New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

The future of the Christian Church

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

New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

The future of the Christian Church

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

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Lesson details

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.


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

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

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5 Questions

Q1.
What does the season of Lent commemorate?

Jesus’ resurrection
Jesus’ birth
Correct answer: Jesus’ time in the desert

Q2.
When does Lent begin?

Easter Sunday
Correct answer: Ash Wednesday
Good Friday

Q3.
Holy Week remembers the events that happened before Jesus' ...

Correct Answer: death, Death

Q4.
What event is celebrated on Easter Sunday?

Jesus' birth
Correct answer: Jesus' resurrection
Jesus’ death

Q5.
The Easter season ends with , 50 days after Easter Sunday.

Correct Answer: Pentecost, pentecost

Assessment exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Match each keyword to its meaning.

Correct Answer:apostles,the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel

the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel

Correct Answer:evangelism,preaching the gospel to convert people to the Christian faith

preaching the gospel to convert people to the Christian faith

Correct Answer:mission,means ‘sent out’; the duty of Christians to spread the gospel

means ‘sent out’; the duty of Christians to spread the gospel

Q2.
Jesus said, 'Go and make of all nations.'

Correct Answer: disciples, Disciples

Q3.
How do many Christians today interpret Matthew 28:19?

as only applying to the apostles
Correct answer: as an instruction to keep Jesus' mission alive
as a historical story

Q4.
Evangelism can involve public preaching or actions.

Correct Answer: subtle, Subtle, small, quiet

Q5.
Where is Christianity growing rapidly?

North Korea
Correct answer: Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia
Western Europe