The Role of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Shaping the Character of Students at SD Negeri 075046 Lolofitu

Abstract

Character education has emerged as a central priority in Indonesia’s educational landscape, particularly through the implementation of the Character Education Strengthening (PPK) policy. In this context, Christian Religious Education (Pendidikan Agama Kristen, PAK) serves a pivotal role in fostering students’ moral and ethical development by integrating Christian values with daily practice. This study explores the role of PAK teachers in shaping character at SD Negeri 075046 Lolofitu, located in Nias Regency, a region characterized by a predominantly Christian population and rich local cultural traditions. Employing a qualitative approach with an analytical descriptive design, the study involved purposively selected participants, including teachers, students, parents, and school administrators. Data were collected through interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that PAK teachers function as role models, facilitators of value-based learning, spiritual mentors, and collaborative partners, effectively integrating Christian ethics with local wisdom such as fanolo golo (prioritizing others), fahasara dödö (humility), and fangöta dödö (kindness). Pedagogical strategies, including biblical storytelling, role-playing, simulations, and community service, engage students cognitively, affectively, and behaviorally, fostering moral reasoning and ethical discernment. Spiritual mentorship through structured worship, reflective guidance, and counseling further strengthens students’ moral and spiritual formation. Collaborative engagement with families, churches, and classroom teachers operationalizes a systemic approach to character development, reinforcing alignment across educational contexts. This holistic model demonstrates the transformative potential of culturally contextualized, faith-based, and experiential character education. The study provides practical and theoretical insights for enhancing PAK implementation in elementary schools, emphasizing the necessity of integrating local culture, religious values, and active pedagogy to nurture morally grounded, socially responsible, and culturally aware students.