An Analysis of the Phenomenon of Hedonism Based on James 4:1–3 and Its Implications for Pastoral Counseling of Christian Youth at GBI Keluarga Allah Yogyakarta
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59002/jpkma.v3i2.216Keywords:
hedonism, pastoral counseling, Christian youth, James 4:1-3, community serviceAbstract
The hedonistic lifestyle among Christian youth in Yogyakarta requires a pastoral response that is formative rather than merely diagnostic. This community service programme aimed to design, implement, and evaluate transformative pastoral mentoring grounded in an exegesis of James 4:1-3 for Christian youth at GBI Keluarga Allah Yogyakarta. The activity employed participatory action research in three stages: identifying partner needs through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions; delivering six group sessions and individual pastoral counselling; and evaluating impact through structured reflection and post-programme interviews. Data were analysed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, with source and technique triangulation and member checking. The findings show that mentoring centred on the restoration of the heart's orientation (metanoia) proved more durable than approaches limited to behaviour modification. Participants moved from transactional prayer towards authentic fellowship with God, experienced a strengthened identity in Christ, and reported that accountability groups sustained their change. The programme produced a contextual pastoral mentoring module that local churches can replicate, and it demonstrates that biblical exegesis can be translated into measurable pastoral practice.
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