The Transformative Personality of Christian Religious Education Teachers: A Biblical Reflection on Philippians 2:5 at SD Negeri 166 Pulo Godang

Abstract

This study examines the transformative personality of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers and its role in shaping students’ character through a biblical reflection on the Epistle to the Philippians 2:5. The passage emphasizes the call for believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, which is characterized by humility, selflessness, and servant leadership. In the context of Christian education, these values provide an important theological foundation for understanding how teachers’ personal character influences the moral and spiritual formation of students. The purpose of this research is to explore how the personality of CRE teachers contributes to transformative learning and character development among students in the school environment. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach conducted at SD Negeri 166 Pulo Godang. The participants consisted of 100 Christian students and ten Christian teachers, including the Christian Religious Education teacher who served as the primary informant in the research process. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and documentation analysis related to Christian Religious Education learning activities. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis involving data reduction, categorization, and interpretation to identify patterns related to teacher personality and students’ character formation. The findings indicate that the transformative personality of the CRE teacher significantly influences students’ attitudes, moral awareness, and social behavior. Students demonstrate a growing understanding of how the mindset of Christ can guide their interactions with others and shape their personal character. In conclusion, the personality of CRE teachers plays a vital role in promoting transformative Christian education and supporting the holistic development of students’ character.