The Need for Integration of Faith, Values, and Learning in the Seventh-day Adventist Schools of Jakarta Conference : IFVL in SDA Schools of Jakarta Conference

Abstract

This study explores the urgent need for the Integration of Faith, Values, and Learning (IFVL) in Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) schools within the Jakarta Conference. As education becomes increasingly driven by academic performance and standardized outcomes, the spiritual and moral foundations central to Adventist education risk being marginalized. IFVL serves as a transformative framework that aligns academic excellence with spiritual formation and character development. A survey data from 43 teachers across SDA elementary schools was utilized, revealing varied levels of understanding and implementation of IFVL. While nearly half of the respondents demonstrated a basic grasp of IFVL, many responses indicated the need for deeper training, consistent application, and contextualization of the concept. Literature from global and Indonesian contexts—spanning Adventist, Catholic, and Islamic education—further highlights how faith-based schools successfully embed values through curriculum, institutional culture, and daily routines. The findings emphasize that IFVL must not be treated as an add-on but must be integrated holistically into all aspects of school life. It also calls for greater institutional support, targeted professional development, and culturally responsive practices that reflect both Adventist philosophy and Indonesia’s diverse moral and spiritual heritage. The study concludes that strengthening IFVL practices in SDA schools across Jakarta is essential not only for nurturing faith-based identity among students but also for equipping them to become morally grounded, socially responsible, and spiritually resilient citizens in a pluralistic society. Recommendations are provided for leadership, teacher development, and curriculum design to support this vision.