THE PROFOUND IMPACT OF SUNDAY SCHOOL CAREGIVERS IN SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

The study employs a descriptive approach to examine the significant role played by Sunday School Caregivers in shaping the character, faith, and spiritual development of children within the Toraja Church. The research aims to offer valuable insights into the diverse roles of Sunday School Caregivers and their contributions to facilitating spiritual growth and character development among the young generation. To collect data for this study, in-depth interviews conducted with Sunday School Caregivers from various congregations within the Toraja Church region. The data gathered from these interviews provided valuable perspectives and experiences directly from the teachers, shedding light on their practices, challenges, and approaches in nurturing the faith of the children under their care. By exploring the lived experiences and insights of these dedicated educators, the study seeks to enhance our understanding of the profound impact of Sunday School teachers in shaping the spiritual journey of the future torchbearers of the Toraja Church.


INTRODUCTION
Sekolah Minggu is one of the Intra-Church Organizations that plays a significant role in the Toraja Church. As stated in Psalm 71:17 (NIV), "Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds." As members of the church still in the formation of faith, Sunday School attendees require serious attention and service, just as the adult congregation receives. In this context, the role of Sunday School teachers becomes crucial in guiding and shaping the young generation to grow in faith.
The Toraja Church realizes the crucial importance of faith development during early life stages. Isaiah 54:13 (NIV) says, "All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace." Children who are part of the Sunday School are a vital foundation for the future of the church. Therefore, the role of Klasikal: Journal of Education, Language Teaching and Science Volume 5 Issue 1 April 2023 p- ISSN: 2656-9914 e-ISSN: 2656 Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan 205 Universitas Bosowa Makassar Sunday School teachers in teaching, educating, and guiding the members has a profound impact on their spiritual growth.
In this introduction, the author will discuss the significant role of Sunday School teachers in the spiritual growth of the Toraja Church congregation. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) emphasizes, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Through this research, it is hoped that we can gain a deeper understanding of how Sunday School teachers can contribute to shaping the character and strengthening the faith of the church's children. Moreover, we will highlight the importance of embracing the "calling" as Sunday School teachers to fulfill their tasks and responsibilities effectively.
This article also introduced the crucial background of early religious education and the context of the Toraja Church as an environment for nurturing faith. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) states, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the significant role of Sunday School teachers in nurturing the spiritual growth of the Toraja Church congregation and how they can become resilient faith servants in facing challenges and tasks.
The expected results of this research contributed significantly to strengthen and develop the Sunday School as a platform for character formation and solid faith growth for the young generation of the Toraja Church. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) declares, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Through this research, may we actively participate in strengthening the foundation of faith in children, equipping them for a blessed journey of faith.

METHODOLOGY
This study adopts a descriptive approach to explore the vital role played by Sunday School teachers in fostering the spiritual development of the members of the Toraja Church congregation. The descriptive method allows the researcher to present a comprehensive overview of how Sunday School teachers contribute to molding the character and strengthening the faith of the congregation, particularly in their formative years.
To collect data for this research, interviews would be conducted with Sunday School teachers from different congregations within the Toraja Church region. The participants for the interviews will be selected using the snowball method, where initial participants recommend others. This selection process aims to include informants who possess a deep understanding of the roles and experiences of Sunday School teachers in guiding the spiritual growth of the congregation members.
The data collected through interviews undergone qualitative analysis, enabling the researcher to identify emerging patterns and themes. These qualitative findings provided a comprehensive understanding of the significant role of Sunday School teachers and their effectiveness in fulfilling their responsibilities in guiding the spiritual growth of the Toraja Church congregation members. This research carried out in various congregations, representing diverse contexts within the Toraja Church. This approach allows the researcher to gain a more holistic insight into the role of Sunday School teachers across different church situations and conditions.

