Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Unity Among Christians
Previous Lesson: Unity Among Christians: Christian Organization.
Topic: UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS II
Subject Matter: Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
State at least three aims and objectives of CAN.
Mention at least three functions of CAN.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of CAN in promoting unity among Christians.
Identify challenges faced by CAN.

Psychomotor Domain:

Participate in discussions about the role of CAN in fostering Christian unity.
Suggest ways CAN can overcome its challenges.

Promote unity among Christians in their communities.
Advocate for peace and religious tolerance as encouraged by CAN.

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 Book 3.
https://www.can.org.ng/
https://www.nigerianfinder.com/aims-and-objectives-of-christian-association-of-nigeria-can/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing the structure of CAN.
Pictures of CAN leaders.
A copy of the Holy Bible.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the role of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in promoting unity and peace among Christians. It enables them to appreciate efforts made to address common challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria and beyond.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of the concept of unity among Christians from the previous lesson.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS II: Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

1. Introduction to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is an umbrella organization that represents all Christian denominations and blocs in Nigeria. It was founded in 1976 with the primary goal of promoting unity, defending the rights of Christians, and enabling Christians to speak with a single voice on matters affecting the faith.

2. Aims and Objectives of CAN

The main aims and objectives of CAN include:

To promote understanding, unity, and cooperation among all Christians in Nigeria.
To serve as a liaison committee for the articulation of common policies affecting Christians.
To act as a watchdog for the religious rights and freedom of Christians.
To promote peace, justice, reconciliation, and religious tolerance in the nation.
To foster inter-religious dialogue and peaceful coexistence with other faiths.

3. Functions of CAN

CAN performs several functions to achieve its objectives, such as:

Advocacy for Christian rights, interests, and welfare at all levels of government.
Mediation in disputes and conflicts among different Christian denominations.
Interfacing with the government and other relevant bodies on issues affecting Christians.
Organizing national prayers, conferences, and events for spiritual growth and unity.
Promoting evangelism, missionary work, and social development initiatives.

4. Challenges Faced by CAN

Despite its efforts, CAN faces various challenges:

Internal divisions and leadership tussles among member blocs.
Financial constraints and funding issues.
Political interference and external pressures.
Misconceptions and misrepresentation of its aims by some external bodies.
Difficulty in presenting a completely unified voice on all national issues.

Memory Verse

Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Bible Reading

John 17:20-23
Ephesians 4:1-6

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, reviews the previous lesson on “Unity Among Christians I”, and introduces the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as a practical example of Christian unity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall points from the previous lesson, and listen attentively to the introduction of CAN.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the previous lesson to the current topic and understand the relevance of CAN.

Step 2: Meaning and Formation of CAN

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is, stating it as an umbrella body for Christians, and mentions its formation year (1976) and initial purpose.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification on the definition and formation of CAN.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definition and historical context of CAN.

Step 3: Aims and Objectives of CAN

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to discuss and list the key aims and objectives of CAN, such as promoting unity, defending Christian rights, and fostering peace.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute ideas, copy the aims and objectives into their notes, and discuss their importance.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the goals CAN seeks to achieve.

Step 4: Functions of CAN

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Examples
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various functions CAN performs, giving examples of how it advocates for Christians, mediates disputes, and interacts with the government.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanations, ask questions about specific functions, and write down the points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical activities and roles CAN plays.

Step 5: Challenges Faced by CAN

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Problem-solving/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses some of the challenges CAN faces, such as internal divisions, funding issues, and political interference.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute to the discussion on challenges, and suggest possible solutions.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize the difficulties CAN encounters in its mission.

Step 6: Bible Reading and Memory Verse

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Scripture Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in reading the assigned Bible passages (John 17:20-23, Ephesians 4:1-6) and recites the memory verse (Psalm 133:1).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passages, recite the memory verse, and reflect on its meaning in relation to Christian unity.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the lesson to biblical principles of unity.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)?
State three aims of CAN.
Mention three functions of CAN.
List two challenges faced by CAN.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and gives homework: “Research one recent activity of CAN in your state.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to research further.

Lesson Keywords

CAN – Christian Association of Nigeria
Unity – The state of being one or undivided.
Denomination – A recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church.
Advocacy – Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.
Liaison – Communication or cooperation that facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research the current leadership structure of CAN. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus on recalling the main aims and functions through repetitive questioning.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that the discussion on challenges faced by CAN is handled sensitively and objectively, focusing on factual points rather than controversial opinions. Encourage pupils to see CAN as an important body for Christian representation and unity, despite its imperfections. Emphasize the biblical call to unity as the foundation for CAN’s existence.