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This study aims to examine relevant and effective Christian Religious Education (CRE) learning methods in the digital era. The rapid development of information and communication technology has brought significant changes in education, including CRE instruction. The research method employed is a literature study with a descriptive-analytical approach to various academic sources and technology-based CRE learning practices. The results indicate that integrating digital media such as online learning platforms, Bible-based interactive applications, and social media creatively can enhance students' engagement and understanding of Christian faith values. Furthermore, the use of digital technology opens wider opportunities for contextual and meaningful faith formation across diverse learning environments. The study also identifies key challenges faced by CRE teachers, namely digital readiness, infrastructure limitations, and maintaining relational and spiritual dimensions in virtual learning environments. Teachers must therefore be equipped not only technologically but also theologically to navigate these complexities. The research concludes that the transformation of CRE methods in the digital era is not merely a technology adoption but a holistic theological integration of faith, technology, and pedagogy.

This study aims to analyze the role of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers as counselors in shaping students’ social behavior amid increasing behavioral deviations such as bullying, violence, misuse of social media, and low tolerance. These phenomena are influenced by internal factors such as emotional instability and identity formation, as well as external factors including family, environment, and digital culture. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method using a library research approach by collecting data from books, scholarly journals, and relevant documents. The findings reveal that CRE teachers play a strategic role not only as educators but also as counselors who accompany students holistically, covering spiritual, moral, emotional, and social aspects. The counseling role performed by CRE teachers includes modeling behavior, mediating conflicts, strengthening self-control, providing social support, and building empathetic relationships with students. Through this approach, students undergo a process of internalizing Christian values such as love, forgiveness, responsibility, and tolerance, which contribute to the development of positive social behavior. Furthermore, collaboration among teachers, parents, and the community serves as a supporting factor in successful character formation. Therefore, the role of CRE teachers as counselors is proven to be effective in shaping students’ social behavior in accordance with moral, social, and religious values, while contributing to the development of a generation with integrity and competitiveness.

The paradigmatic transformation of Christian Religious Education (CRE) in the digital era has become a crucial issue to be examined because the development of information technology, virtual culture, and globalization has brought significant changes to adolescents’ mindsets, behaviors, and character formation. These conditions have created various moral and spiritual challenges, such as identity crises, declining ethical sensitivity, and the increasing influence of individualistic and hedonistic values among young people. This study aims to analyze the paradigm transformation of Christian Religious Education in shaping adolescent character through a theological-pedagogical perspective that is relevant to the context of the digital era. The research employs a qualitative method using a library research approach and descriptive analysis of various scientific, theological, and pedagogical sources related to Christian education, teacher spirituality, and adolescent character development in the digital age. The findings indicate that the transformation of the CRE paradigm should be directed toward contextual, participatory, and transformative learning by positioning teachers as spiritual role models and facilitators of character formation. Furthermore, the integration of Christian values, the ethical use of technology, and collaboration among schools, families, and churches are important factors in shaping adolescents who possess strong character, integrity, and spiritual maturity amid increasingly complex digital challenges.

This study aims to explore how the inquiry approach functions as a pedagogical strategy in Christian Religious Education to enhance students’ spiritual discernment. The background of this research arises from the tendency of learning practices that remain predominantly focused on cognitive aspects, thereby not fully cultivating spiritual sensitivity in life decision-making. This study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach through a review of theological and pedagogical literature, conceptual analysis, and reflection on classroom learning practices. The analysis focuses on the relationship between the core elements of inquiry questioning, investigating, dialoguing, and reflecting on knowledge and the process of developing the ability to discern God’s will in the real-life contexts of students. The findings indicate that inquiry effectively creates a reflective learning experience that integrates cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions, enabling students not only to understand faith teachings theoretically but also to consider Christian values in concrete situations. This approach encourages active participation, constructive and critical dialogue, and fosters habits of faith reflection, moral sensitivity, and personal responsibility. Thus, inquiry is proven to be a relevant pedagogical method for achieving the theological goal of Christian Religious Education, namely the formation of spiritual discernment that guides students’ attitudes, decisions, and actions in daily life.

