The Theology of Perseverance in Philippians 1:29 and Its Role in Strengthening the Spiritual Competence of Christian Educators: Evidence from SD Negeri 16 Pasaran 1

Abstract

This study examines the theology of perseverance in Philippians 1:29 and its role in strengthening the spiritual competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers within the context of SD Negeri 16 Pasaran 1, Samosir. Grounded in Pauline theology, this research understands perseverance not merely as psychological endurance, but as a divine gift that accompanies faith and shapes vocational identity, spiritual resilience, and professional commitment. The study aims to explore how perseverance is interpreted, embodied, and practiced by a CRE teacher in a public elementary school environment characterized by limited institutional support and religious minority conditions. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis involving one CRE teacher and 78 Christian students. The findings reveal that perseverance functions as a foundational dimension of spiritual competence, integrating theological understanding, vocational identity, emotional resilience, and pedagogical practice. The study further demonstrates that the teacher’s perseverance has a formative influence on students’ spiritual attitudes, fostering resilience, trust in God, and a practical understanding of faith in everyday life. These findings highlight that spiritual competence in Christian education is not limited to doctrinal knowledge but is expressed through lived faithfulness and vocational endurance. The study concludes that integrating the theology of perseverance into Christian education strengthens both professional identity and spiritual formation, offering a meaningful framework for sustaining Christian education in pluralistic and resource-limited public school contexts.