Pedagogical Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Cultivating Eschatological Hope: A Study Based on Genesis 49:10 at SDN 076099 Sifalago

Abstract

This study examines the pedagogical competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers in cultivating eschatological hope based on Genesis 49:10 at SDN 076099 Sifalago, South Nias. Eschatological hope, understood as confidence in God’s redemptive promise and sovereign future, constitutes a central theological dimension in Christian education. However, its effective transmission depends largely on the pedagogical competence of the teacher. This research employed a quantitative descriptive design with a correlational approach. The population consisted of 96 Christian students, all of whom were involved as respondents through total sampling. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire measuring two variables: pedagogical competence and students’ eschatological hope. The instrument was validated through expert judgment and statistical testing, and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, normality testing, Pearson Product-Moment correlation, and simple linear regression at a significance level of 0.05. The findings indicate that the pedagogical competence of the CRE teacher is categorized as high, and students’ eschatological hope is also at a high level. Statistical analysis reveals a positive and significant correlation between pedagogical competence and eschatological hope. Regression analysis shows that pedagogical competence significantly contributes to the cultivation of students’ hopeful orientation. These results demonstrate that effective pedagogical practices, such as contextual biblical explanation, narrative teaching, and faith-life integration, play a crucial role in shaping students’ theological understanding and spiritual resilience. The study concludes that pedagogical competence is a decisive factor in nurturing eschatological hope among primary-level Christian students, particularly within a rural Indonesian context.