Pedagogical Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Instilling the Value of Spiritual Victory: A Reflection on Genesis 32:28 at SMK Negeri 1 Hilisalawa Ahe

Abstract

This study examines the pedagogical competence of Christian Religious Education teachers in instilling the value of spiritual victory based on Genesis 32:28 among students at SMK Negeri 1 Hilisalawa Ahe, South Nias. Pedagogical competence plays a crucial role in shaping students’ understanding of biblical teachings and their application in daily life. In the context of Christian education, teachers are expected not only to deliver religious knowledge but also to guide students toward spiritual maturity and character formation. The concept of spiritual victory reflected in Genesis 32:28, which describes Jacob’s struggle with God and his transformation into Israel, provides a theological foundation for teaching perseverance, faith, and spiritual resilience. This research employed a quantitative descriptive approach involving the entire Christian school community as respondents, consisting of 84 Christian students and 18 Christian teachers. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a Likert scale to measure perceptions of teachers’ pedagogical competence and students’ understanding of the value of spiritual victory. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques to identify patterns in respondents’ perceptions. The findings indicate that Christian Religious Education teachers demonstrate generally strong pedagogical competence in understanding students’ characteristics, designing contextual learning activities, and implementing interactive teaching strategies. The study concludes that pedagogical competence significantly contributes to the successful internalization of biblical values among students. By integrating effective teaching strategies with theological reflection on Genesis 32:28, Christian Religious Education teachers can foster students’ spiritual growth and help them develop a resilient faith in the midst of contemporary challenges.