Professional Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Developing Students’ Talents: An Exegetical Reflection on Exodus 31:6 at SD Negeri 176334 Losung Aek

Abstract

This study examines the professional competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers in developing students’ talents at SD Negeri 176334 Losung Aek through an exegetical reflection on Exodus 31:6. The passage highlights God’s empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab with unique skills and the ability to teach others, providing a biblical foundation for understanding talent development in Christian pedagogy. With a context involving 88 Christian students and 11 Christian teachers, including the CRE teacher, the research explores how theological insight, pedagogical practice, and spiritual vocation intersect in the daily work of teaching. Using a qualitative research design that integrates a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), limited semi-structured interviews, and exegetical analysis, the study synthesizes contemporary scholarship on teacher professionalism, talent development, Christian education, and spiritual giftedness. The study finds that CRE teachers demonstrate professional competence not only through pedagogical mastery but also through spiritual intentionality. Their awareness of teaching as a divine calling enables them to approach talent development with humility, dedication, and creativity, even amidst limited resources. Students respond positively to these efforts, exhibiting increased confidence, participation, and self-awareness of their unique gifts. This study concludes that Exodus 31:6 provides a powerful theological and pedagogical framework for understanding the role of CRE teachers in nurturing students’ talents. When biblical principles and educational best practices are integrated, talent development becomes a transformative process that equips students to serve God and contribute meaningfully to society.