Why do Christians engage in mission, evangelism and reconciliation?
The role of mission and evangelism (sharing the faith), the importance of the worldwide Church, and Christian work for reconciliation.
A focused answer on Christian mission, evangelism and reconciliation for OCR GCSE Religious Studies (J625), covering the Great Commission, ways of sharing faith, the worldwide Church, ecumenism and reconciliation, with sources of wisdom and authority.
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What this dot point is asking
OCR wants you to explain Christian mission and evangelism (sharing the faith), the importance of the worldwide Church, and Christian work for reconciliation (restoring broken relationships, between people and with God). These practices express the belief that the gospel is good news to be shared and that Christians should be peacemakers. The topic feeds the evaluation question on whether Christians should try to convert others, so you need the content, the range of views, and the sources.
Mission and evangelism
Christians evangelise in many ways: preaching and teaching; missionary work at home and overseas; large evangelistic events (such as those once run by Billy Graham); everyday witness through how they live and treat others; and increasingly through media (radio, television and the internet). The driving source is the Great Commission, Jesus' final command: "go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19), and his promise, "you will be my witnesses ... to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Christians differ on method: some evangelise actively with words, others believe the strongest witness is a loving life that draws people to ask about their faith.
The worldwide Church and ecumenism
The worldwide Church matters because Christianity is a global faith, and because unity is seen as part of its witness: a divided Church weakens the message, while churches working together strengthen it.
Reconciliation
Christians put this into practice in conflict resolution, forgiveness and peace work. A famous example is Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who chaired South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission after apartheid, seeking healing through truth-telling and forgiveness rather than revenge. Reconciliation links this module to the philosophy and ethics theme of peace and conflict.
Try this
Q1. What is the Great Commission? [Knowledge recall]
- Cue. Jesus' final command to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them" (Matthew 28:19), the basis for Christian mission and evangelism.
Q2. Explain what Christians mean by reconciliation. [Short explanation]
- Cue. Restoring broken relationships: being brought back into a right relationship with God through Jesus and forgiveness, and healing divisions between people, making Christians peacemakers (as in Desmond Tutu's work).
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of OCR exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
OCR J625 20191 marksWhat name is given to the work of sharing the Christian faith with others?Show worked answer →
This is the 1-mark recall question. The answer is evangelism (also acceptable: mission). Evangelism is the act of sharing the good news (gospel) of Jesus to bring others to faith. One correct term scores the mark. Knowing the key vocabulary precisely is the easiest route to these opening marks.
OCR J625 20216 marksExplain why mission and evangelism are important for many Christians. Refer to sources of wisdom and authority in your answer.Show worked answer →
This is the 6-mark extended AO1 question. Explain that Christians believe they are commanded to share the faith so others can be saved and the Church can grow. Develop the ways they do it (preaching, missionary work, evangelistic events, witnessing through actions, and modern media). Anchor in sources: the Great Commission, "go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them" (Matthew 28:19), and "you will be my witnesses ... to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). You could note that some Christians evangelise mainly by example rather than words. The top band rewards developed points with accurate sources.
OCR J625 202315 marks"Christians should try to convert others to their faith." Discuss this statement. In your answer you should: refer to religious teachings and sources of wisdom and authority; give reasoned arguments to support this statement; give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view; reach a justified conclusion.Show worked answer →
This is the 15-mark AO2 evaluation question. Argue both sides. Arguments for the statement: Jesus commanded the Great Commission, "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), and Christians believe salvation comes through Jesus, so sharing the faith is loving and obedient. Arguments against: in a multi-faith society, actively trying to convert others can seem disrespectful or pressuring; some Christians prefer to witness by example, and value interfaith dialogue and respect for other beliefs over conversion. Use specialist terms (mission, evangelism, the Great Commission, reconciliation). A justified conclusion weighs the duty to evangelise against respect for others' freedom of belief.
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