RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 19 July 2026 Lesson 46 – Missions: Navigating Diversity
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RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 19 July 2026 TOPIC — Missions: Navigating Diversity
OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to embrace others in the spread of the gospel. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 19 July 2026 HYMN)
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (KJV)
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
MEMORY VERSE: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. – Mark 16:15 (KJV)
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Christian missions involve spreading the Gospel and serving humanity across cultures, nations, and faiths. Diversity in the context of missions encompasses cultural, religious, linguistic, ethnic, and social differences. Navigating this diversity has been a complex process that requires sensitivity, adaptability, and an understanding of various worldviews. Navigating diversity is crucial for effective mission work. Jesus’ directive to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) has fuelled missionary endeavours throughout history, from the early church in the Roman Empire to the spread of Christianity into Africa, Asia, the Americas, and beyond. This lesson explores the complexities of diversity in Christian missions and offers practical insights for missionaries, churches, and organisations.
TEXT REVIEW: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.
The apostle Paul while narrating his experience on the mission field gave some insight into how to navigate diversities. Identify the five categories of people he encountered and how he managed the situation for the sake of the gospel:
i. Though he was free from all men, he became a servant to all to gain some. V19.
ii. …………………………….. V20a.
iii. ……………………………. V20b.
iv. ……………………………. V21.
v. …………………………….. V22.
LESSON OUTLINES:
- GOD’S UNIVERSAL PLAN
- STRATEGIES FOR NAVIGATING DIVERSITY
LESSON OUTLINE 1: GOD’S UNIVERSAL PLAN
A. The scope of God’s plan for the redemption and reconciliation of humanity is universal (Matthew 28:18-20).
i. God is impartial, and the gospel is inclusive: it includes all men irrespective of age, race, colour, etc. (Acts 10:34-35).
ii. The disciples were commanded to go beyond cultural, geographical, and ethnic boundaries (Mark 16:15).
iii. Paul contextualised the Gospel for his Athenian audience (Acts 17:16-34).
iv. Paul adapted to different cultures to share the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
v. It is in and through Christ, that all men are united as one (Galatians 3:28; Revelation 7:9-10).
B. The church must do inclusive evangelism.
i. The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of background or identity.
ii. Entertaining bitterness or hatred against a particular ethnic group is not godly and may hinder us from reaching such a group with the message of Christ (John 4:7-10).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How can you achieve inclusiveness in a community hostile to the gospel?
LESSON OUTLINE 2: STRATEGIES FOR NAVIGATING DIVERSITY
Teachers should use the following points to explain the strategies for navigating diversity for effective missions.
- Inculturation and Contextualisation: It refers to the process of integrating Christian teachings into local cultures while respecting existing cultural values. This includes using local languages, cultural symbols, and idioms to convey the message of Christ while avoiding syncretism (combining beliefs or practices). Missionaries should avoid imposing their cultural norms on others (ethnocentrism). Instead, they should seek to present the gospel in a culturally relevant way, respecting and valuing the uniqueness of each culture (1 Corinthians 9:20).
- Respect for Diversity: Recognise the multicultural nature of contemporary societies and adopt intercultural approaches that respect cultural diversity within communities. We must understand and respect diverse perspectives (Galatians 2:14).
- Holistic Mission Approaches: Addressing social, economic, and educational needs alongside spiritual needs has become a key aspect of modern missions. Holistic missions emphasise healthcare, education, social justice, and community development as part of the gospel message (Matthew 9:35–36).
- Ongoing Learning: Building relationships and learning about different cultures are crucial. Training in cross-cultural communication and cultural humility can help mission-minded people to effectively share the gospel. Therefore, continuous education on diverse cultures and faiths is crucial here (Proverbs 9:9).
- Translation of Scriptures: The translation of the Bible into various languages has been one of the most significant aspects of missions. Bible translation not only makes Christian teachings accessible to people across cultures/ethnicities but also helps to preserve indigenous languages and cultures (Psalm 68:11).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Discuss the role of exposure and finance in navigating diversity for effective missions.
CONCLUSION: Following biblical principles and adopting practical strategies will help us to effectively navigate cultural and religious diversity while sharing the gospel of Christ with all nations.
EVALUATION: Identify four strategies for navigating diversity.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, bless me with wisdom and resources to navigate diversity in my spread of the gospel.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) projects that can be embarked on to achieve success in a holistic missions approach (2×5 = 10 Marks).
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RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
