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During the apostles’ days, worship and lifestyle differed from what modern-day Christians do now. – and we’ll find out the early Christian Church’s practices.

The early Christian Church was a coalition regarding servitude and devotion to God. Varied churches across the land, particularly in Jerusalem, had the earliest community led by the Apostles James, Peter, and John. It was also in Antioch where the Christians were first called as such.

In those days, they also had a favorable view of spiritual gifts and their use during worship gatherings. This is emphasized in the book On That Day: A Trilogy by Thomas Fitzhugh Sheets. Readers follow the trilogy, which places importance on being a witness to the faith of the early Christian Church. With the help of these books by Mr. Sheets, we can also grasp how we can be a valuable tool in the Church.

What Did the Early Christian Church Do Back Then?

There are many ways that the early Christian Church practiced their faith. A wide range of traditions were practiced to honor Jesus Christ. Some of them have even been practiced until today. The examples below teach us about their daily life, how they communed as Christ’s foundation, and the demonstration of their faith.

Gatherings in Homes

Early Christians primarily met in homes, unlike the grand cathedrals we see today. These gatherings fostered a sense of community and intimacy among believers. The simplicity of the setting allowed for close fellowship, sharing of meals, and mutual encouragement.

The Breaking of Bread

An essential element of early Christian worship was the breaking of bread, often referred to as the Eucharist or Communion. Modeled after Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples, the early Church saw this act as a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and a symbol of unity among believers.

Reading and Teaching of Scriptures

The early Christian Church emphasized the reading and teaching of Scriptures during their worship gatherings. As the New Testament was still in formation, they relied on the Old Testament writings, apostolic teachings, letters, and memoirs to guide their faith and practice.

Hymns and Psalms

The early Christians expressed their devotion and praise through hymns and psalms. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, these songs were sung to honor God, edify the believers, and reinforce core theological beliefs. Music played a significant role in the worship experience, uniting hearts and minds in worship.

Prayer and Intercession

Prayer held a central place in the early Church’s worship. Believers would gather to seek God’s guidance, express gratitude, intercede for one another, and offer supplications. Prayer formed the backbone of their spiritual connection with God and served as a source of strength and comfort.

Spiritual Gifts and Prophecy

The early Christian Church believed in manifesting spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and miracles. These gifts were seen as signs of God’s presence and power and served to edify and build up the body of believers during worship gatherings.

Baptism and Initiation

Baptism held great importance in the early Church. It was seen as a public declaration of faith and an initiation into the community of believers. Baptismal rites were performed during worship services, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection.

Love Feast and Agape Meals

The early Christian Church practiced love feasts or agape meals, where believers would come together to share a communal meal. These meals were expressions of love, unity, and fellowship, reminding believers of their shared identity as followers of Christ.

A Demonstration of Faith from The Early Christian Church

It’s undeniable that Christ was always at the center of their practices and fellowships. Prayer was a central aspect of worship, as it supplied the flow of communication between them and God. That carried over to every Christian practice over time and became integral. After all, prayer allows us to express our dependence on God while seeking His guidance, provision, and intervention. That is precisely what the early Christian Church showed as an example of unwavering faith.

These practices and expressions of worship were ways the early Christian Church demonstrated their faith in Christ during their gatherings. They sought to honor and glorify God, deepen their relationship with Him, and encourage one another in their shared journey of following Jesus.