Through the Lens of Journalism
By: Dharma Leksana, S.Th., M.Si.
Jakarta, In a turbulent world full of disinformation, the voice of the Church needs to be heard clearly and relevantly. This is where the important role of the Indonesian Church Journalists Association (PWGI) becomes increasingly crucial. However, PWGI’s proclamation is not merely conveying information or news about church activities. More than that, it must be rooted in the core message of the Gospel itself, namely the kerygma.
Understanding the Kerygma: The Core of Christian Proclamation
Kerygma, from the Greek “κηρυγμα” (kērygma), theologically refers to the proclamation or proclamation of the core of the Christian faith. This is not merely a moral or theological teaching, but rather the proclamation of God’s saving work through Jesus Christ.
The Kerygma contains fundamental elements such as:
• Jesus Christ as the center of the proclamation: The Kerygma always focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ, including His life, death, and resurrection.
• The death and resurrection of Christ as the pinnacle of the work of salvation: The Kerygma emphasizes that through the death and resurrection of Christ, sin has been defeated and the way of salvation has been opened for humans.
• A call to repentance and faith: The Kerygma not only conveys information, but also calls for an active response from the listener, namely repentance from sin and faith in Christ.
• Forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ: The Kerygma promises forgiveness of sins and new life for those who believe and accept Christ.
The Kerygma is a basic message that is the foundation of the Christian faith and a source of strength and direction for all Church activities, including proclamation.
PWGI: Proclaiming the Kerygma Through the Lens of Journalism
The Indonesian Church Journalists Association (PWGI) is a forum for Christian journalists in Indonesia. As journalists, their main task is to seek, process, and convey information to the public. However, as church journalists, PWGI has a deeper calling, namely to proclaim the kerygma through their journalistic work.
The relationship between the kerygma and PWGI’s preaching can be seen in several aspects:
Inspiration and Motivation: The kerygma is a source of inspiration and motivation for PWGI journalists in carrying out their duties. Understanding God’s saving love through Christ drives them to proclaim truth and justice through journalism.
Focus of Preaching: PWGI’s preaching should not only be focused on ceremonial activities or internal church issues. Instead, their preaching must be able to present the values of the kerygma in various aspects of life, including social issues, humanity, justice, and peace.
Language and Style of Preaching: Although using objective and factual journalistic language, PWGI’s preaching can still reflect the spirit of the kerygma. This can be done by choosing an empathetic perspective, presenting inspiring stories of faith and transformation, and prioritizing the values of love and hope.
Journalistic Ethics Rooted in Christian Values: The Kerygma is also the foundation of journalistic ethics for PWGI. Honesty, justice, courage, and responsibility in conveying information are reflections of the Christian values contained in the kerygma.
Challenges and Opportunities for Proclaiming the Kerygma in the Digital Era
In the fast-paced and competitive digital era, PWGI faces challenges as well as opportunities in proclaiming the kerygma.
Challenges:
1. Disinformation and Polarization: The ocean of digital information is often filled with fake news and polarization of opinion. PWGI is challenged to become a credible and trusted source of information, and to be able to fight against damaging disinformation.
2. Media Secularization: Mainstream media is often dominated by a secular perspective. PWGI needs to strive to present the perspective of faith and Christian values in an increasingly secular public space.
3. Competition for Attention: Public attention is increasingly fragmented in the digital era. PWGI needs to innovate in delivering kerygma messages to remain interesting and relevant to diverse audiences.
Opportunities:
Wide Reach: Digital platforms allow PWGI to reach a wider and more diverse audience, even beyond geographical boundaries.
Creative Reporting Formats: The digital era opens up opportunities to use various creative and engaging reporting formats, such as videos, podcasts, infographics, and social media.
Collaboration and Networking: PWGI can build collaborations and networks with various parties, including other media, church organizations, and individuals, to strengthen the reporting of the kerygma.
Bringing the Kerygma to Life in Every News
PWGI’s reporting that is rooted in the kerygma is not an easy task, but it is very important. By bringing the kerygma to life in every news and information delivered, PWGI can become an agent of positive change, bringing the light of the Gospel to the world, and being a blessing to the nation I