FINDING AND DISCUSSION
The provided data emphasizes the significant role of Sunday School caregivers/teachers as facilitators in shaping the character, faith, and spiritual development of children. The five main roles they play are outlined as follows: " Delving into the treasure trove of wisdom in the Bible, we find a foundational passage that illuminates the profound significance of guiding and nurturing young hearts. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) tenderly advises us, 'Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.' This verse serves as a resounding reminder of the lasting impact we can make on the lives of children when we lead them on the right path from their earliest days, Church, M. R. (2015).
Gratitude should overflow from our hearts as we embrace the divine calling bestowed upon us by God. We are chosen as His esteemed co-workers, entrusted with the sacred privilege of shaping the lives of the precious children under our care. With sincerity, diligence, and humility, we answer this noble calling to nurture their faith and spiritual growth. The timeless counsel of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) echoes in our hearts, urging us to stand approved before God, rightly handling the precious word of truth as we impart it to these young minds.
As we embark on this journey of teaching and guiding, our own learning and growth should be ceaseless. Each day presents an opportunity for us to refine our skills and gain fresh insights through professional development. By becoming more adept in our roles, we can more effectively illuminate the path of faith for the children on their unique spiritual odysseys. In the Gospels, we see Jesus, the ultimate teacher and model of compassion. In Matthew 19:14 (NIV), He warmly beckons the little ones, saying, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' This poignant scene reminds us of the immense value Jesus placed on the tender hearts of children and their innate capacity to embrace faith with boundless wonder.
With hearts aglow, we wholeheartedly embrace this divine calling. In doing so, we unleash the power of our influence upon these young and impressionable souls. As the words of Albert Schweitzer resonate deeply, 'Example is not the main thing in influencing others; it is the only thing.' Our lives, as living testimonies of God's grace and love, become a guiding light, leading these children towards a fulfilling spiritual journey. Hence, with reverence and understanding, we grasp the transformative potential we wield. Let us faithfully carry out our mission as stewards of God's message, tending to the spiritual gardens of these young hearts with unwavering dedication. The impact we make today will shape the tomorrows of these beloved children, sparking a radiant legacy of faith that will shine on for generations to come.

CONCLUSSION
The presented data highlights the significant role of Sunday School caregivers/teachers in shaping the character, faith, and spiritual growth of children. Their multifaceted roles as evangelists, interpreters of faith, shepherds, role models, and friends create a nurturing environment for the overall development of children. The provided roles underscore the critical importance of education and care for children, showcasing the significant impact of Sunday School caregivers/teachers in facilitating spiritual growth and character development. By fulfilling these roles with dedication and sincerity, caregivers/teachers contribute significantly to building a generation of wellgrounded individuals capable of making a positive impact on society. Furthermore, the wisdom found in the Bible, particularly Proverbs 22:6, emphasizes the lasting impact of guiding children on the right path from an early age. As caregivers/teachers, we are entrusted with the sacred privilege of shaping the lives of precious children under our care. This divine calling calls for sincerity, diligence, and humility as we nurture their faith and spiritual growth, following the counsel of Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15. As we embark on this journey of teaching and guiding, continuous learning and growth are essential. Each day presents an opportunity to refine our skills and gain fresh insights through professional development. By becoming more adept in our roles, we can more effectively lead children on their unique spiritual odysseys, just as Jesus warmly embraced the little ones in Matthew 19:14, recognizing their innate capacity to embrace faith with boundless wonder.
As caregivers/teachers, we wholeheartedly embrace this divine calling, understanding the transformative potential we hold. By being living examples of God's grace and love, our lives become guiding lights, leading these young souls towards a fulfilling spiritual journey. With reverence and dedication, we faithfully carry out our mission as stewards of God's message, tending to the spiritual gardens of these young hearts. The impact we make today will shape the future of these beloved children, igniting a radiant legacy of faith that will shine on for generations to come.
To further enhance the effectiveness of Sunday School caregivers/teachers in nurturing the spiritual growth of children, the following areas should be focused on: 1) Ongoing Training and Professional Development: Encourage caregivers/teachers to participate in continuous training and professional development programs to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively guide children in their spiritual journey. 2) Cultivating a Supportive Environment: Foster a supportive environment within the Sunday School community, where caregivers/teachers can share experiences, insights, and challenges to strengthen their resolve and enhance their impact on the children. 3) Integrating Technology: Embrace technology in the learning process to make it more engaging and interactive for children. Utilize age-appropriate digital resources and platforms to complement traditional teaching methods. 4) Partnering with Families: Collaborate with parents and guardians to reinforce spiritual teachings at home. Regular communication and parental involvement will further enrich the children's spiritual development. 4) Incorporating Worship and Community Service: Integrate worship activities and community service projects into Sunday School lessons. Engaging in worship and serving others will deepen children's understanding of faith and encourage them to live out their beliefs. 6) Personal Spiritual Growth: Encourage caregivers/teachers to prioritize their own spiritual growth and well-being. A strong personal relationship with God will enhance their ability to guide and inspire the children effectively. 7) By implementing these suggestions, Sunday School caregivers/teachers can create an Klasikal: Journal of Education, Language Teaching and Science Volume 5 Issue 1 April 2023 p- ISSN: 2656-9914 e-ISSN: 2656 Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan 209 Universitas Bosowa Makassar even more impactful and nurturing environment for the spiritual growth and character development of the children entrusted to their care. Together, they can continue to shape the lives of the next generation, leaving a legacy of faith and love.