A Theological Analysis of the Crisis of Church Meaning in the Context of Modern Secularism

Abstract

The emptiness of churches in Europe reflects a profound shift in modern religious life. This qualitative study examines the church as a meaningful faith community amid secularism, drawing on Andrew Root’s ecclesiological thought and theological documents of the HKBP Church. The research highlights how the church responds to the crisis of ecclesiological meaning in the context of declining congregational participation. Findings indicate that the church’s crisis is not an end, but an invitation to reconsider its identity in a rapidly changing world. This study seeks to offer a fresh perspective for understanding the crisis of ecclesiological meaning within the context of modern secularism.