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

A church is a local congregation of Christians, and it can mean a building for worship or a body of believers who follow Jesus.

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.
5. Explain why good relationships matter in the church.

What is a church?

A church is a local congregation of Christians who worship God together.

The word church has two meanings: a building and a body of people.

The church as a building

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

• Use: worship, prayer, teaching and fellowship take place there.
• Examples: the church house in your street or community.

The church as a body

The church as a body is the assembly of believers who have given their lives to Jesus and do his bidding.

• Members: men, women, youths and children who believe in Jesus.
• Link to the Bible: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
• Benefit: a person who joins believers in worship gains a lot of experience, and God reveals himself to him or her during such worship.

Summary table

Why are good relationships important in the church?

Good relationships keep members united so that the church can worship and work together in peace.

• Unity: members live in harmony and do not quarrel.
• Growth: people are drawn to a church where members love one another.
• Good witness: outsiders see the love of Christ in the way members behave.
• Peace: forgiveness and kindness settle disagreements.

How should Christian students show love to others?

Christian students should show genuine love to everyone, both Christians and non-Christians.

Love is the greatest instrument of a good relationship.

• Be willing to help: help others eagerly and do not persecute them.
• Speak peace and comfort: let words of peace and comfort come from us always.
• Give generously: contribute to the needs of the saints.
• Show good character: be known as a good Christian student worthy of emulation. Good character leads people to the kingdom of God.
• Show sympathy: comfort someone who is hurt or injured.
• Bring joy: see it as a duty to bring joy and happiness to people at school, at home and in the community.

Key Bible verse

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

• Harmony: live peacefully with others.
• Not haughty: do not think you are better than other people.
• Associate with the lowly: be friendly to people who are poor or have little.
• Not conceited: do not boast about yourself.

How can love be shown in the church?

Love can be shown in the church in six main ways.

1. Praying for one another: members ask God to help the sick, the troubled and the needy.
2. Helping one another: members share what they have with those in need.
3. Loving one another: Jesus told his followers to love one another (John 13:34).
4. Accommodating one another: members accept people of different ages, backgrounds and views.
5. Forgiving and not taking revenge: a member who is wronged forgives the offender.
6. Obeying instructions from church leaders: members respect and follow the guidance of leaders.

What are the roles of individual members of the church?

Each group in the church has its own role, and all the roles work together to build the church.

Pastors

• Role: they minister to the congregation and the entire church.
• Duties: preaching, teaching, praying with members and guiding them.

Choir

• Role: they inspire the church with songs and ministering.
• Duties: leading the congregation in songs of praise and worship.

Ushers

• Role: they give members of the church a warm reception, including first-timers.
• Duties: welcoming people at the door and helping them find seats.
• Extra duty: sometimes they also take care of the church premises.

Children teachers

• Role: they assist the children, teach them and take care of them in the church.
• Duties: teaching Bible stories and good conduct to children.

Evangelists

• Role: they spread the gospel.
• Duties: they also help the church to grow and expand.

Table of roles

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.
5. Give three ways a Christian student can show love at school.

Assignment

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