Developing and Implementing a Christ-Centered Pedagogy in Christian Religious Education for Effective Faith Formation in Adolescents
Abstract
The formation of adolescent faith in Christian Religious Education (CRE) requires pedagogical approaches that transcend the mere transmission of knowledge, aiming instead at personal transformation rooted in Christ. In many educational contexts, CRE remains confined to doctrinal instruction, often lacking the holistic, relational, and Christ-centered framework essential for meaningful spiritual development. This study seeks to develop a Christ-centered pedagogy for CRE that intentionally supports adolescents’ faith formation by integrating biblical principles, experiential learning, and relational engagement. Employing a qualitative research design, the study was conducted in selected Christian secondary schools and involved teachers, students, and curriculum developers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis, and were thematically analyzed to identify core pedagogical elements aligned with Christ-centered values such as love, grace, service, and spiritual reflection. Findings indicate that Christ-centered pedagogy is most effective when theological depth is combined with relational authenticity, enabling students to encounter Christ personally through classroom practices, teacher modeling, and community involvement. The integration of spiritual disciplines, narrative theology, and reflective dialogue significantly enhanced student engagement and spiritual growth. Practically, the study recommends that educators and institutions adopt pedagogical approaches that emphasize personal relationships and lived faith experiences within everyday learning contexts. This model demonstrates cultural adaptability, allowing for the contextualization of narratives and spiritual practices in diverse settings while maintaining Christ as the central focus of faith. Thus, this study contributes meaningfully to the advancement of authentic and resilient faith-based education, offering practical guidance for Christian educators and institutions in nurturing a generation of faithful, Christ-like disciples.
Keywords: Christ-centered pedagogy, Christian Religious Education, adolescent faith formation, spiritual development, theological education.
https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.52.6.10
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