This research aims to examine how the functions of Christian counseling (preventive, curative, developmental, and pastoral) can be integrated into the practice of Christian Religious Education as an effective strategy to support adolescents’ faith development. The background of this study arises from the fact that adolescents experience a crisis of faith that is not only related to theological aspects but also affects their psychological and emotional well-being. On the other hand, christian religious education practices in schools often remain focused on the transfer of doctrinal knowledge without being balanced by adequate personal guidance. This study applies a qualitative method through literature review and conceptual analysis of christian counseling theory, theories of adolescent faith development, and pedagogical practices in christian religious education. The findings indicate that integrating Christian counseling functions into the design of christian religious education learning can create a dialogical, reflective, and pastoral classroom atmosphere, providing opportunities for adolescents to develop spiritual discernment, self-awareness, and the ability to make responsible moral decisions. This article discusses the relevance of counseling to adolescents’ spiritual development, the characteristics of their faith development, the challenges of implementing counseling in Christian educational institutions, and the design of learning based on dialogue, reflection, and mentoring. In this way, the integration of christian counseling in christian religious education is considered a holistic approach that enriches the meaning of faith education and supports adolescents’ faith growth in a contextual, profound, and sustainable manner.

Christian religious education teachers act as agents of social, spiritual, and cultural transformation by integrating Christian values ​​into the lives of communities that are still strongly bound to ancestral customs and beliefs. The transformation of customs through contextual evangelism is both a challenge and an opportunity for Christian religious education (PAK) teachers in carrying out their roles as educators and servants of God in a pluralistic society. This study aims to analyze the strategic steps of PAK teachers in integrating Gospel values ​​with local culture without eliminating the identity of the Christian faith or damaging the noble values ​​of customs. The research method used is a qualitative approach and literature study. The results of the study indicate that PAK teachers need to have three main strategic steps, namely contextual understanding by studying in depth the values, symbols, and practices of local customs, a transformational approach, namely presenting Gospel values ​​through education that respects culture but leads to renewal of life and pedagogical implementation through creative and reflective learning methods that foster students' awareness of faith and social responsibility. With this strategy, Christian Religious Education teachers can become agents of transformation, bridging the gap between Christian faith and local culture, ensuring that evangelism is not confrontational but contextual, dialogical, and builds lives rooted in the love of Christ.

This article examines the use of cooperative learning strategies in Christian Religious Education (CRE) as an instructional approach that emphasizes the strengthening of students’ faith and Christian character. The discussion covers the definition, objectives, conceptual foundations, principles, and operational procedures of cooperative learning, which are then connected to the theological goals of CRE. The study employs a qualitative approach using a library research method, analyzing pedagogical and theological literature to construct a conceptual framework for implementing cooperative learning within the context of CRE. The findings indicate that cooperative learning strategies are highly aligned with the essence of CRE, as they foster dialogical interaction, shared responsibility, empathy, and the internalization of Gospel values through collaborative learning processes. The effective implementation of this strategy can create a participatory, reflective, and formative learning community that enhances not only cognitive understanding but also students’ attitudes, spirituality, and Christian character. This research is significant in providing both theoretical and practical foundations for CRE educators in designing learning experiences that are relevant, relational, and transformative in accordance with the goals of faith formation.

Churches and Christian institutions frequently face the challenge of congregations whose understanding of ministry remains confined to the spiritual dimension alone, while the holistic ministry mandate calls for active engagement across social, educational, and economic spheres. This study examines two primary objectives: first, how Christian Religious Education (CRE) shapes congregational understanding of holistic church ministry; and second, how CRE equips congregants with the concrete capacity to serve comprehensively. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed at Yayasan Sola Gratia Medan. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with seven informants comprising foundation leaders, program coordinators, active church members, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Analysis followed a thematic framework encompassing data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. Findings reveal that: (1) consistent CRE implementation at Yayasan Sola Gratia has successfully shifted the congregational ministry paradigm from exclusively spiritual to holistically transformative; and (2) congregants who have internalized CRE values demonstrate more structured ministry capacity, stronger theological motivation, and significant cross-dimensional engagement. This research contributes a contextual CRE model relevant for church-based institutions operating in multidimensional urban environments.

