The Experience of Social Ministry of Presbyterian Churches in Аlmaty

Abstract

This article analyzes the social activities of Presbyterian churches in Almaty. The study covers the processes of strengthening internal community ties, interacting with various cultural groups, and establishing contacts with government and public organizations. The empirical material includes interviews, observations, and digital content analysis conducted in the Zion, Bethlehem, and Nadezhda churches. It is established that the social activity of Presbyterian congregations can facilitate integration and participation in urban initiatives. Classic concepts of social capital by P. Bourdieu, J. Coleman, and R. Putnam are used to explain the study results. These theoretical approaches allowed for a deep understanding of the internal belief systems of religious communities, their connections with various social groups, and their interactions with institutional structures.
Currently, the dogmatic and ecclesiological foundations of the Presbyterian Church have been systematized, and their contemporary interpretation is being examined through the lens of adaptation to socio-cultural changes and the local social context. In this regard, the social activities of Presbyterian communities in the city of Almaty are considered through the prism of Presbyterian doctrine and its adaptation to the Kazakhstani context.  The relevance of the research topic is grounded in the fact that it allows for a deeper understanding of the religious and social activities of Presbyterian churches, as well as the formulation of recommendations that contribute to strengthening interfaith harmony and tolerance in society. The authors conclude that Presbyterian congregations systematically carry out their missionary work in Kazakhstan through the practice of social service.