Personality Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers and the Spirit of Christ’s Obedience Based on Philippians 2:8: A Study at SMAN 2 Tulang Bawang Udik

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the personality competence of a Christian Religious Education (CRE) teacher and students’ internalization of the spirit of Christ’s obedience based on Philippians 2:8 at SMAN 2 Tulang Bawang Udik, West Tulang Bawang. Conducted within a minority Christian context consisting of 11 Christian students and one CRE teacher, the research explores how teacher character influences adolescent moral and spiritual formation. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, data were collected through structured Likert-scale questionnaires measuring teacher personality competence, operationalized through integrity, emotional stability, self-discipline, responsibility, and consistency, and students’ embodiment of obedience, reflected in responsibility fulfillment, respect for authority, perseverance, humility in receiving correction, and commitment to moral principles. Statistical analysis revealed a strong and significant positive correlation between teacher personality competence and students’ internalization of Christ’s obedience (r = 0.768, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that personality competence accounted for approximately 59% of the variance in students’ obedient attitudes and behaviors (R² = 0.590), demonstrating a substantial predictive contribution. The findings suggest that obedience as exemplified in Philippians 2:8 is effectively cultivated when biblical teaching is reinforced through consistent character modeling. The study concludes that strengthening teacher personality competence is essential for holistic Christian education, particularly in minority settings where the teacher’s authenticity and credibility significantly shape students’ understanding and practice of faithful discipleship.