Melody of Faith and Culture: The Use of Kolintang in Worship at the Gereja Masehi Injili di Minahasa (GMIM) Nazaret Matani, North Sulawesi
Keywords:
kolintang, GMIM, Christian worship, Minahasan culture, contextual liturgy, traditional musicAbstract
This study aims to analyze the role of kolintang, a traditional Minahasan musical instrument, in Christian worship—specifically at the Gereja Masehi Injili di Minahasa (GMIM) Nazaret Matani congregation—and to identify the challenges and opportunities involved in its preservation amid the ongoing modernization of liturgy. This research is significant in light of shifting preferences in church music, which increasingly favor modern instruments, potentially threatening the continuity of local musical practices within worship spaces. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, using data collection methods such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and applies the interactive analysis model developed by Miles and Huberman. The main findings show that kolintang plays a significant role as a medium of spiritual expression, a reinforcer of local cultural identity, and a unifying force across generations within the congregation. However, its sustainability faces challenges, including declining interest among youth, a shortage of professional instructors, and limited theological support. The study emphasizes the importance of contextual liturgical approaches, continuous training, and the integration of local culture into church ministry. The uniqueness of this research lies in its in-depth exploration of kolintang as a tool of both spiritual and cultural transformation in Protestant Christian worship in Indonesia—an area that remains underexplored in liturgical and ethnomusicological scholarship.
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