Serving through Education: The Formation of Teachers’ Service Ethos in Christian Religious Education from the Perspective of the Epistle to the Philippians at SMPN 2 Siberut Utara

Abstract

The ethos of service is a fundamental value in Christian education because it reflects the teachings of the gospel and the example of Christ’s humility and dedication to serving others. In the context of Christian Religious Education (CRE), teachers are expected to embody these values in their professional responsibilities so that students not only understand Christian teachings intellectually but also experience them through practical examples. This study examines the formation of teachers’ service ethos through Christian Religious Education from the perspective of the Epistle to the Philippians at SMPN 2 Siberut Utara in Kepulauan Mentawai. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach involving fifty-two Christian students and seven Christian teachers, including the CRE teacher. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and documentation analysis to explore how biblical teachings influence teachers’ attitudes and practices in educational service. The findings reveal that the ethos of service among teachers is expressed through several key dimensions, including spiritual commitment, relational care for students, collaborative engagement among teachers, and the integration of biblical values into classroom instruction. Teachers demonstrate humility, patience, and dedication in guiding students, creating a learning environment that encourages respect, cooperation, and moral responsibility. The example of Paul the Apostle and the teachings in Philippians provide a theological foundation that inspires teachers to approach their profession as a form of ministry and service. The study concludes that the integration of biblical values with professional teaching practice contributes significantly to the development of a service-oriented ethos among educators and supports the holistic formation of students’ character and faith within the school community.