The Work of the Church

• The importance of the Church in the local community

  Churches work in the community in a number of ways:

  • Providing regular worship services and a place for quiet reflection.

  • Providing rites of passage such as weddings and funerals.

  • Providing sacraments, such as baptism and Eucharist.

  • Running youth groups and Sunday schools to engage young people in the church.

  • Hosting community activities, such as coffee mornings for the elderly.

  • Visiting the sick at home or in hospital.
• The Church in the worldwide community

  Ecumenical work – over the centuries, Christianity has divided into many different groups known as denominations. The ecumenical movement aims to promote unity amongst all Christians and tries to bring members of different denominations together to hold joint activities such as worship services, social gatherings and discussion groups, to learn about each other.

  Helping persecuted Christians – Despite being the largest religion in the world, Christians face persecution, violence and death in many countries because of their faith. There are many Christian organisations which try to help Christians who are victims of persecution around the world, such as Open Doors, a Christian charity which tries to raise awareness of the plight of persecuted Christians and offers practical support and training to help those affected by injustice.
• What does evangelism mean?

  Spreading the Christian message to convert people
• Why is evangelism considered important in Britain?

  Church attendance is falling
• What is the Great Commission?

  Instruction to seek converts
• What did Jesus instruct his disciples to do in the Great Commission?

  Make disciples of all nations
• What does Matthew 28:19 say about evangelism?

  To baptise in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• What do many Christians believe about salvation?

  Belief in Jesus and baptism is necessary
• What does Mark 16:15-16 state about belief and baptism?

  Believers will be saved, non-believers condemned
• What does John 14:6 say about Jesus?

  He is the way, truth, and life
• How do some Christians evangelise directly?

  By telling people about God
• What are potential issues with direct evangelism?

  People may feel offended by the approach
• How do some Christians evangelise through actions?

  By demonstrating God's love through charity
• What might churches encourage their congregations to do?

  Bring a friend who doesn't attend church
• What is the role of missionaries in evangelism?

  To spread the Christian message abroad
• How has the role of missionaries changed over time?

  Focus has shifted to helping disadvantaged people
• How do missionaries spread the gospel today?

  Through their actions and helping others