The Role of Worship in Strengthening Spiritual Competence: A Reflection on Matthew 28:17 at SMP Negeri 3 Satu Atap Lumut
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study investigates the role of worship in strengthening students’ spiritual competence in light of Matthew 28:17 within the context of Christian Religious Education at SMP Negeri 3 Satu Atap Lumut, Central Tapanuli. Worship is widely recognized in Christian pedagogy as a formative practice that integrates cognitive understanding, affective response, and behavioral expression of faith. However, empirical studies examining its measurable contribution to students’ spiritual competence in Indonesian public schools remain limited. This research therefore aims to analyze the extent to which structured school worship contributes to students’ spiritual development. The study employed a quantitative descriptive–correlational design with students as respondents. The population consisted of 122 Christian students, all of whom were included using total sampling. Data were collected through a validated Likert-scale questionnaire measuring two variables: quality of worship implementation and students’ spiritual competence. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. The findings indicate that both worship implementation and students’ spiritual competence are in the high category. Inferential analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between the two variables, demonstrating that meaningful and well-facilitated worship contributes substantially to strengthening students’ spiritual competence. The results support the theological insight of Matthew 28:17 that authentic worship nurtures deeper faith response and spiritual maturity. The study concludes that structured worship is an effective pedagogical strategy in Christian Religious Education, even in contexts with limited human resources. Strengthening the quality, intentionality, and student engagement in worship practices is therefore recommended to sustain holistic spiritual formation in schools.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Anthony, M. J. (2001). Introducing Christian education: Foundations for the twenty-first century. Baker Academic.
Astin, A. W., Astin, H. S., & Lindholm, J. A. (2011). Cultivating the spirit: How college can enhance students’ inner lives. Jossey-Bass.
Barna, G. (2003). Transforming children into spiritual champions. Regal Books.
Fee, G. D. (1995). Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Eerdmans.
Foster, R. J. (1998). Celebration of discipline: The path to spiritual growth (Rev. ed.). HarperCollins.
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1973)
Pazmiño, R. W. (2008). Foundational issues in Christian education: An introduction in evangelical perspective (3rd ed.). Baker Academic.
Republic of Indonesia. (2003). Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 20 Tahun 2003 tentang Sistem Pendidikan Nasional. Kementerian Sekretariat Negara.
Republic of Indonesia. (2005). Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 14 Tahun 2005 tentang Guru dan Dosen. Kementerian Sekretariat Negara.
Van Brummelen, H. (2009). Walking with God in the classroom: Christian approaches to teaching and learning (3rd ed.). Purposeful Design Publications.