Christianity: Practices

What you'll learn

This revision guide covers all the key Christian practices you need for your WJEC GCSE Religious Studies exam. You'll explore different forms of worship, the role of sacraments in Christian life, the significance of pilgrimage, and how Christians demonstrate their faith through prayer, mission and evangelism. Each section connects theological understanding with practical application in believers' lives.

Key terms and definitions

Sacrament — An outward sign of an inward grace; a visible religious ceremony believed to convey God's blessing. Most Christians recognise at least two sacraments (baptism and Eucharist), while Catholics and Orthodox recognise seven.

Liturgical worship — Structured worship following a set pattern with formal prayers, often using a service book. Common in Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican traditions.

Charismatic worship — Spontaneous, Spirit-led worship emphasising spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing. Associated particularly with Pentecostal churches.

Eucharist — The service of thanksgiving commemorating Jesus' Last Supper, also called Holy Communion, Mass or the Lord's Supper. Christians consume bread and wine/grape juice.

Pilgrimage — A spiritual journey to a sacred place of religious significance, undertaken to deepen faith, seek healing or fulfil a vow.

Evangelism — Spreading the Christian gospel message to non-believers, fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Mission — The practical outworking of faith through actions serving others, addressing poverty, injustice and suffering in the world.

Reconciliation — The sacrament of confession and absolution (forgiveness), restoring the relationship between sinner and God. Practised particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Core concepts

Forms of worship

Christian worship varies significantly across denominations, but all forms aim to glorify God, strengthen faith and build community.

Liturgical worship follows established patterns and uses set prayers. The Catholic Mass and Anglican Holy Communion services exemplify this approach. Features include:

• Structured order of service with readings, prayers and responses
• Use of the liturgical calendar (Advent, Lent, Easter, Pentecost)
• Formal vestments worn by clergy
• Traditional hymns and organ music
• Emphasis on reverence and tradition

Non-liturgical worship is less structured and allows more spontaneity. Typical in Baptist, Methodist and independent churches. Characteristics include:

• Bible readings chosen by the minister rather than following a set lectionary
• Spontaneous prayer alongside prepared prayers
• Longer sermons (often 30-45 minutes)
• Worship songs with contemporary instruments
• More informal atmosphere

Charismatic worship emphasises the Holy Spirit's active presence. Key elements include:

• Speaking in tongues (glossolalia)
• Prophecy and words of knowledge
• Healing prayer and laying on of hands
• Energetic praise with raised hands and dancing
• Belief in miraculous signs and wonders

Quaker worship (Society of Friends) is distinctively silent. Worshippers sit in silence until someone feels moved by the Spirit to speak. This reflects the Quaker belief that everyone can experience God directly without priests or formal liturgy.

Sacraments and rituals

Sacraments are central to most Christian traditions as visible signs of God's invisible grace.

Baptism initiates someone into the Christian faith. Two main approaches exist:

Infant baptism (paedobaptism):

• Practised by Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and Methodists
• Parents and godparents make promises on the child's behalf
• Water is sprinkled on the baby's head (affusion)
• Removes original sin (Catholic belief)
• Welcomes the child into God's family
• Later confirmed when the person is old enough to affirm faith personally

Believer's baptism (credobaptism):

• Practised by Baptists, Pentecostals and many independent churches
• Only performed when someone can make a personal declaration of faith
• Full immersion in water symbolising death to old life and resurrection to new life in Christ
• Based on Jesus' own baptism in the River Jordan
• Considered an act of obedience and public testimony rather than saving in itself

The Eucharist remembers Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Different traditions hold varying theological views:

• Catholics believe in transubstantiation — bread and wine literally become Christ's body and blood
• Lutherans believe in consubstantiation — Christ is present "in, with and under" the elements
• Reformed/Calvinist view sees it as symbolic but with spiritual nourishment
• Zwinglian/Memorial view sees it purely as remembrance

The service typically includes:

• Confession of sins
• Bible readings and sermon
• Consecration prayer over bread and wine
• Distribution to communicants
• Thanksgiving prayers

Other sacraments recognised by Catholic and Orthodox churches:

• Confirmation — strengthening of faith and reception of the Holy Spirit
• Marriage — lifelong covenant between man and woman before God
• Ordination — setting apart individuals for ministry
• Reconciliation (confession) — absolution of sins through a priest
• Anointing of the sick — prayers for healing and preparation for death

Prayer and personal devotion

Prayer is communication with God and takes many forms in Christian practice.