This article examines the dialogue between John Calvin’s educational thought and the Merdeka Curriculum within the context of Christian Religious Education (PAK) in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative-comparative approach with descriptive analysis, this study traces the points of convergence and tension between Calvin’s educational principles particularly the concept of imago Dei, holistic education, and the God-centered purpose of education and the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum such as flexibility, differentiated learning, and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). The analysis reveals significant convergence in terms of respect for the potential and uniqueness of learners, holistic educational orientation, and the role of teachers as facilitators and character formers. However, fundamental tensions also exist regarding Calvin’s theocentric theological foundation vis-à-vis the secular Pancasila foundation, the concept of discipline and authority versus student freedom, and the ultimate goal of education glorifying God versus forming the Pancasila Student Profile. Based on these findings, this article offers practical recommendations for PAK curriculum design based on the Merdeka Curriculum, a Kingdom of God-nuanced project-based learning approach, holistic assessment, and Christian character formation within the Profil Pelajar Pancasila framework. This research contributes to filling the gap in studies that dialogue the Reformed theological tradition with contemporary Indonesian national education policy.

This study aims to examine the methods, models, strategies, as well as the design and development of the Christian Religious Education curriculum within the family. The research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive type through library research, using data sources such as books, scientific journals, and relevant articles. The results of this study indicate that faith education in the family should be carried out holistically through various methods such as modeling, habituation, teaching, and mentoring. In addition, educational models such as the theocentric, relational, and participatory models provide clear direction in nurturing children’s faith. Effective strategies include modeling, dialogical communication, spiritual habituation, mentoring, and discipline based on love. Meanwhile, a simple family-based curriculum that includes objectives, materials, methods, media, and evaluation is essential to support a well-directed educational process. The success of Christian Religious Education in the family largely depends on the active role and consistency of parents in implementing methods, models, strategies, and curriculum in an integrated manner. With the right approach, the family can become an effective center of faith education in shaping children who are faithful, have strong character, and are prepared to face life’s challenges.

This study aims to examine the components of the Christian Religious Education (CRE) curriculum in the family, its design and development, and its concrete implementation. The research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive design through library research, using data sources such as books, academic journals, and relevant articles. The data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative techniques to produce a systematic and in-depth description. The findings show that the CRE curriculum in the family consists of interconnected components, namely objectives, content, strategies, methods, and evaluation, which must be implemented in an integrated manner. Faith education in the family is carried out through methods such as role modeling, habituation, teaching, discussion, mentoring, and practical application. Effective strategies include parental role modeling, dialogical communication, and love-based discipline. The implementation of the curriculum is realized through concrete activities such as family prayer, family worship, Bible reading, and the application of Christian values in daily life. In conclusion, the success of Christian Religious Education in the family largely depends on the active role and consistency of parents in implementing the curriculum in a holistic and continuous manner. With the right approach, the family can become an effective center of faith education in shaping children who are faithful, character-driven, and prepared to face life’s challenges.

