Challenges and Solutions in Developing the Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers at SMP Negeri 5 Sirombu
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Abstract
Teachers are central not only to the transmission of knowledge but also to the formation of character, morality, and social responsibility. Within Christian Religious Education (CRE), teachers carry the additional responsibility of embodying faith, modeling Christian virtues, and guiding students spiritually. However, CRE teachers in rural Indonesian schools, such as SMP Negeri 5 Sirombu, face persistent challenges including limited access to professional development, scarce teaching resources, technological constraints, and weak institutional support. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the challenges and potential solutions for CRE teacher competence development. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with four CRE teachers, one principal, and six students, as well as classroom observations and documentation. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was conducted through stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Findings reveal five major barriers: lack of training opportunities, insufficient contextualized resources, teacher isolation, difficulties in integrating technology, and inadequate institutional recognition. The study also identified practical solutions, including the strengthening of professional learning communities through church networks, creative use of digital and biblical-based media, greater institutional support, and integration of spiritual formation into professional development. These strategies highlight the need for a transformative model that combines pedagogical innovation, technological contextualization, institutional recognition, and spiritual growth. Strengthening CRE teacher competence in rural contexts is both an educational necessity and a spiritual calling. By adopting contextual and holistic strategies, CRE teachers can overcome systemic barriers, enrich student formation, and ensure Christian education remains relevant and transformative in a rapidly changing world.
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