Christian Church & the Local Community | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Food Banks

The Christian Church

The Christian Church extends beyond the physical structure where worship occurs; it represents God’s community on earth, encompassing the people it serves.

• The Church’s role can be understood through various perspectives, such as body, community, and assembly.

The Church as the Body of Christ

The Church is referred to as the Body of Christ, symbolizing a living entity, much like a human body. Christ is recognized as the head and founder of the Church.

‘For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ’ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).

The Church as a Community

Perceiving the Church as a community emphasizes the shared duty of Christians to support those in need.

‘And all who believed were together and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, distributing the proceeds to anyone in need’ (Acts 2:44-47).

The Church as an Assembly

The term "Church" originates from the Greek word ekklesia, meaning an assembly or gathering of Christian individuals.

• The essence of the word "church" lies not in the building but in the people. In its early days, the Church lacked dedicated buildings, with gatherings occurring in homes or outdoors.

The Church and the Local Community

The Church’s purpose is to translate Christian faith into action by aiding others. 
Churches implement this mission in several ways:

• Providing assistance and support to those in need, such as feeding the homeless.
• Offering rites of passage, including weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
• Operating youth groups to support young people in the community.
• Holding regular worship services and providing spaces for quiet reflection.
• Raising funds for local charities.
• Deploying church members as street pastors to assist those in need within the community.
• Utilizing church facilities as food banks to help those facing financial hardship.

The Church and Food Banks

• Food banks supply food to individuals unable to afford it.
• Some churches operate food banks, while other Christian-inspired organizations also contribute.
• Christians draw inspiration from biblical teachings, where Jesus emphasizes that helping those in need reflects love for God.
• Jesus instructed, ‘Love your neighbor,’ and providing food is a practical demonstration of care for the vulnerable.
• The parable of the Sheep and Goats underscores the importance of aiding those in need.
• In the Bible, Jesus fed 5,000 hungry people, and Christians emulate this act of compassion.
• The Trussell Trust, a Christian organization, supports those in need by providing food.
• The Trust operates a network of over 1,200 food bank centers, offering at least three days’ worth of emergency food and compassionate support to people in crisis across the UK.

Reasons Why Christian Communities Help

• Jesus’ teachings emphasize spreading love and helping others, as seen in the Golden Rule and the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Sheep and Goats.
• The second greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Mark 12:31), where "neighbor" refers to all people.
• Christian leaders are expected to model compassionate behavior for their congregations.

‘Be shepherds of God’s flock under your care, watching over them, serving as examples to the flock’ (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Street Pastors

The Work of Street Pastors

• Certain churches actively support vulnerable individuals in their communities.
• Street pastors are trained volunteers from local churches who are dedicated to serving their community.
• They patrol in teams, typically on Friday and Saturday nights, to offer care, listen, and assist people on the streets.
• Late-night city environments often involve alcohol-related issues, leading to emotional and social challenges, such as crime and violence.
• Street pastors describe their work as ‘the Church in action on the streets.’
• They aim to embody Jesus’ teachings by serving as His hands and feet in the community.
• Street pastors’ actions are rooted in the example and teachings of Jesus found in the Bible.

Why Some Christians Become Street Pastors

• Christians believe that ignoring those in need contradicts their faith.

‘If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can the love of God be in that person?’ (1 John 3:17-18).

• Christians hold that faith must be accompanied by action.

‘Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead’ (James 2:17).

• Loving and caring for others, including strangers, is a core Christian value.

‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law’ (Romans 13).

• Christians are cautioned against selfishness and encouraged to consider others’ needs.

‘Let each of you look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others’ (Philippians 2:4).

• Christianity teaches that helping others will be rewarded in heaven.

‘Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay them for their deed’ (Proverbs 19:17).

Mission & Evangelism in the UK

Evangelism and Mission Work

• Evangelism involves sharing the Christian gospel through public preaching or personal testimony.
• Christians aim to convert others to Christianity by sharing Jesus’ message.
• Jesus commanded, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15), prompting many to prioritize spreading this message.
• The Church serves not only as a place of worship but also as a means to share the good news that Jesus is the Son of God and the world’s savior.
• Christians believe Jesus commissioned His disciples to spread God’s word, a duty they continue to uphold.

‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you’ (John 20:21).

• According to the Great Commission, Christians are responsible for sharing their faith.
• In Matthew’s account, Jesus tells Simon, Peter, and Andrew:

‘Come, follow me ... and I will make you fishers of men’ (Matthew 4:19).

UK Evangelism in Action

• Christians evangelize through acts of kindness, demonstrating love, or sharing God’s word.
• The Gideons distribute free Bibles to hotels, care homes, and occasionally schools.
• Churches may encourage members to invite friends to services.
• The Salvation Army supports the needy by providing hot meals and shelter to the homeless.
• Through initiatives like ‘Fresh Expressions’ and ‘Pioneering Ministry,’ the Church of England and Church in Wales promote church attendance by holding worship in alternative venues, such as cafes, or offering less formal services.

The Ethics of Evangelism

• Some Christians and non-religious individuals believe it is inappropriate to actively convert others to a religion.
• In a pluralistic society, many advocate respecting others’ beliefs or lack thereof rather than encouraging religious conversion.
• Some argue it is unethical to help someone with the intent of converting them to Christianity.
• Churches increasingly use social media and the internet to reach broader audiences and share the Christian message.
• The Alpha Course is an evangelistic program for those curious about Christianity, marketed as ‘an opportunity to explore the meaning of life’ through talks and discussions.