The development of globalization and digital culture has given rise to an epistemological crisis that shifts the authority of truth from revelation to social construction, so that the authority of the Bible in Christian education is increasingly marginalized. This condition has an impact on the low internalization of the value of faith, where students understand the Bible cognitively but do not live it in daily practice. This research aims to reconstruct the authority of the Bible in Christian education through an integrative and contextual approach in the midst of global cultural fragmentation. This research uses a qualitative approach with a library research method that integrates theological, pedagogical, and digital cultural contexts. Data were obtained from theological literature, educational theory, and relevant journal articles, which were analyzed using content analysis techniques and theological-constructive reflection. The results show that the crisis of biblical authority is influenced by epistemic shifts, the dominance of post-truth culture, low internalization of values, and non-contextual pedagogical approaches. This research creates a model of reconstruction of biblical authority that integrates the epistemological, pedagogical, and bruxistic dimensions in a transformational manner. In conclusion, this reconstruction does not change the theological substance of the Bible but updates the approach to learning to be more dialogical, reflective, and contextual, so that the authority of the Bible remains relevant in shaping the faith and character of learners in the global era.  

This study analyzes the integration of pedagogical leadership and professional competence in the Christian Religious Education (CRE) learning strategy course among undergraduate students. Employing a quantitative approach with a descriptive-correlational survey design, the research involved 26 respondents. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire, with the results analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. The findings show that both pedagogical leadership (85%) and professional competence (86%) are categorized as high. The Pearson correlation test reveals a strong and significant relationship between the two variables (r = 0.78). These results suggest that pedagogical leadership and professional competence are effectively integrated in the learning process. The course plays a strategic role in shaping students into professional and reflective learning leaders, providing them with the necessary skills to apply their leadership in educational settings. This integration enhances students' readiness to excel in their future roles, emphasizing the importance of these competencies for becoming well-rounded and effective educators.

The era of digital disruption has brought significant moral and spiritual challenges for young people in their use of social media. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Christian ethics education in social media use among youth at the GWI Wesleyan Methodist Congregation of Tanjung Selamat as an effort to develop digital character grounded in Christian values. The study employed a community service approach using participatory methods through pre-tests, post-tests, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), reflective discussions, and digital literacy practices. The theological foundation of this study is based on Wesleyan social ethics, which emphasizes the integration of personal holiness and social holiness in digital life. The educational program also integrated the four pillars of digital literacy, digital skills, digital culture, digital ethics, and digital safety, into a contextual Christian Religious Education framework. The findings indicate a significant improvement in digital literacy understanding, ethical awareness, critical thinking toward digital information, and behavioral transformation in the responsible and value-based use of social media according to Christian principles. This transformation was reflected in increased awareness of digital footprints, stronger personal account security, the removal of negative content, and participants’ initiatives to create spiritual and educational content on social media. The study concludes that Christian ethics education based on digital literacy can serve as an effective means of moral and social transformation for young people while highlighting the strategic role of the church in shaping a humane, peaceful, and Kingdom of God-oriented digital character in the digital era.

Teaching biblical principles to elementary school children plays a significant role in shaping their faith and character, as childhood represents a formative stage for spiritual, intellectual, and moral development. This study aims to examine developmentally appropriate Bible teaching tactics and emphasize the role of Christian Religious Education teachers in the faith-learning process. The approach used is a literature review that combines theological insights, developmental psychology, and Christian didactics. The findings of this analysis indicate that effective teaching methods include the use of storytelling, visual and creative aids, interactive activities, spiritual music, and the teacher's life example. These methods enhance children’s understanding of biblical teachings in a concrete and contextually relevant manner. This research confirms that Bible teaching should not be seen simply as conveying information, but rather as a holistic process of faith formation. The results of this study provide both theoretical and practical benefits, especially for Christian Religious Education teachers, Christian schools, churches, and families in supporting children's holistic faith development.

This research investigates the concepts of heaven and hell within Nias culture and compares them with Catholic Church teachings, exploring their implications for Catholic Religious Education (PAK). Driven by the disparity in eschatological understanding between local culture and Catholic doctrine, and the crucial role of inculturation in faith life, a qualitative approach employing literature review was adopted. Data sources included Church documents, books, and relevant scholarly journals. Findings reveal that Nias culture perceives post-mortem existence not as a dualistic heaven or hell, but as a continuation in the spirit world, influenced by social status and adherence to tradition. In contrast, Catholic teachings define heaven and hell as outcomes of humanity's relationship with God. The inculturation process highlights a dialogue between cultural values and Christian faith, demonstrating that integrating local cultural values into PAK can enhance students' faith experience, making learning more relevant and transformative within their contexts.

