Bridging Sacred Text and Classroom Practice: Pedagogical Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers Reflecting on Exodus 26:33 at SD N 11 Pekanbaru

Abstract

This study examines the role of pedagogical competence in facilitating students’ understanding of biblical teachings within the Christian Religious Education classroom. Grounded in a reflective interpretation of Exodus 26:33, the research explores how teachers translate scriptural content into meaningful learning experiences for elementary students. Employing a qualitative research design, the study involved 40 students who participated in classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and reflective learning activities. The purpose was to capture students’ perspectives on how teaching practices influenced their comprehension of biblical messages. The findings indicate that pedagogical competence significantly shapes students’ engagement with Scripture. Teachers who employed clear explanations, storytelling methods, reflective questioning, collaborative discussions, and experiential learning strategies were more successful in helping students understand both the literal and symbolic meanings of biblical texts. In particular, Exodus 26:33 was understood not only as a description of sacred space but also as a value-based framework emphasizing respect, boundaries, and reverence. Students reported that interactive and supportive classroom environments encouraged deeper reflection and personal connection with biblical teachings. The study reveals that effective facilitation of biblical learning requires more than content mastery. Emotional support, structured lesson planning, and contextualized instruction emerged as essential elements of pedagogical competence. These practices enabled students to move beyond memorization toward meaningful interpretation and application. Pedagogical competence plays a vital role in transforming biblical instruction into a reflective and formative learning process. By integrating theological insight with student-centered teaching strategies, teachers can foster deeper biblical understanding and spiritual growth in the classroom.