Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 3 - The Christian church today

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 4

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: The Christian church today

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) List and explain the missions of the church today

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Christian Religious Knowledge textbooks for Junior Secondary School 3

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

NOTE

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH TODAY

The missions of the Church today are based on its foundational mandate to spread the gospel, serve others, and bring about transformation in individuals, communities, and the world. These missions can be categorized into several key areas:

1. Evangelism and Proclamation of the Gospel

• Explanation: The Church’s primary mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. This is rooted in Jesus’ Great Commission to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, where He instructs them to go and make disciples of all nations. Evangelism involves preaching, teaching, and spreading the gospel, both locally and globally, to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.
• Today: Churches often use various methods such as preaching, outreach programs, media, and digital platforms to reach both believers and non-believers.

2. Discipleship and Spiritual Growth

• Explanation: The Church is responsible for nurturing and equipping believers in their faith. Discipleship involves teaching new believers about the life and teachings of Jesus, helping them grow in spiritual maturity, and guiding them to live according to Christian principles. This mission focuses on deepening the faith of the congregation and preparing them to be leaders, servants, and witnesses in the world.
• Today: This is accomplished through Bible studies, small groups, mentorship, and personal spiritual development.

3. Service to the Poor and Marginalized

• Explanation: Jesus emphasized caring for the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the marginalized. In Matthew 25:35-40, He teaches that serving others, particularly those in need, is a way of serving Him. The Church today continues this mission by engaging in social justice, charitable work, and community outreach to address issues like poverty, hunger, and injustice.
• Today: Churches run food banks, shelters, medical missions, orphanages, and provide aid during disasters. They also advocate for justice and equality for marginalized groups.

4. Community Building and Fellowship

• Explanation: The Church is a community of believers united by their faith in Christ. Building a strong, loving, and supportive community is an important mission, as it allows believers to grow together in faith, hold one another accountable, and support each other in times of need. Fellowship helps create a nurturing environment for worship and growth.
• Today: This is achieved through church services, social events, support groups, and team-building activities, where members can form relationships and grow in their understanding of God's love.

5. Worship and Glorification of God

• Explanation: One of the primary functions of the Church is to glorify God through worship. Worship is not just limited to church services but includes living a life that honors God in all aspects. The Church’s mission is to facilitate and encourage worship both individually and collectively.
• Today: Churches organize worship services, prayer meetings, music ministries, and other activities to encourage believers to glorify God and express their love, gratitude, and reverence.

6. Training and Sending Missionaries

• Explanation: The Church is called to raise and send out missionaries to spread the gospel to unreached regions of the world (Acts 1:8). The mission field today includes not only distant lands but also local communities that may not yet have heard the gospel. The Church trains and equips individuals to go out into the world, whether abroad or within their own country, to serve God and share His message.
• Today: Many churches support missionaries financially, spiritually, and practically, and organize short-term and long-term missions trips.

7. Promoting Peace and Reconciliation

• Explanation: As a peacemaking body, the Church is called to be an agent of reconciliation in a divided world. This involves promoting peace between individuals, groups, and nations, and advocating for justice and healing in situations of conflict. Reconciliation begins with individuals being reconciled to God through Christ and extends to reconciling with one another.
• Today: Churches engage in interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding initiatives, and conflict resolution efforts both locally and globally, working towards harmony and mutual understanding.

8. Preserving and Passing on the Faith (Cultural Mandate)

• Explanation: The Church is tasked with preserving the truth of God’s Word and passing it on to future generations. This involves teaching sound doctrine, defending the faith, and ensuring that biblical values are upheld within society. It also includes protecting the integrity of the gospel message from distortion and heresy.
• Today: This mission is carried out through theological education, writing, media outreach, and youth ministry, ensuring that the next generation remains rooted in Christian principles.

9. Global Awareness and Environmental Stewardship

• Explanation: The Church has a responsibility to care for God’s creation, understanding that environmental stewardship is part of the mission to care for the world God entrusted to humanity. This includes promoting sustainability, addressing climate change, and taking care of the earth’s resources.
• Today: Churches are increasingly involved in environmental advocacy, promoting eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation efforts, and raising awareness about the impact of climate change on the planet.

10. Advocacy for Religious Freedom and Human Rights

• Explanation: As advocates for justice, the Church also engages in protecting religious freedom and human rights globally. This involves standing against persecution, advocating for the rights of believers and non-believers alike, and speaking out on issues of human dignity.
• Today: Many churches are involved in campaigns to promote freedom of religion, human rights, and to combat religious persecution around the world.

EVALUATION:

1. How effectively is the Church engaging in evangelism and spreading the gospel to both local and global communities?
2. In what ways is the Church supporting the spiritual growth and discipleship of its members?
3. How well is the Church addressing social justice issues, particularly in serving the poor and marginalized communities?
4. How inclusive and supportive is the Church’s fellowship and community-building efforts in fostering relationships among believers?
5. To what extent is the Church involved in mission work, including sending and supporting missionaries, both locally and globally?Bottom of Form

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively