The Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Shaping a School Culture Based on Christian Values at SD Negeri 155679 Hurlang Muara Nauli 1

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Christian Religious Education teachers’ competencies in shaping a school culture rooted in Christian values at SD Negeri 155679 Hurlang Muara Nauli 1. Education is recognized as a strategic medium for character formation, and within Christian pedagogy, teachers serve not only as knowledge transmitters but also as role models and cultural gatekeepers. The research builds on the framework that teacher competence encompasses four domains-edagogical, personal, social, and professional-which together enable the cultivation of a school culture characterized by love, justice, forgiveness, and responsibility. Using a quantitative research design, the study employed a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 20 purposively selected students in upper-level classes. The instrument measured student perceptions of teacher competencies and indicators of school culture, achieving high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.83). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation to examine relationships between teacher competence and cultural formation. Results reveal strong positive correlations, with personal competence (r = 0.82, p < 0.01) and social competence (r = 0.78, p < 0.01) exerting the greatest influence, followed by pedagogical (r = 0.74, p < 0.01) and professional competence (r = 0.69, p < 0.05). Findings affirm that Christian values become lived realities within schools primarily through the authenticity, empathy, and leadership of CRE teachers. The study underscores that initiatives such as devotions and service projects achieve transformative impact only under the guidance of competent teachers. It concludes by recommending professional development that integrates spiritual formation, enabling teachers to embody the values they teach while fostering inclusive and faith-driven school cultures.