Christianity: The Church
Christians worship in '
Church' but the word has several meanings. Most importantly it means
the body or community of believers. The Christian Church is a diverse, worldwide,
community of believers, who subscribe to a common core of beliefs. (For links to local Christian Churches see at the end of this page.
The three main groupings of Churches: Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant, have diversity of belief and practice within them. But the greatest variety is to be found within the Protestant or Reformed ‘family’, which includes the Baptists, Brethren, Congregationalists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Quakers, Salvation Army, United Reformed Church, and the ‘new’ churches. (The Church of England is regarded by Anglicans as both Catholic and Reformed (i.e. Protestant).
The word 'Church' is also used for the building in which Christians meet. Church buildings reflect the different emphasis in belief and religious practices of the denominations. It is in their local Church community that Christians learn about their faith and have opportunities to express it.
On educational visits to Churches, pupils should be encouraged to go beyond ‘the naming of parts’ and explore the religious significance of what they may see, hear and perhaps even smell. Churches are rich in symbolism and pupils will need help in understanding what they represent for believers.
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In the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Church of England, the shape of the building, the furniture and decorations are often designed to express beliefs in the greatness and holiness of God. Many such Churches are cruciform - built in the shape of a cross, with the font for baptism at the entrance, and altar for communion or Eucharist, at the far end. This suggested the entry, passage and goal of the Christian life-journey.
Many recently built Churches have the font near the altar with the congregation seated in a circle or semi-circle around the altar, promoting a shared and more intimate way of worshipping.
On one side of the altar is the lectern from which the Bible is read, and on the other is the pulpit from which is preached the sermon by the celebrant.
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On or above the altar will be a cross representing the risen Christ, and/or crucifix representing the crucified Christ.
Colourful stained glass windows bring light into the building and vividly remind believers of bible stories and other events.
Candles are used in a variety of ways, eg as votive offerings, and the Paschal candle is a reminder of the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus at Easter.
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Images like Icons and the ‘stations of the cross’ are regarded as windows into the spiritual life and ways of focusing devotion. Colour (vestments), sound (bells), and smell (incense), are other aids to worship employed during services.
In Protestant Churches, the shape, furniture and decorations are, in the main, not regarded as aids to worship. The buildings are simple and reflect the belief that the building in which they worship God should have as few distractions as possible. In such Churches the pulpit is prominent because, for believers, the preaching ‘God’s Word’ - the Bible, is the most important feature of worship. A plain cross, representing the ‘risen Christ’ is often displayed. Most Churches will also have a table for the Lords Supper.
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Some Churches will have stained glass windows and a limited range of symbols like the Ichthus - an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, of God, the Son, the Saviour": Iesous (Jesus) Christos (Christ) Theou (of God) Uiou (the Son) Soter (the Savior), and the dove – representing the Christian belief in the Holy Spirit.
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Many Protestant Churches follow the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Church of England practice of baptising babies. When they are older they then have the opportunity to ‘confirm’ for themselves the promises made for them at their baptism. Baptists, Pentecostals, and most of the ‘new’ churches, however, reserve baptism for those who make a personal commitment of faith.
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Baptism in these churches is called ‘believers’ baptism’, and church buildings will usually contain a ‘ baptistery’ – a large bath-like structure where an adult can be totally immersed in water.
In some building the baptistery is open to view, in others (usually because of the constraints of space) it is hidden under the floor and is opened only for use.
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Congregational singing in praise of God is major feature of services in most Christian traditions and an examination of the lyrics in hymnbooks will reveal key Christian beliefs. Also found in most Churches are a variety of musical instruments to accompany the hymn singing.
All Christian Churches are involved in various activities which put Jesus’ teaching on loving others into action, e.g. through feeding and sheltering the poor and homeless in the local area, and internationally, through organisations like Christian Aid, CAFOD, and Tear Fund
Many larger churches have some kind of activity every day of the week. Very few churches limit their programme to Sunday only, although for most Christians it is the principal day for worship.
All Christians stress that it is people - and what they do together in the name of Jesus Christ - that make a Christian community. The 'Church', therefore, is not just a building; it is the community of people who believe in and live their lives according to the teaching of Jesus.
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Preparation:
Before a visit to any place of worship pupils and teachers should be aware:
- that the visit has an educational purpose and that they are not required to participate in worship nor to affirm the beliefs of the community whose place of worship they are visiting
- of the key features to be expected in this place of worship and their purpose, use or symbolic meaning
- of any special dress requirements (find out from the Church to be visited)
Etiquette on visiting a Church:
- most Churches will expect visitors to behave respectfully
- some Churches regard parts of the building, for example the sanctuary, as sacred and only clergy may enter
- men and boys do not wear hats or caps in Church
- in a few Churches women and girls wear hats or head scarves
Click on the link for local Christian Churches.
