Professional Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Developing Instructional Materials on the Integrity of Eliezer (Genesis 24:34-36): A Study at UPT Negeri 188 Sionom Hudon Toruan

Abstract

This study investigates the professional competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers in developing instructional materials on the integrity of Eliezer based on Genesis 24:34-36 at UPT Negeri 188 Sionom Hudon Toruan, Humbang Hasundutan. Integrity, understood as consistency between belief, speech, and action, is a central virtue in Christian character formation and is clearly exemplified in Eliezer’s loyalty, honesty, and accountability in carrying out Abraham’s mission. The effectiveness of teaching this biblical virtue depends significantly on the teacher’s professional competence, particularly in mastering subject matter, interpreting Scripture accurately, and designing structured and contextualized instructional materials. This research employed a quantitative descriptive method with a correlational approach. The population consisted of 52 Christian students, all of whom were involved as respondents through total sampling. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire measuring two variables: teachers’ professional competence in developing instructional materials and students’ understanding and internalization of integrity. The findings reveal that teachers’ professional competence is categorized as high, and students’ internalization of integrity is also at a high level. Statistical analysis demonstrates a positive and significant relationship between professional competence and the development of students’ integrity. Regression results indicate that professional competence significantly predicts students’ understanding and application of biblical integrity. The study concludes that professional competence in Christian Religious Education is a crucial factor in shaping character formation, particularly in rural public-school contexts. By developing biblically faithful and pedagogically structured instructional materials, CRE teachers effectively foster integrity as a lived virtue among elementary students.