Christian Practices: Baptism, Communion, and Worship Styles
Christianity is rich with sacred practices that express faith, devotion, and obedience to God’s commands. Three of the most significant practices in Christianity are Baptism, Communion (The Lord’s Supper), and Worship. Each of these plays a vital role in the life of believers, reinforcing their connection to God, the church, and fellow Christians.

1️⃣ Baptism: A Symbol of Faith and New Life
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a Christian sacrament or ordinance that symbolizes a believer’s faith in Jesus Christ, cleansing from sin, and new life in Christ. It is an outward sign of an inward transformation, marking one’s entrance into the Christian faith.
Biblical Basis for Baptism
📖 Matthew 28:19 – The Great Commission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
📖 Acts 2:38 – Repentance and Baptism
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
📖 Romans 6:4 – Symbolizing Death and Resurrection
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Types of Baptism
There are different methods of baptism, and practices vary among Christian denominations.
1. Baptism by Immersion (Full Submersion)
- Practiced by Baptists, Pentecostals, Evangelicals, and non-denominational churches.
- Represents death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.
- The person is completely submerged in water and then raised up.
2. Baptism by Sprinkling or Pouring
- Practiced by Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Methodists.
- Water is sprinkled or poured over the person’s head.
- Often used in infant baptism as a sign of God’s covenant.
3. Infant vs. Believer’s Baptism
- Infant Baptism: Practiced by Catholics, Orthodox, Lutherans, and some Protestants, signifying God’s grace upon the child.
- Believer’s Baptism: Practiced by Baptists, Pentecostals, and Evangelicals, requiring a personal decision to follow Christ before baptism.
Why is Baptism Important?
✔ Public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.
✔ Obedience to Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19).
✔ Represents spiritual rebirth (John 3:5).

2️⃣ Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
What is Communion?
Communion, also called The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, is a sacred Christian practice that commemorates Jesus’ death and resurrection. It involves eating bread and drinking wine (or juice), symbolizing Christ’s body and blood.
Biblical Basis for Communion
📖 Luke 22:19-20 – Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper
“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”
📖 1 Corinthians 11:26 – Proclaiming the Lord’s Death
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
Significance of Communion
✔ Remembrance – Honors Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
✔ Unity – Unites believers as the Body of Christ.
✔ Self-examination – Calls believers to repent and reflect.
Different Views of Communion
Christian denominations interpret the meaning of Communion differently:
1. Transubstantiation (Catholic & Orthodox)
- Belief that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.
- Based on John 6:53-56: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.”
2. Consubstantiation (Lutheran)
- Teaches that Christ’s presence is “in, with, and under” the bread and wine but does not change their substance.
3. Symbolic Memorial (Baptists, Evangelicals, Pentecostals)
- The bread and wine symbolize Christ’s body and blood.
- A reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and second coming.
How Often is Communion Taken?
- Catholics – Every Mass (weekly or daily).
- Orthodox Christians – Weekly or on special holy days.
- Protestants – Varies (weekly, monthly, or quarterly).

3️⃣ Worship Styles: Traditional vs. Contemporary
Worship is the act of expressing love, reverence, and praise to God. Different Christian traditions have unique worship styles, reflecting various cultures and theological backgrounds.
1. Traditional Worship
🔹 Found in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and many Protestant churches.
🔹 Features liturgical prayers, hymns, organ music, and formal structure.
🔹 Involves scripture readings, creeds, and sacraments.
📖 Psalm 95:6 – Call to Worship
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Elements of Traditional Worship
✔ Liturgical Structure – A set order of prayers, scripture, and sacraments.
✔ Hymns and Choirs – Classical hymns like Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art.
✔ Use of Symbols – Candles, incense, vestments, stained glass, and icons.
2. Contemporary Worship
🔹 Found in Evangelical, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and non-denominational churches.
🔹 Features modern music, praise bands, and spontaneous prayer.
🔹 Focuses on personal experience and engagement.
📖 John 4:23 – True Worshipers
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”
Elements of Contemporary Worship
✔ Praise and Worship Bands – Guitars, drums, and keyboards leading songs like What a Beautiful Name and Way Maker.
✔ Spontaneous and Free Worship – Encourages personal expressions of praise.
✔ Use of Technology – Projectors, LED lights, and social media integration.
Blended Worship
- Some churches combine traditional and contemporary elements to reach different generations.
- Worship styles differ, but the key is worshiping God in Spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Conclusion
✔ Baptism symbolizes new life in Christ and obedience to His command.
✔ Communion is a sacred practice remembering Jesus’ sacrifice.
✔ Worship styles vary, but all forms should honor and glorify God.
📖 Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Christian practices are expressions of faith, unity, and devotion—reminders that believers are called to live as followers of Christ in love, worship, and obedience. 🙏✨