Personality Formation of Christian Religious Education Teachers Based on Paul’s Exemplary Leadership (Philippians 3:17): A Study at SDN 2 Timpah

Abstract

Teacher personality plays a crucial role in shaping students’ character, learning attitudes, and spiritual development, particularly in the context of Christian Religious Education (CRE). In Christian pedagogy, the teacher is not only a transmitter of knowledge but also a living model whose life reflects the values being taught. This study aims to explore the formation of Christian Religious Education teachers’ personality based on the exemplary life of the Apostle Paul as articulated in Philippians 3:17, with a research locus at SDN 2 Timpah, Kapuas Regency, Indonesia. The biblical principle of imitation, as emphasized by Paul, provides a theological foundation for understanding teacher personality as a form of lived testimony and moral-spiritual leadership in educational settings. This research employed a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with Christian Religious Education teachers, school principals, and selected students, as well as classroom observations and document analysis. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns related to exemplary behavior, spiritual integrity, professional commitment, and relational leadership. Trustworthiness was ensured through triangulation of data sources, member checking, and prolonged engagement in the research field. The findings indicate that the teachers’ personality formation is significantly influenced by their internalization of Pauline values, including humility, perseverance in faith, consistency between teaching and practice, and willingness to become role models for students. This study concludes that teacher personality grounded in the Pauline model of imitation serves as a strategic pedagogical and spiritual resource in strengthening character education and faith-based identity within public school contexts.