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      Mission, evangelism and Church growth

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the role and importance of mission, evangelism and Church growth.

      Key learning points

      1. Jesus instructed his apostles to "go and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19.
      2. Many Christians interpret Matthew 28:19 as an instruction to continue Jesus' mission.
      3. Carrying out the Christian mission of spreading the gospel is known as evangelism.
      4. Evangelism can be carried out locally, nationally and globally through a range of methods.
      5. The Church is growing in some parts of the world and declining in others, showing its mission remains important.

      Keywords

      • Apostles - 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel; later including early Christian leaders responsible for spreading the message of Jesus

      • Evangelism - preaching the gospel to others with the intention of converting them to the Christian faith

      • Gospel - meaning “good news” and referring to the teachings and revelation of Jesus Christ

      • Mission - meaning ‘sent out’; the duty of Christians to spread the gospel

      Common misconception

      Evangelism always involves preaching in public.

      Evangelism can involve preaching and public speaking, but it can also be carried out through subtle actions and living out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish students to complete their own response to the statement in task C after completing the activity.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Jesus taught people to “love your neighbour as .”

      Correct Answer: yourself

      Q2.
      Street Pastors patrol streets to offer care and support.

      Correct Answer: city

      Q3.
      What do Street Pastors often hand out to people in need?

      church service leaflets
      Bibles and hymn books
      Correct answer: foil blankets and flip-flops

      Q4.
      Which group sometimes asks Street Pastors for help?

      local shops
      Correct answer: the police
      schools

      Q5.
      What is one reason Street Pastors help people in the community?

      Correct answer: to share Jesus’ love through actions
      to earn money for their church
      to recruit new Street Pastors

      Q6.
      Which best describes the overall work of Street Pastors?

      They only help those they directly meet.
      Correct answer: They make streets safer for the whole community.
      They mainly organise indoor church events.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The Commission is Jesus’ instruction to spread the gospel to all nations.

      Correct Answer: Great, great

      Q2.
      Jesus told his apostles to “go and make of all nations.”

      Correct Answer: disciples

      Q3.
      What is evangelism?

      serving food in local churches
      Correct answer: spreading the gospel message
      organising social events for Christians

      Q4.
      When do many Christians believe the Church began?

      when Jesus was born
      when the Bible was written
      Correct answer: at Pentecost

      Q5.
      Evangelism always involves preaching in public.

      True: it must be public preaching.
      Correct answer: False: it can also be everyday actions.
      False: it only happens on social media.

      Q6.
      The Church has grown since the time of and the apostles. Early Church leaders are responsible for the beginning of this growth.

      Correct Answer: Jesus

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Mission, evangelism and Church growth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...