Relationship in the Church – JSS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A church is a local congregation of Christians. The word can mean a building where Christians gather to worship God, or a body of believers who have given their lives to Jesus and do his bidding. Members keep good relationships through love, and each group in the church, such as pastors, choir and ushers, has its own role.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the two meanings of the word church.
2. State how Christian students should show love to other people.
3. List six ways in which love can be shown in the church.
4. Name the roles of pastors, the choir, ushers, children teachers and evangelists in the church.

What is a church?

A church is a local congregation of Christians. The church can be defined in two ways: as a building and as a body or group.

The church as a building

The church as a building is a place where Christians gather to worship God.

The church as a body

The church as a body is the collection of believers, that is, those who have given their lives to Jesus and are doing his bidding. It can also be called the assembly of believers.

A person who joins a congregation of believers who worship God together gains a lot of experience. God always reveals himself to him or her during such worship.

How should Christian students show love to others?

Love is the greatest instrument of a good relationship. As Christian students, we must show genuine love to brothers and sisters, both Christians and non-Christians. We should be eager and willing to help others, and we should not persecute them.

Let the word of peace and comfort be heard from us always. It is good to contribute generously to the needs of the saints. Let people know us as good Christian students who are worthy of emulation. Our good character will lead people to the kingdom of God.

We are expected to show sympathy when someone is hurt or injured. We must see it as our duty to bring joy and happiness to people in the school, at home and in the community.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited.” (Romans 12:16)

How can love be shown in the church?

Love can be shown in the church in the following ways:

1. Praying for one another.
2. Helping one another.
3. Loving one another.
4. Accommodating one another.
5. Forgiving and not taking revenge.
6. Obeying instructions from church leaders.

What are the roles of individual members of the church?

1. Pastors: They minister to the congregation and the entire church.
2. Choir: They inspire the church with songs and ministration.
3. Ushers: They give members of the church a warm reception, including first-timers. Sometimes they also take care of the church premises.
4. Children teachers: They assist the children, teach them and take care of them in the church.
5. Evangelists: They spread the gospel. They also help the church to grow and expand.

Evaluation

1. Define the word church.
2. Explain the church as a building and the church as a body.
3. List six ways in which love can be shown in the church.
4. State the roles of ushers and children teachers in the church.

Assignment

1. Write out Romans 12:16 and say what it teaches about relationships.
2. List three roles of individual members of the church, with one duty for each.