What you'll learn
This revision guide covers the complete Christianity: Practices component of the OCR GCSE Religious Studies specification. You'll explore the essential religious practices Christians engage in, including different forms of worship, the seven sacraments, pilgrimage traditions, and the role of the Church in the local and worldwide community. This knowledge is directly testable in Paper 1 of your OCR GCSE exam.
Key terms and definitions
Liturgical worship — a structured form of worship following a set pattern, often found in Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican traditions, typically involving the Eucharist
Sacrament — an outward sign of an inward blessing; a holy ceremony through which believers receive God's grace (Catholics and Orthodox recognise seven, Protestants typically two)
Eucharist — also called Holy Communion, Mass or the Lord's Supper; a sacrament re-enacting Jesus' Last Supper using bread and wine
Pilgrimage — a religious journey to a sacred place, undertaken to deepen faith, seek forgiveness or give thanks
Evangelism — spreading the Christian faith through preaching, testimony and missionary work; fulfilling the Great Commission
Reconciliation — the sacrament of confession and forgiveness, where Catholics confess sins to a priest who grants absolution
Infant baptism — baptising babies into the Christian faith, practised by Catholics, Orthodox and many Protestant denominations
Believers' baptism — baptism by full immersion for those old enough to understand and profess faith, practised by Baptists and Pentecostals
Core concepts
Worship and prayer
Christian worship takes several distinct forms, each reflecting different theological emphases and traditions.
Liturgical worship follows a structured format with set prayers, readings and responses. Catholic Mass and Anglican Communion services exemplify this approach. The order of service remains largely consistent, using formal prayers like the Nicene Creed and readings from the lectionary. Advantages include:
- Unites Christians worldwide through shared words and actions
- Connects believers to centuries of Christian tradition
- Reduces risk of theological error through carefully crafted prayers
- Allows deeper focus as worshippers know responses
Non-liturgical worship is less structured and allows greater spontaneity. Common in Methodist, Baptist and many evangelical churches, these services may include:
- Extempore (spontaneous) prayers led by ministers or congregation members
- Flexible choice of hymns and songs
- Variable sermon topics chosen by the minister
- Greater lay participation
Charismatic worship emphasises the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. Features include speaking in tongues (glossolalia), prophecy, healing ministries and contemporary music with raised hands and free movement. Pentecostal churches pioneered this style, now adopted widely across denominations.
Private prayer remains central to Christian practice. Forms include:
- Set prayers (Lord's Prayer, grace before meals)
- Informal prayers (personal conversation with God)
- Meditative prayer (contemplating Scripture or using rosary beads)
The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) holds particular significance as taught directly by Jesus, containing praise, petition and confession.
The sacraments
Sacraments are visible signs of God's invisible grace. Churches disagree on their number and nature.
Baptism marks entry into the Christian community. Two main traditions exist:
Infant baptism involves sprinkling or pouring water over a baby's head. Parents and godparents make vows on the child's behalf. Biblical support includes:
- Jesus blessing children (Mark 10:14)
- Household baptisms in Acts (Acts 16:33)
- Removing original sin inherited from Adam
Critics argue baptism requires conscious faith and that infant baptism isn't explicitly commanded.
Believers' baptism occurs when candidates can personally profess faith, typically from age 12 upwards. The person is fully immersed in water, symbolising:
- Death to sin and resurrection to new life (Romans 6:3-4)
- Following Jesus' own baptism by John
- Washing away of sins
- Public declaration of faith
The Eucharist commemorates Jesus' Last Supper. Catholics believe in transubstantiation — bread and wine literally become Christ's body and blood, though appearances remain unchanged. Orthodox Christians hold similar beliefs. Protestants generally view it as symbolic remembrance or (in Lutheran theology) Christ's spiritual presence alongside bread and wine.
The Eucharist serves multiple purposes:
- Remembering Christ's sacrifice
- Receiving grace and forgiveness
- Experiencing Christ's presence
- Building church community
- Looking forward to the heavenly banquet
Other sacraments recognised by Catholics and Orthodox include:
- Confirmation — receiving the Holy Spirit and affirming baptismal vows
- Reconciliation — confessing sins and receiving absolution
- Anointing of the Sick — prayers and anointing with oil for healing
- Holy Orders — ordination to priesthood/ministry
- Marriage — lifelong union blessed by God
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage involves travelling to holy sites for spiritual purposes. Key Christian pilgrimage destinations include:
Lourdes, France — where Bernadette Soubirous reported Marian apparitions in 1858. Over 5 million pilgrims visit annually, many seeking healing in the spring waters. The sick are central to Lourdes pilgrimage, with volunteers assisting disabled pilgrims through the Hospitalité organisation.