Student character building is an important goal in the education system, particularly in Christian Religious Education (CRE) which emphasizes not only cognitive aspects but also the development of moral and spiritual values. However, various character issues such as low discipline, responsibility, and social awareness remain challenges in the school environment. Therefore, a learning strategy is needed that can integrate Biblical values contextually into the educational process. This study aims to analyze learning strategies based on Matthew 11:28–30 in shaping student character at SMP Negeri 1 Moro’o, West Nias Regency. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving Christian Religious Education teachers and students. The results of the study indicate that the values contained in Matthew 11:28–30, such as love, humility, gentleness, and peace of mind, can be implemented through contextual learning strategies, teacher role models, and reflective learning. The implementation of these strategies contributes to student character building, especially in improving attitudes of discipline, responsibility, and concern for others. The novelty of this research lies in the development of a learning strategy framework based on theological analysis of Matthew 11:28–30 which is practically integrated into Christian Religious Education learning to shape students' character.

Christian Religious Education (PAK) learning is undergoing significant changes in the Digital 5.0 era with the utilization of technology as the main support. This study explores the challenges in Christian learning and explores technological solutions that can improve student engagement and material comprehension. Through the literature study, the main challenges identified include the limitations of traditional learning resources and the lack of attractiveness of the materials. Solutions are proposed by integrating E-Learning, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and mobile applications in the curriculum. Teacher training and support from the community and church are key in implementing this approach. Continuous evaluation and problem solving are the focus to ensure success and sustainability. The results show that technology contributes significantly to creating an interactive and relevant learning environment, building a solid foundation for increased student engagement and understanding of Christian teachings. By stepping with technology, this article presents a foundation for enhancing Christian Religious Education learning amidst the dynamics of the digital world

Middle order thinking skills (MOTS) questions are very important in Christian religious education learning. Evaluation of Christian religious education learning needs to be carried out by educators (teachers) based on each learning material so that students' academic achievement can be achieved well. In general, educators (teachers) do not fully understand the concept of middle order thinking skills (MOTS), as well as low order skills (LOTS) and high order skills (HOTS), so that some students find it difficult to answer questions given by educators (teachers) during learning evaluations. The type of research used is qualitative research with a literature review/literature study approach. The purpose of the study is to explain the understanding of the meaning of MOTS in Christian religious education learning on materials that are in accordance with learning objectives, so that students' academic achievement can be achieved well through learning evaluations. The results of the study are students are able to answer questions well from the middle order thinking skills (MOTS) type of questions when educators (teachers) create learning evaluation questions based on learning materials. Conclusion; To create evaluation questions for Christian religious education learning that students can answer and achieve academic success, ideally, questions should be based on the learning material they have learned.

The diversity of Indonesian society, spread across various regions of the archipelago, reflects immense natural and cultural wealth. However, this cultural diversity also has the potential to trigger national disintegration or division due to differences in perspectives, values, and ways of life. This situation indicates that Indonesian society needs to develop an educational system capable of fostering an appreciative attitude toward cultural, religious, and customary differences among ethnic groups. This reality compels Christian Education to assume a strategic role in strengthening existing diversity. This study aims to examine transformative approaches within Christian Education for fostering harmony amidst Indonesia’s diversity. The research employs a qualitative approach through a literature review, particularly focusing on the approaches and implementation of Christian Education within pluralistic societies. The results of the study indicate that the presence of Christian education can make a significant contribution to building a harmonious, diverse society by instilling Christian values such as respect for different lifestyles, rejection of violence and discrimination, and the strengthening of a spirit of unity. Thus, Christian education is expected to serve as an effective means of fostering harmony amidst the diversity of Indonesian society.