Types of prayer (often remembered by the acronym ACTS):

• Adoration — praising God's nature and character
• Confession — admitting sins and asking forgiveness
• Thanksgiving — expressing gratitude for blessings
• Supplication — asking God to meet needs (petitionary prayer)

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is Christianity's most universal prayer, taught by Jesus himself. It covers:

• Relationship with God ("Our Father")
• God's kingdom and will
• Daily needs ("daily bread")
• Forgiveness
• Guidance and protection from evil

Personal prayer may be:

• Formal (using written prayers like the Lord's Prayer)
• Informal (conversational, spontaneous prayer)
• Silent (meditation and contemplation)
• Corporate (praying with others)

Many Christians maintain daily devotions including:

• Bible reading (often following a reading plan)
• Prayer time (morning and/or evening)
• Journaling spiritual reflections
• Use of devotional books
• Lectio Divina (spiritual reading) in contemplative traditions

Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage allows Christians to deepen faith, experience spiritual renewal and connect with sacred history.

Lourdes (France):

• Site of Marian apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858
• Famous healing spring where millions seek physical and spiritual healing
• Particularly significant for Catholics
• Organised trips for sick and disabled pilgrims (HCPT, Jumbulance Trust)
• Emphasises service — young volunteers assist disabled pilgrims

Iona (Scotland):

• Island where St Columba established a monastery in 563 CE
• Rebuilt Iona Community founded by George MacLeod in 1938
• Focus on peace, social justice and Celtic spirituality
• Ecumenical appeal across denominations
• Attracts those seeking quiet reflection and simplicity

Taizé (France):

• Ecumenical monastic community founded by Brother Roger in 1940
• Popular with young Christians worldwide
• Distinctive worship style with chants and meditative songs
• Emphasis on reconciliation and peace
• Week-long stays focusing on prayer, community and reflection

Jerusalem and the Holy Land:

• Walk the Via Dolorosa (Jesus' route to crucifixion)
• Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (traditional site of Jesus' tomb)
• Garden of Gethsemane, Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem
• Connects Christians directly with Jesus' life and ministry

Reasons for pilgrimage:

• Seeking healing (physical or spiritual)
• Giving thanks for answered prayers
• Penance and spiritual renewal
• Deepening understanding of faith
• Sense of duty or fulfilling a vow
• Connecting with Christian community worldwide

Alternative views:

• Some Protestants question pilgrimage, seeing it as unnecessary since God is present everywhere
• Can become superstitious or focused on the place rather than God
• Expensive when money could serve the poor

Mission and evangelism

Christians believe they are called to share faith and serve others, following Jesus' Great Commission.

Evangelism focuses on proclamation of the gospel:

• Street preaching and open-air witnessing
• Door-to-door evangelism
• Alpha courses and Christianity Explored courses
• Revival meetings and crusades
• Personal testimony sharing
• Digital evangelism through social media and websites
• Mission trips to unevangelised areas

Mission emphasises practical service:

• Running food banks and homeless shelters
• Building schools and hospitals in developing nations
• Development projects (wells, agriculture, microfinance)
• Campaigning against injustice (human trafficking, modern slavery)
• Prison ministry and rehabilitation programmes
• Addiction recovery services

Examples of Christian mission organisations:

Tearfund — UK-based relief and development agency working in over 50 countries, combining practical aid with gospel witness. Focuses on sustainable development, disaster relief and church partnerships.