Iona, Scotland — island monastery founded by St Columba in 563 CE. Attracts those seeking peace, retreat and Celtic Christian spirituality. The Iona Community promotes peace and social justice.
The Holy Land — particularly Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth. Pilgrims walk the Via Dolorosa (Jesus' route to crucifixion), visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (traditional crucifixion site) and pray at the Garden of Gethsemane.
Benefits of pilgrimage include:
- Deepening faith through visiting sacred sites
- Time for prayer and reflection away from daily routines
- Physical challenge as spiritual discipline
- Community with fellow pilgrims
- Seeking healing or answered prayer
Critics note pilgrimage isn't commanded in Scripture, money might better serve the poor, and God is present everywhere, not just holy sites. However, pilgrims often find the experience spiritually transformative.
The role of the Church in the local community
Christian churches engage extensively with their local communities through practical service and support.
Food banks address immediate poverty and hunger. Churches across denominations run collection points and distribution centres. The Trussell Trust, largely church-supported, operates 1,300+ food banks across the UK. This reflects Jesus' teaching to feed the hungry (Matthew 25:35).
Street pastors are trained volunteers who patrol town and city centres during weekend nights, offering practical help, a listening ear and safety support to vulnerable people. Founded in London in 2003, the initiative now operates in 300+ locations. Street pastors assist people who are drunk, lost or in danger, embodying Jesus' call to love neighbours.
Parent and toddler groups provide community spaces for families, combating isolation and offering support. Many churches host these groups in their buildings, providing refreshments and activities at minimal cost.
Additional community initiatives include:
- Debt counselling through Christians Against Poverty
- Homeless shelters and day centres
- Youth clubs and holiday programmes
- Elderly lunch clubs and visiting schemes
- Refugee support and English language classes
These activities demonstrate faith through action (James 2:17) and model Jesus' compassionate ministry.
The Church and the worldwide community
Christian churches engage globally through relief work, development and social justice campaigns.
Christian Aid works in 37 countries addressing poverty's root causes. Projects include sustainable agriculture, education, healthcare and campaigning for economic justice. Christian Aid Week raises funds through house-to-house collections organised by local churches. The organisation reflects the belief that all humans bear God's image and deserve dignity.
Tearfund partners with local churches in 50+ countries to provide disaster relief and tackle poverty. Emphasising evangelism alongside development, Tearfund believes spiritual and physical transformation go together. Projects address clean water, education, HIV/AIDS support and disaster preparedness.
CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) is the Catholic Church's official aid agency. Working in 30+ countries, CAFOD responds to emergencies, funds long-term development and campaigns against injustice. Their work reflects Catholic social teaching on the dignity of every person and preferential option for the poor.
These organisations fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to make disciples of all nations and demonstrate Jesus' concern for the marginalised. They also embody the parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46), where serving the poor means serving Christ himself.
Persecution of Christians occurs in many countries. Open Doors estimates 360 million Christians face persecution or discrimination. Churches respond through:
- Prayer for the persecuted church
- Financial support for affected families
- Advocacy and campaigning for religious freedom
- Raising awareness through initiatives like Red Wednesday
Festivals and celebrations
Christian festivals mark key events in Jesus' life and Christian history.
Christmas (25 December) celebrates Jesus' incarnation. Practices include:
- Nativity plays re-enacting the birth story
- Midnight Mass or Christingle services
- Giving gifts, reflecting the Magi's gifts and God's gift of Jesus
- Carol singing proclaiming the Christmas message
Easter is Christianity's most important festival, celebrating Jesus' resurrection. The period includes:
- Lent (40 days of fasting and self-denial before Easter)
- Palm Sunday (Jesus' entry to Jerusalem)
- Maundy Thursday (Last Supper commemoration)
- Good Friday (crucifixion remembrance through solemn services)
- Easter Sunday (resurrection celebration with joyful worship)
Other significant festivals include:
- Pentecost (coming of the Holy Spirit)
- Ascension Day (Jesus' return to heaven)
- Harvest Festival (thanksgiving for God's provision)
Worked examples
Example 1: "Explain two ways in which pilgrimage is important for Christians." [4 marks]
Model answer:
One way pilgrimage is important is that it deepens faith by allowing Christians to visit places connected to Jesus' life or Christian saints (1 mark). For example, walking where Jesus walked in Jerusalem helps believers feel closer to him and understand the Gospels more deeply (1 mark for development).
