Pedagogical Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Teaching the Glory of God: A Reflection on Exodus 33:18 at SD Negeri 071177 Onolimbu

Abstract

This study investigates the pedagogical competence of Christian Religious Education  teachers in teaching the glory of God as depicted in Exodus 33:18, with a specific focus on instructional practices at SD Negeri 071177 Onolimbu. The research is grounded in the conviction that teaching about the kabod (glory) of God requires not only content mastery but also the integration of spiritual sensitivity, pedagogical clarity, and contextual relevance. Moses’ request, “Show me Your glory,” serves as the theological anchor from which this study frames the CRE teacher’s task as one of guiding students toward experiencing and understanding God’s presence, character, and transformative power. Using a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with CRE teachers, and document analysis of lesson plans and instructional materials. The analysis reveals that teachers demonstrate strong theological commitment and sincere spiritual motivation, yet pedagogical execution remains uneven. While some teachers successfully translate the theological depth of Exodus 33:18 into age-appropriate learning experiences-such as narrative-based storytelling, reflective prayer, and character-oriented discussions-others struggle to connect abstract theological ideas with students’ cognitive levels and daily realities. The findings highlight gaps in instructional strategies, assessment literacy, and contextualized pedagogy, particularly in adapting the theme of divine glory to the socio-cultural realities of Nias children. The study concludes that strengthened pedagogical training, enhanced exegesis-based lesson design, and integrative spiritual formation programs are essential for improving CRE teaching effectiveness. Ultimately, the article argues that competent pedagogy rooted in biblical revelation can empower teachers to help students meaningfully encounter and reflect God’s glory in their personal and communal lives.