Spiritual Integrity and Servant Leadership in Christian Education: Reflections on Matthew 23:12 from a Case Study at SD Negeri 3 Kuala Kurun

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between spiritual integrity and servant leadership in Christian education through a qualitative case study conducted at SD Negeri 3 Kuala Kurun, involving 350 Christian students and four Christian teachers, including one Christian Religious Education (CRE) teacher. Grounded in the teaching of Jesus in Gospel of Matthew 23:12, this research interprets humility as the core theological foundation of spiritual integrity and authentic leadership. Using an integrated approach of biblical exegesis and field-based qualitative inquiry, data were collected through in-depth interviews, non-participant observations, and document analysis. The data were analyzed thematically and dialogically integrated with the exegetical findings. The results indicate that spiritual integrity is manifested as a consistent coherence between personal faith, moral character, and professional conduct. This integrity becomes the foundation of servant leadership expressed through humility, patience, self-giving service, fairness, and relational care toward students. Teachers lead not through domination or positional authority but through moral credibility rooted in lived faith. Students primarily experience Christian values through the teachers’ daily attitudes and actions rather than through doctrinal instruction alone. The findings also highlight challenges related to limited institutional and ecclesial support for sustained spiritual formation. The study concludes that spiritual integrity grounded in the humility of Christ is the wellspring of authentic servant leadership in Christian education, transforming teaching into a ministry of faithful service and holistic formation.