How does the Church help the local community

How does the Church help the local community? • I can describe two examples of how the Church helps the local community • I can explain what motivates Christians to help others

How does the Church help the local community? Trussell Trust Food Bank Read the information and underline four important ideas about how the Church is helping people. You must now teach your partner about how Christians help others! Challenge: What impact could this work have on the wider community? Street pastors

Food Banks There around 420 Trussell Trust food banks in the UK, providing food for almost one million people each year. Many Christians volunteer to collect, sort and distribute emergency food for people most in need. Professionals such as the police, social workers and doctors identify people in need and issue vouchers. The food bank then gives three days of healthy and nutritional food in exchange for each voucher. Churches encourage members of the congregation to donate nutritional food to the food banks. This distribution of food helps to create a more equal society. Food is also donated by churches, supermarkets, businesses and individuals.

Street Pastors Street pastors are Christians from local churches, working in over 270 towns and cities in the UK. One way they help the local community is to patrol the streets of some big cities, often on Friday and Saturday nights, to care for the physical and spiritual needs of young people who might be vulnerable or at risk of getting into fights. Another way they help the local community is by challenging anti-social behaviour and gang-related issues such as knife crime, in order to make communities safer. For example they might listen to people’s problems and tell them about other agencies they can talk to get them out of gangs.

What motivates Christians to help others? Showing agape love is very important: “let us not love with words or thoughts but with actions” (1 John 3) The parable of the sheep and the goats: If you help others, you did it for Jesus and will be rewarded with heaven. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you have me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ’

How does the Church help the local community? • I can describe two examples of how the Church helps the local community • I can explain what motivates Christians to help others

Explain two ways in which Christian street pastors carry out their Christian duty. Refer to Christian teaching in your answer. (5 marks) Remember: In a 5 mark answer you must give two different examples and explain each one. You must also refer to a Christian teaching. One way Christian street pastors carry out their Christian duty is______ For example/this involves… Another way Christian street pastors carry out their Christian duty is______ For example/this involves… They do this because the Bible tells Christians to…

Explain two ways in which Christian street pastors carry out their Christian duty. Refer to Christian teaching in your answer. (5 marks) Model Answer One way street pastors help the local community is to patrol the streets of some big cities, often at night at the weekend. They offer support for young people who might be vulnerable or at risk of getting into fights because they are drunk. Another way they help the local community is by challenging gang-related issues such as knife crime, in order to make communities safer. For example they might advise gang members to speak to agencies who can help people get out of gangs. They are carrying out their Christian duty because the parable of the sheep and the goats tells Christians to care for those in need.

Engage Endeavour Explore Elaborate Evaluate End Mission and Evangelism I can define the terms ‘mission’ and ‘evangelism’ I can explain why mission and evangelism are important I can evaluate the claim that Christians have a duty to tell others about their faith How do Christians spread the word?

In pairs write down different ways Christians could share their faith Door to door Organising meals at church Hand out leaflets in the street Ways of sharing faith: Street pastors Inviting people to learn e. g. Talking to friends and neighbours Preaching in public

Engage Endeavour Explore Elaborate So some Christians believe they have a duty to spread the “good news” that Jesus gives a path to salvation… • Spreading the gospel by public preaching is called evangelism. • Mission is the belief that you have been ‘sent’ to go out and spread their faith. The people involved are called missionaries. A Christian missionary doing humanitarian work in the Philippines, helping the poor and disadvantaged Evaluate End A Christian missionary teaching in West Africa 1. Write a definition of evangelism and of mission in your own words (maximum 10 words each). 2. Describe two different types of missionary work. Evangelism: public preaching to persuade people to accept Jesus as saviour Challenge: What might motivate Christians to do this?

The Great Commission Some of the last words Jesus said to his disciples were: “Therefore Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. ” (Matthew 28: 19 -20) When the disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, 10 days after Jesus ascended to heaven, they were given the gifts (skills) needed to carry out the Great Commission. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ” (John 14: 6) Explain in no more that 50 words why mission is important to Christians, referring to scripture. Challenge: Do you think mission is the most important aspect of Christianity?

All Christians should try to convert others to Christianity. Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious beliefs in your answer.

“All Christians should try to convert others to Christianity. ” Agree with statement • Some consider it a religious duty - “Go forth and make disciples of all nations. ” • Helps people to be aware of different practices – community cohesion • Religion may offer support to people in need / experiencing difficulties Disagree with statement • Religious faith is a personal decision • Conversion can be seen as discrimination • Different view-points within families can cause arguments

Working for reconciliation • I can describe the role of the Church in working for Reconciliation: restoring harmony after relationships have reconciliation broken down; bringing people together to be friendly again • I can explain how Bible passages and Christian beliefs support this work Write your own definition. • I can evaluate the importance of working for reconciliation Why might reconciliation be needed in the UK today?

Case Studies Read one or more of the following case studies: • Community of the Cross of Nails (Coventry Cathedral) • They Corrymeela Community • Archbishop Desmond Tutu 1. Describe how this group / person works for reconciliation. 2. Explain why reconciliation was needed in each case. Challenge: ‘Working for reconciliation is the most important thing a Christian can do. ’ To what extent do you agree?

