Teaching the Value of Offering as Educational Spirituality: A Biblical Reflection on Exodus 38:24 in the Context of SDN 001 Sekijang
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This study explores the teaching of offering as educational spirituality through a biblical reflection on Book of Exodus 38:24 in the context of SDN 001 Sekijang. While the verse historically records the quantity of gold contributed for the construction of the tabernacle, it also embodies deeper theological meanings of gratitude, voluntary devotion, and communal participation. In many educational settings, religious instruction risks becoming informational rather than transformational. Therefore, this research investigates how the value of offering can be interpreted pedagogically to cultivate students’ spiritual awareness, generosity, and character formation within a public elementary school environment. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with the Christian Religious Education (PAK) teacher and selected students, and analysis of instructional documents. The research site included 105 Christian students and two Christian teachers, providing a distinctive yet pluralistic educational setting. Data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns of meaning and pedagogical practice. The findings reveal that when Exodus 38:24 is taught within its broader redemptive narrative, students interpret offering as an expression of gratitude rather than mere financial contribution. Reflective dialogue, contextual application, and participatory activities fostered deeper engagement and encouraged students to embody generosity in everyday school life. The study concludes that integrating sound biblical interpretation with reflective pedagogy enables the transformation of religious learning from surface knowledge to lived spirituality. Teaching the value of offering as educational spirituality thus contributes meaningfully to holistic character development in elementary education.
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