Christian Practices

Talk about the different forms of worship

Liturgical worship: set structure, traditional (Catholic)

Non-liturgical worship: More flexible, less formal (Methodist/Baptist)

Informal: Spontaneous, led by the Holy Spirit (Pentecostal)

Private worship: Personal prayer or Bible reading at home

‘For where two or three gather…there I am with them.’

Talk about prayer and its significance

Communication with God, strengthens relationship

Types: Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication

Used for guidance, confession, praise or requesting help

‘Ask and it will be given to you’

Talk about baptism

Symbol of initiation into Christian faith

Infant baptism: Cleansing from original sin (practised by Catholics/ Orthodox)

Believer’s baptism: For adults/older children who choose faith (Baptists)

Represents new life in Christ

‘Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’

Talk about Holy Communion/Eucharist

Commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper

Catholics: Bread and wine become body and blood of Christ (transubstantiation)

Protestants: Symbolic remembrance

Brings community together, expresses unity with Christ

‘Do this in remembrance of me’

Talk about pilgrimage

Spiritual journey to a sacred place

Examples: Lourdes (healing), Iona (peace and reflection)

Strengthens faith, time for prayer and reflection

‘Blessed are those…whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.’

Talk about Christmas and Easter

Christmas: Celebrates birth of Jesus, incarnation of God

Easter: Celebrates resurrection of Jesus, victory over sin and death

Central to Christian belief in salvation and eternal life

‘He is not here; he has risen!’

Talk about Church in the Local Community

Supports local people: Food banks, youth groups, charity work

Centre for worship and community events

Encourages social action

‘Faith by itself… is dead.’

Talk about Church in the Worldwide Community

Works for reconciliation and justice globally

Supports missions and evangelism

Promotes unity across different Christian denominations

‘You are all one in Christ.’

Talk about reconciliation, persecution and aid

Reconciliation: Restoring relationships, working for peace

Persecution: Christians face discrimination or violence

Aid: Christian charities provide emergency relief and fight poverty worldwide

‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’