Christian Aid — Works to end poverty worldwide through humanitarian relief, development projects and advocacy. Takes an ecumenical approach involving multiple denominations.

Street Pastors — Trained volunteers patrol UK town and city centres on weekend nights, supporting vulnerable people, defusing conflict and caring for those affected by alcohol or drugs.

Reasons Christians engage in mission:

• Obedience to Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Love for neighbour (parable of Good Samaritan)
• Belief that faith and action are inseparable (James 2:14-17)
• Following Jesus' example of healing and teaching
• Warning of judgment and offering salvation

Tensions in mission:

• Balance between evangelism and social action
• Accusations of cultural imperialism
• Respecting other faiths while maintaining truth claims
• Ensuring aid isn't conditional on conversion ("rice Christians")

Celebration of festivals

Christian festivals mark key events in Jesus' life and the church calendar.

Christmas (25 December):

• Celebrates Jesus' incarnation (God becoming human)
• Nativity plays retell the birth narrative
• Midnight Mass and carol services
• Exchanging gifts reflects the Magi's gifts to Jesus
• Focus on family, generosity and peace

Easter (moveable feast, March/April):

• Most important Christian festival
• Celebrates Jesus' resurrection from death
• Good Friday remembers crucifixion with solemn services
• Easter Vigil on Saturday evening with baptisms
• Easter Sunday with joyful celebration
• Eggs symbolise new life; cross represents sacrifice

Pentecost (50 days after Easter):

• Commemorates Holy Spirit coming to disciples (Acts 2)
• Birthday of the church
• Particularly celebrated in Charismatic churches
• Colour red symbolises the Spirit's fire

Harvest Festival (autumn):

• Thanksgiving for God's provision
• Churches decorated with produce
• Food donated to those in need
• Reflects agricultural roots of faith

Worked examples

Example 1: Extended response question (15 marks)

"Infant baptism is more important than believer's baptism." Discuss this statement, showing that you have considered more than one point of view. You must refer to religious arguments in your answer.

Model answer:

Many Christians would agree that infant baptism is more important because it welcomes children into God's family from the earliest possible moment. Catholics believe baptism removes original sin, which all humans inherit from Adam and Eve, so infant baptism ensures the child is cleansed and can enter heaven if they die young. The practice also has strong biblical support — Jesus said "Let the little children come to me" (Mark 10:14), and entire households were baptised in Acts 16, which likely included children. Furthermore, infant baptism reflects God's grace working before we can respond, showing salvation is God's gift not our achievement.

However, Baptists and Pentecostals would strongly disagree, arguing that believer's baptism is more important because it requires personal faith and conscious decision. They point to Jesus' own baptism as an adult when he had full understanding. The Great Commission commands disciples to baptise those who believe (Matthew 28:19), implying the person must first have faith. Believer's baptism is also more authentic as the person makes their own promises rather than parents speaking for them. The full immersion powerfully symbolises dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4), making the meaning clearer than sprinkling water on a baby who cannot understand.

In conclusion, both forms have value in different traditions. Infant baptism emphasises God's initiative and family belonging, while believer's baptism stresses personal commitment and obedience. Rather than one being "more important," they reflect different theological emphases — Catholic/Anglican focus on covenant and grace versus Baptist/Pentecostal focus on conscious discipleship.

Examiner notes: This answer demonstrates excellent AO2 skills (analysis and evaluation). It presents contrasting viewpoints with detailed religious reasoning, uses biblical references appropriately, and reaches a balanced conclusion. Would achieve top band marks (13-15).

Example 2: Short answer question (4 marks)

Explain two ways Christians might use prayer in their daily life.

Model answer:

One way Christians use prayer is during daily devotions, where they set aside time morning or evening to pray through the day's concerns, read the Bible, and worship God. This helps maintain their relationship with God consistently.

Another way is through grace before meals, where Christians thank God for providing food. This recognises that everything comes from God and cultivates an attitude of gratitude throughout the day.

