Cultivating Communal Holiness in Christian Education: The Social Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers Inspired by Exodus 28:43 at SD Negeri 074065 Balaekha Hilisimaetano

Abstract

Communal holiness is a central theme in biblical theology, particularly in the Old Testament, where holiness is not only understood as an individual spiritual state but also as a collective responsibility within the covenant community. This study aims to examine the social competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers in cultivating the value of communal holiness based on the theological insight of Exodus 28:43 at SD Negeri 074065 Balaekha Hilisimaetano, South Nias. The research employed a quantitative descriptive approach involving 134 Christian students and 12 Christian teachers, including the CRE teacher, as participants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires designed to measure students’ perceptions of the teacher’s social competence in teaching and modeling communal holiness in the school environment. The instrument focused on indicators such as relational communication, respect for others, modeling of moral behavior, collaborative learning interactions, and the promotion of a respectful community atmosphere. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques to determine the level of teacher social competence and its perceived impact on students’ understanding of communal holiness. The results indicate that the CRE teacher’s social competence plays a significant role in helping students internalize values related to communal holiness, including mutual respect, responsibility, and ethical interaction within the school community. This study highlights the importance of integrating biblical theological insights with pedagogical practice in Christian education. It concludes that strengthening teachers’ social competence can significantly contribute to the formation of a school culture that reflects the biblical vision of holiness within the community of faith.