**Lesson Plan: Communal Living in the Early Christian Community**
*Senior Secondary 3*
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**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Class:** SS3 (Senior Secondary 3)
**Topic:** Communal Living in the Early Christian Community
**Duration:** 1 hour
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**Objective:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Describe the concept of communal living practiced by early Christians.
2. Identify characteristics of communal living in the early Christian community.
3. Explain the reasons why early Christians adopted communal living.
4. Discuss the relevance of communal living principles in contemporary Christian practice.
**Materials Needed:**
- Bible (preferably the New Testament)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and screen for multimedia presentation (optional)
- Handouts with key scripture passages and discussion questions
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**Lesson Plan:**
1. **Introduction (10 mins)**
- Begin with a short prayer.
- Introduce the lesson by showing a short video clip about the early Christian community (optional).
- Briefly discuss the importance of studying the lives and practices of early Christians.
2. **Scripture Reading (10 mins)**
- Have students read Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35 aloud.
- Ask different students to read different verses to encourage participation.
3. **Discussion on Key Passages (15 mins)**
- Write the key points of the scripture on the whiteboard.
- Acts 2:42-47: Focus on the unity, breaking of bread, prayers, and sharing possessions.
- Acts 4:32-35: Emphasize on one heart and mind, shared possessions, and no needy among them.
- Discuss key questions:
- What does "all the believers were one in heart and mind" mean?
- How did sharing their possessions help the early Christians?
- Why do you think they sold property and possessions to give to anyone in need?
4. **Group Activity (15 mins)**
- Divide the class into small groups.
- Assign each group one of the following aspects of communal living to discuss:
- Fellowship and worship practices.
- Mutual support and sharing of resources.
- Care for the needy and community welfare.
- Ask each group to present their findings and thoughts to the class.
5. **Application to Modern Context (5 mins)**
- Discuss how the principles of early Christian communal living can be applied in today’s world:
- How can modern Christians practice unity and support within their communities?
- What are some practical ways to share and care for others in contemporary society?
6. **Summary and Conclusion (3 mins)**
- Summarize the key points:
- Communal living in the early Christianity focused on unity, sharing, and support.
- These practices helped the early Christians strengthen their faith and community.
- Modern Christians can adopt similar practices to enhance fellowship and mutual support.
- End with a short prayer asking for guidance in living out these principles.
7. **Assignments (2 mins)**
- Assign a short essay or reflection paper: “How can my local church community better reflect the principles of communal living seen in the early Christian community?”
- Encourage students to include personal examples and practical suggestions.
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**Evaluation:**
- Participation in discussions and group activity.
- Quality and insightfulness of the assignment.
- Understanding of the key concepts through verbal feedback and engagement during the lesson.
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**Notes:**
- Adjust the lesson plan timings based on class size and dynamics.
- Ensure to facilitate inclusive and respectful discussions.
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This lesson plan provides a comprehensive structure to engage SS3 students in understanding and reflecting on communal living in the early Christian community, making connections to their contemporary context for practical application.