Which best sums up the concept of reconciliation? Which would most motivate them to work for reconciliation? Which might be the most important for Christians? When Jesus came to Earth it meant that humans could be reconciled with God. Their relationship with God is restored: they are no longer God’s enemies. ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. ’ ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. ’ ‘For all who draw ‘Turn the sword will die other cheek’ by the sword’ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. ” (Matt 5)

Christian responses to persecution Persecution: hostility and ill-treatment, (especially because of race or political or religious Use these images to help you to define the beliefs; oppression, persistent annoyance or harassment). e. g. “Her family fled religious persecution. “ word ‘persecution’. What examples of hostility of ill-treatment can you see in these images?

Christian responses to persecution • I can describe examples of persecution faced by Christians • I can explain how and why Christians respond to persecution

Persecution 80% of all acts of religious discrimination in the world today are directed at Christians. In 2012, Christians were discriminated against in 139 countries. What examples of persecution do you think Christians face? • • • Being forced to pay extra tax Not being allowed to have good jobs Not being allowed to build churches Attacks on their homes, churches and families Murder: it is believed that thousands of Christians are killed each year because of their faith • Jesus warned Christians to expect persecution because he had been persecuted.

Case Study: Hea-Woo 1. Why was Hea-Woo arrested? 2. How did her faith help her? 3. How did this video make you feel?

Christian responses to persecution • I can describe examples of persecution faced by Christians • I can explain how and why Christians respond to persecution

• • Describe three things Open Doors does to support persecuted Christians. Challenge: Explain the most and least helpful actions from those described below.

Use the following quotes to explain: a) how Christians should respond to persecution by… A quote which supports this is… b) why they would be motivated to respond in this way Christians should respond in this way because…A quote which supports this is… Challenge: Can good ever come from persecution? “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you… Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. ” (Matt 5: 11 -12) “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. ” 1 Corinthians 12: 26 Jesus said, “If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ” (Matt 5: 39) “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. ” (Matt 5: 44) “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings. . . ” Philippians 3: 10

Use the following quotes to explain: a) how Christians should respond to persecution b) why they would be motivated to respond in this way Challenge: Can good ever come from persecution? a) They should show love (‘love your enemies…’, turn the other cheek) b) They will understand how Jesus suffered, they will be rewarded in heaven Challenge: • Those who suffer for their beliefs share this in a unique way with Jesus • Helps strengthen and develop faith • Church grows because of persecution

Homework 1. 2. How does the Corrymeela community work for reconciliation? Why is reconciliation important to Christians? The Corrymeela Community was begun in 1965 by Ray Davey, a former chaplain who witnessed, and was profoundly affected by, the bombing of the city of Dresden during WW 2. The community seeks to promote harmony and reconciliation. People from various backgrounds gather at the residential centre on the north coast of Ireland for a time of peace-building through the healing of social, religious and political divisions. They include people from youth, school and university groups, family and community organisations, faith communities, and political parties. Those who attend are given the opportunity to talk and listen to each other and explore ways of moving from violence and distrust to working together constructively.

a) What is the message of this proverb? b) This proverb is used by Christian Aid. How might it influence them when helping people in need?

Christian Aid • I can describe some of Christian Aid’s work • I can explain Christian teachings which influence charity work • I can evaluate the importance of helping others

How does Christian Aid help people in need? Challenge: Which examples best reflect the idea of ‘teaching a man to fish’? Helps communities after natural disasters e. g. by providing food and shelter Empowers people e. g. Adi’s cow Promotes equality (of resources and status) and a fairer world Ensures everyone has access to water and sanitation Promotes justice through campaigning to governments

Case Study: Myanmar (Burma) Whilst watching the clip write down 3 -4 examples of Christian Aid’s work to strengthen communities in Myanmar.

Case Study: Adi’s Cow Whilst watching the clip write down 3 -4 examples of how Christian Aid promotes justice in Ethiopia.

Christian Aid • I can describe some of Christian Aid’s work • I can explain Christian teachings which influence charity work • I can evaluate the importance of helping others

Which Bible teachings encourage Christians to help people in need? The parable of the sheep and the goats (when I was hungry…)

Explain two ways in which a worldwide Christian relief organisation carries out its mission overseas. Refer to Christian teaching in your answer. (5 marks) Answers could include: • Christian Aid cares for victims of natural disasters, for example by helping them re-build their communities / providing food, water, medicines, temporary shelters/ • Christian Aid works with a community to make them stronger to face future problems, for example by teaching people in Myanmar skills such as farming / they may teach them new skills, how to look after themselves / they may provide money to start-up small businesses / they may build a school for the children or teach the adults better healthcare. • The organisation may fight against injustice or provide a fairer way of doing things, for example providing female villages in Ethiopia with a cow to raise their status / they free people from slavery, poor working conditions, exploitation / they encourage people to work together and share profits / they put pressure on governments to implement change. Scripture: • Love thy neighbour • The parable of the sheep and the goats You need to give two developed reasons and refer to and explain a teaching.

Christian Aid • I can describe some of Christian Aid’s work • I can explain Christian teachings which influence charity work • I can evaluate the importance of helping others

‘It is more important to help the poor than to worship in church. ’