Professionalism of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Guiding Students toward Obedience: A Study of Exodus 17:12 at SMK Swasta Nusantara

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the professionalism of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers at SMK Swasta Nusantara in guiding students toward obedience through the theological lens of Exodus 17:12, where Aaron and Hur support Moses' weary hands during Israel's battle against Amalek. The narrative provides a biblical framework for understanding teacher professionalism as stabilizing moral leadership that sustains students in their spiritual and behavioral formation. Conducted over six weeks, the research employed semi-structured interviews with four CRE teachers, non-participant classroom observations, and document analysis of lesson plans and curriculum materials. Data were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke's framework, integrating inductive and deductive coding to capture both emergent patterns and theological categories such as steadfastness, collaborative support, and spiritual accompaniment. Findings reveal that teacher professionalism is expressed through consistent personal modeling, relational accompaniment, intentional integration of biblical principles, structured classroom management, collaborative peer support, reflective practice, prayerful dependence on God, contextual sensitivity, moral fairness, and a strong sense of vocational calling. Students internalize obedience most effectively when teachers embody the values they teach, offer empathetic guidance through personal challenges, and ground moral expectations in Scripture rather than institutional rules alone. The study demonstrates that professionalism in Christian education transcends technical competence, encompassing character integrity, theological clarity, and pastoral commitment. Teachers function as moral stabilizers who, like Aaron and Hur, provide supportive presence that enables students to remain steadfast despite fatigue, peer pressure, or discouragement. This research affirms that fostering obedience requires an integrative approach where biblical insight, pedagogical skill, and relational care converge to guide students toward faith-grounded moral maturity.