Student discipline is influenced by internal factors, environment, religiosity, and effective teacher interpersonal communication, which fosters motivation, role modeling, and supports the development of students' character and spirituality. This study aims to determine the influence of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) teachers’ interpersonal communication style on students' discipline and religious devotion, both simultaneously and partially. This quantitative research used total sampling involving 60 students, with data collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, classical assumption tests, validity, reliability, MANOVA, and t-tests. The analysis results show that teacher interpersonal communication significantly influences student discipline and religious devotion, with a contribution of 78.9%, while 21.1% is influenced by other factors. Based on the t-test (R²), the effect on discipline was 44.13%, while on religious devotion it was 23.45%. Conclusion: positive interpersonal communication also strengthens students' character and internalization of spiritual values through interactions with religious education teachers.

This research aims to explore the importance of technical, managerial, and cultural competencies of religious counselors to enhance performance at the Office of Religious Affairs in Batumarmar Pamekasan. The role of counselors is crucial in effectively delivering religious teachings to a diverse audience with varying knowledge backgrounds and characteristics. This study adopts a descriptive research design with a qualitative approach. Data collection methods include observation, interviews, and documentation from key informants, primary informants (counselors), and supporting informants (counselors). The findings indicate that implementing technical competencies among religious counselors at the Office of Religious Affairs in Batumarmar Pamekasan aims to systematically and effectively improve their performance through deep understanding of Islamic teachings, effective communication skills, and counseling abilities. Creativity in teaching methods is essential for outreach to Muslim communities in rural and urban areas. Managerial competencies encompass activity planning, event organization, and evaluation of outreach programs to assess success. Leadership supports moral guidance, time management, and technological proficiency for task efficiency. Social-cultural competencies strengthen harmonious relations with diverse communities, promote tolerance, openness, and cultural values in religious duties.