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      The Church in the worldwide community

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the role of the worldwide Church with reference to perseuction, reconciliation and charity.

      Key learning points

      1. The role of the worldwide Church in the community includes reconciliation, responding to persecution and charity work.
      2. Persecution refers to hostility and ill-treatment, especially on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.
      3. Reconciliation is a core belief within Christianity because Jesus' sacrifice reconciled humans' relationship with God.
      4. Teachings within Christianity emphasise love and care for those in need; charities such as Christian Aid reflect this.
      5. The work of Christian Aid includes responding to emergencies, fighting injustice and supporting development projects.

      Keywords

      • Charity - an organisation set up to provide help and raise money for those in need

      • Persecution - hostility and ill-treatment, especially on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs

      • Reconciliation - making up and rebuilding relationships between two groups/sides after disagreement

      Common misconception

      The Church can only support the local community.

      The Church supports the worldwide community by responding to persecution, promoting reconciliation and by establishing and supporting charities like Christian Aid.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to use the Christian Aid website to look engage students in looking at the recent work of Christian Aid.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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.
      The Church is often called the Body of because it continues Jesus’ work on Earth.

      Correct Answer: Christ

      Q2.
      In the Parable of the Sheep and the , Jesus teaches about helping those in need.

      Correct Answer: Goats, goats

      Q3.
      Which of the following is a common way local churches help their communities?

      closing on public holidays
      Correct answer: running food banks
      selling religious books at markets

      Q4.
      Jesus made clear the responsibility of Christians when he said, “For I was and you gave me something to eat.”

      Correct Answer: hungry

      Q5.
      Which is the correct description of church with a lowercase “c”?

      The worldwide community of Christian believers.
      The official governing body of Christianity.
      Correct answer: The Christian place of worship and local congregations.

      Q6.
      What is the meaning of the word ecumenism?

      Correct answer: Efforts to bring Christians of different traditions closer.
      Feeding those in need in the local community.
      Preaching to non-Christians in other countries.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In his first letter to the people of Corinth, St Paul said “Love is patient, love is . It does not envy, it does not boast … ”

      Correct Answer: kind

      Q2.
      Which of the following best explains reconciliation in Christianity?

      avoiding people who disagree with you
      Correct answer: restoring broken relationships between people and with God
      punishing those who sin

      Q3.
      What is one role of the worldwide Church in the community?

      Correct answer: promoting reconciliation and supporting the poor
      building luxury places of worship
      converting all other religions

      Q4.
      What is Christian persecution?

      A disagreement between church leaders.
      A Christian refusing to attend church.
      Correct answer: Hostility or ill-treatment due to Christian beliefs.

      Q5.
      The Church can only support the local community.

      True – churches only focus on their own area.
      False – it sometimes helps if the government allows.
      Correct answer: False – it works globally through charity, reconciliation and support.

      Q6.
      Christian is a charity that works to end poverty and fight injustice.

      Correct Answer: Aid

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The Church in the worldwide community, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...