Examiner notes: This answer provides two distinct ways (2 marks each) with explanation of how/why each is used. Each point develops the basic statement sufficiently for full marks.

Example 3: Source interpretation question (5 marks)

"Christian pilgrimage is just religious tourism." Evaluate this statement.

Model answer:

This statement is unfair because Christian pilgrimage has much deeper spiritual purpose than tourism. Pilgrims travel to places like Lourdes or Jerusalem specifically to grow closer to God, not merely to see sights. They often go seeking healing, wanting to give thanks, or doing penance for sins. At Lourdes, pilgrims serve the sick rather than sightseeing, showing sacrificial love. The journey itself is seen as spiritually significant, with prayer and reflection throughout.

However, the statement contains some truth because modern pilgrimage can resemble tourism. People take photos, buy souvenirs, and stay in hotels, just like tourists. Some may go more for the experience than genuine spiritual seeking. The commercialisation around pilgrimage sites, with shops selling religious items, can make it feel like a tourist industry.

Overall, while pilgrimage sites do attract some who approach them as tourists, true pilgrims have devotional intentions that make their journey fundamentally different from mere sightseeing.

Examiner notes: This answer evaluates both sides of the statement, provides relevant examples, and reaches a justified conclusion. Demonstrates good AO2 skills for this question type.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Confusing denominations: Don't assume all Christians believe the same things. Always specify whether you're discussing Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox or other traditions. For example, Catholics have seven sacraments but Baptists typically recognise only two ordinances.

• Vague religious language: Avoid phrases like "Christians believe it's good" or "the Bible says to be nice." Use precise terminology: "Christians believe baptism signifies spiritual rebirth" or "Jesus commanded believers to 'love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31)."

• Ignoring the question: Many students write everything they know about a topic rather than answering the specific question asked. If asked about infant baptism specifically, don't spend paragraphs discussing believer's baptism unless the question requires comparison.

• Missing AO2 evaluation: For higher-mark questions requiring discussion or evaluation, don't just describe practices. Analyse why Christians consider them important, compare different views, and assess strengths and weaknesses of positions.

• Forgetting biblical references: WJEC mark schemes reward specific references. Learn key verses: John 3:16 (salvation), Matthew 28:19-20 (Great Commission), Matthew 26:26-28 (Last Supper), Romans 6:3-4 (baptism symbolism).

• One-sided evaluation answers: Questions asking you to "discuss" or consider "more than one point of view" require balanced treatment. Present arguments on both sides before reaching a conclusion, even if you personally agree with one position.

Exam technique for "Christianity: Practices"

• Know your command words: "Explain" requires description with reasons. "Evaluate" or "Discuss" requires weighing evidence and arguments. "Assess" means judge the significance or importance. Each requires different approaches.

• Structure extended answers carefully: Use the PEE structure (Point, Evidence, Explain) for each paragraph. In 15-mark evaluation questions, present arguments for the statement, arguments against, then a reasoned conclusion. Aim for 4-5 developed paragraphs.

• Use specialist terminology accurately: Examiners look for precise religious vocabulary. Use terms like transubstantiation, liturgical worship, evangelism, reconciliation correctly rather than vague descriptions. This demonstrates knowledge and understanding.

• Time management matters: WJEC papers typically allocate 1 mark per minute. A 15-mark question deserves 15 minutes. Don't spend 20 minutes on a 5-mark question or rush a high-value question. Practice timed answers in revision.

Quick revision summary

Christian practices vary across traditions but centre on worship, sacraments and service. Worship ranges from formal liturgical services to spontaneous charismatic praise. Sacraments like baptism (infant or believer's) and Eucharist convey God's grace through physical signs. Prayer takes many forms including the Lord's Prayer, personal devotion and corporate intercession. Pilgrimage to sites like Lourdes, Iona or Jerusalem deepens faith through sacred encounter. Mission and evangelism fulfil Jesus' Great Commission through proclamation and practical service to those in need, demonstrated by organisations like Tearfund and Street Pastors.