Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Consequences of Bad Friendships at School.
Topic: RELATIONSHIP IN THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
Subject Matter: Identification of the names of community leaders, Ways of sustaining relationship in the community: Respect for elders and leaders, Obeying the laws of the land, Participate in community development programmes, Caring for the needy and religious men (Matthew 25:31-46).

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Identify names of community leaders.
State ways of sustaining good relationships in the community.
Explain the importance of caring for the needy.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the need for respect towards elders and leaders.
Desire to obey the laws of the land.
Show empathy and care for the less privileged.

Psychomotor Domain:

Participate actively in community development programmes.
Demonstrate respectful behaviour towards community members.
Contribute to efforts that support the needy.

Interact respectfully with various community leaders and members.
Collaborate with others in community development initiatives.
Foster a sense of unity and mutual support within the community.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools 1
The Holy Bible (New International Version or King James Version)
https://crs.education.gov.ng
https://www.biblesociety-nigeria.org

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A chart showing different community leaders and their roles.
Pictures depicting community development activities.
The Holy Bible.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand their roles and responsibilities in building positive relationships within their church and local community. It enables them to appreciate the importance of respecting authority, obeying laws, and caring for others, which are essential for a peaceful society.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with the concept of the church, their local community, and some basic rules of social interaction.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

RELATIONSHIP IN THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

Identification of Community Leaders

Community leaders are individuals who guide and direct the affairs of a community. They are responsible for maintaining order, promoting welfare, and ensuring development.

The following are examples of community leaders:

Traditional rulers (e.g., Oba, Emir, Igwe, Obi)
Religious leaders (e.g., Pastors, Imams, Priests, Bishops)
Government officials (e.g., Local Government Chairman, Councillors)
Youth leaders
Women leaders
Community Development Association (CDA) Chairmen

Ways of Sustaining Relationship in the Community

Good relationships are important for peace and progress in the community. Ways to sustain good relationships include:

Respect for elders and leaders: Showing honour and obedience to those in authority and older members of the community.
Obeying the laws of the land: Adhering to rules and regulations set by government and community leaders to maintain order.
Participate in community development programmes: Contributing time, effort, or resources to projects that improve the community (e.g., clean-up exercises, building schools).
Caring for the needy: Helping those who are less fortunate, sick, or poor, by providing support, food, or comfort.
Promoting peace and unity: Avoiding conflicts and encouraging harmony among community members.

Memory Verse

Romans 13:1 – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Bible Reading

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats)

This passage describes Jesus’ teaching on the Last Judgment, where people will be judged based on how they treated others, especially the needy. Jesus identifies Himself with those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, naked, or in prison. He teaches that whatever good or bad is done to “the least of these brothers and sisters of mine” is done to Him. This emphasizes the importance of practical acts of love, compassion, and care for others as a demonstration of one’s faith and relationship with God.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention some important people in their community or church. The teacher then relates their answers to the topic of community leaders and relationships.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions by mentioning names of leaders they know.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of leaders and relationships in their community.

Step 2: Identification of Community Leaders

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a chart showing different community leaders and explains who they are and their roles. The teacher also asks pupils to identify more leaders they know in their area.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart, listen to explanations, and identify various community leaders.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to identify different types of community leaders.

Step 3: Discussion on Ways of Sustaining Relationships

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on practical ways pupils can maintain good relationships in their community, focusing on respect for elders, obeying laws, and participating in development. The teacher uses examples relevant to the pupils’ daily lives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by sharing their ideas and experiences on how to sustain good relationships.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of positive actions in maintaining community relationships.

Step 4: Bible Reading and Explanation (Matthew 25:31-46)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Interpretation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read Matthew 25:31-46 from their Bibles. After the reading, the teacher explains the meaning of the passage, emphasizing Jesus’ teaching on caring for the needy and how it relates to our relationship with God and others.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passage, listen attentively to the explanation, and ask questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the biblical basis for caring for the needy and its significance.

Step 5: Practical Application – Caring for the Needy

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to brainstorm simple ways they can show care for the needy in their immediate environment (e.g., sharing food, visiting the sick, helping a struggling classmate). The teacher encourages them to put these ideas into practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils suggest practical ways to care for the needy and commit to trying some of them.
Learning Point: Pupils identify actionable steps to demonstrate care for others.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Mention three community leaders you know.
List three ways to sustain good relationships in your community.
Explain what Matthew 25:31-46 teaches us about caring for others.
Why is it important to obey the laws of the land?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reminding pupils that good relationships are built on respect, obedience, participation, and care for others, which are all important for a peaceful community and pleasing God. The teacher assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy their homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of the lesson’s key points.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about RELATIONSHIP IN THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

Community – A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
Leaders – People who guide or direct others.
Relationship – The way in which two or more people or things are connected.
Respect – A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
Obedience – Compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority.
Needy – Requiring food, money, or other necessities because of poverty.
Development – The process of growing or changing and becoming more advanced.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified explanations and more direct examples, possibly pairing them with faster learners. For advanced learners, the teacher will encourage them to research the roles of specific community leaders and present their findings, or discuss biblical examples of community leaders.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to reflect on their own actions and how they contribute to or detract from good relationships in their school and home. Emphasize that living out Christian values involves active participation and care for the community. Consider inviting a local community leader to speak to the class if feasible.