Pedagogical Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Teaching God’s Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18): A Study at SD Negeri 175820 Batu Nabolon

Abstract

This study examines the pedagogical competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers in teaching God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18) at SD Negeri 175820 Batu Nabolon, Toba. Pedagogical competence is a crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of religious instruction, particularly in helping elementary students understand biblical theology in meaningful and contextual ways. The research employed a quantitative descriptive approach involving 105 Christian students and 8 Christian teachers, including the CRE teacher. Data were collected through structured questionnaires measuring key dimensions of pedagogical competence, namely lesson planning, instructional implementation, classroom management, and learning evaluation. The findings indicate that the pedagogical competence of CRE teachers is generally in the good category, with the strongest aspect found in classroom management and the relatively lower score in the use of varied instructional strategies. Students demonstrated a positive level of understanding regarding the meaning of God’s covenant with Abraham, particularly in recognizing God’s faithfulness and promise. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between teachers’ pedagogical competence and students’ comprehension of the biblical material. These results affirm that well-developed pedagogical skills contribute substantially to effective faith-based learning in elementary contexts. The study recommends continuous professional development for CRE teachers, especially in the integration of interactive and contextual teaching methods, to strengthen students’ theological understanding and spiritual formation. This research contributes to the discourse on faith education by highlighting the strategic role of pedagogical competence in transmitting biblical truths to young learners.