Another way pilgrimage is important is that it provides an opportunity for healing, both physical and spiritual (1 mark). At Lourdes, millions of pilgrims seek healing at the spring where Mary appeared to Bernadette, and many report experiencing spiritual renewal even if physical healing doesn't occur (1 mark for development).
Example 2: "Worship in church is the most important Christian practice." Discuss this statement showing you have considered more than one point of view. [15 marks]
Mark scheme guidance for this question type:
- Level 5 (13-15 marks) requires a coherent, logical argument with detailed knowledge, fully developed reasoning and thorough consideration of different viewpoints
- Must reach a supported conclusion
- Should include religious teachings and theological concepts
Model answer structure:
Introduction: Define key terms and outline the debate
Arguments supporting the statement:
- Worship fulfils the first commandment and Jesus' teaching about loving God (Mark 12:30)
- The Eucharist provides grace essential for Christian life (Catholic view)
- Corporate worship builds Christian community (Hebrews 10:25)
- Liturgical worship connects believers to 2,000 years of tradition
Arguments against the statement:
- Jesus emphasised loving your neighbour equally with loving God — practical service matters
- "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:17) — actions in community demonstrate real faith
- Prayer can occur anywhere — "where two or three gather" (Matthew 18:20)
- Some Christians (Quakers) worship without formal liturgy or church buildings
Alternative viewpoints:
- Different denominations emphasise different practices
- Individual spiritual journey determines what's most important
- All practices work together to create whole Christian life
Conclusion: Reach a balanced, justified conclusion about whether worship is the most important practice or whether other practices hold equal importance.
Example 3: "Outline three features of believers' baptism." [3 marks]
Model answer:
One feature is that the person being baptised is old enough to understand and profess their own faith (1 mark). Another feature is that the person is fully immersed in water rather than sprinkled (1 mark). A third feature is that it often takes place in a baptistry within the church building or in outdoor water such as a river (1 mark).
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Confusing denominations' beliefs — Don't assume all Christians believe the same about sacraments. Catholics recognise seven sacraments while many Protestants recognise only two. Be specific about which tradition you're describing.
Vague descriptions of practices — Instead of "Christians do charity work," specify "Christian Aid provides disaster relief and tackles poverty in 37 countries" with concrete examples.
Ignoring the "discuss" command — In 15-mark questions, you must present multiple viewpoints and reach a conclusion. Simply agreeing with the statement throughout won't access higher mark levels.
Missing biblical references — Support your points with specific biblical teachings. "Jesus said to love your neighbour" is stronger when referenced (Mark 12:31) and shows deeper knowledge.
Describing practices without explaining importance — Don't just say what Christians do; explain why it matters theologically. For example, explain that Eucharist isn't just remembrance but Catholics believe it provides grace essential for salvation.
Confusing pilgrimage sites — Learn specific features of Lourdes, Iona and Jerusalem. Don't mix up details like Bernadette's visions (Lourdes) with Celtic spirituality (Iona).
Exam technique for "Christianity: Practices"
Command words matter — "Outline" requires brief, factual points (1 mark each). "Explain" requires developed reasons (2-mark point-pairs: claim + development/example). "Discuss" requires balanced argument with multiple viewpoints and a conclusion.
Use the marks as a guide — A 4-mark "explain" question needs two developed points. A 5-mark question needs five distinct points or fewer points with fuller development. Don't write more than necessary.
Structure 15-mark answers — Use clear paragraphs for different viewpoints. Include: introduction defining terms, arguments for the statement (with evidence), arguments against (with evidence), alternative perspectives, and a justified conclusion. Aim for 3-4 developed paragraphs minimum.
Reference teachings accurately — Use specific biblical references (book, chapter:verse) and Christian teachings. Quote brief phrases where relevant, showing knowledge of sources of wisdom and authority.
Quick revision summary
Christian practices encompass diverse forms of worship (liturgical, non-liturgical, charismatic), sacraments (especially baptism and Eucharist), pilgrimage to sites like Lourdes and Jerusalem, and active engagement with communities locally and globally. Churches serve through food banks, street pastors and international agencies like Christian Aid and Tearfund. Different denominations emphasise different practices, but all aim to deepen faith, serve others and fulfil Jesus' commandments to love God and neighbour. Understanding specific details of each practice, supporting viewpoints with biblical teaching, and recognising denominational differences are essential for exam success.