Grade 7 CRE THE CHURCH – SELECTED FORMS OF WORSHIP Notes
THE CHURCH — SELECTED FORMS OF WORSHIP
These notes explain some common forms of worship you will find in churches in Kenya. They are written for learners (about 12 years old). Each form describes what happens, why it matters, and a simple Kenyan example.
- Worship helps people honour God and learn about His love.
- It builds Christian community — people encourage and help one another.
- Worship shapes how we live — it teaches values like love, forgiveness and service.
Selected Forms of Worship
Songs are a big part of worship. People sing hymns, gospel songs, and choruses to praise God and teach Bible truths.
Kenyan example: A Sunday service at a Pentecostal church may have lively praise with drums and clapping. In a Catholic Mass you will hear choir hymns and organs.
Prayer is talking to God. It can be silent, read from a book, or said aloud by the leader. Types include thanksgiving, confession, and intercession (praying for others).
Kenyan example: Morning prayer groups in churches or interdenominational prayer vigils before national exams or during difficult times.
The Bible is read to learn God’s word. A preacher or pastor explains the Bible and shows how to live like Jesus.
Kenyan example: A sermon at ACK (Anglican Church of Kenya) or a sermonette at a youth service that links Bible stories to daily life.
Sacraments are special Christian actions that show God’s grace. Two common ones are:
- Baptism: Showing you belong to Jesus (water is used).
- Holy Communion (Eucharist): Eating bread and drinking wine (or grape juice) to remember Jesus’ sacrifice.
Kenyan example: Baptisms in rivers or at the front of church; Communion during Sunday Mass or Holy Communion service.
Giving money or goods is an act of worship. Offerings support the church, help the poor, and fund outreach programs.
Kenyan example: Offering time during service and tithe boxes at the church entrance; community help projects run by churches.
Confession means admitting sins and asking God and others for forgiveness. Some churches have private confession or public acts of repentance.
Kenyan example: Confession in Catholic parishes; reconciliation services before major church festivals like Easter.
Churches hold special events such as all-night vigils, youth retreats, healing services, and crusades. These focus on prayer, teaching and spiritual renewal.
Kenyan example: Large gospel crusades, school outreach days and prayer vigils before important national events.
Kenyan churches sometimes use local languages, drums, dances and traditional instruments in worship. This helps people connect faith with culture.
Example: An AIC (African Independent Church) service that uses songs in Kikuyu, Luo or Kiswahili with dance and drums.
How a 12-year-old can participate
- Sing loudly and happily — music is for everyone.
- Listen to the Bible reading and ask questions later in Sunday school.
- Join youth groups, choir, or Sunday school activities.
- Bring a small offering if you can; giving is part of worship.
- Respect church rules: stand or sit when asked, be quiet during prayers, and greet others kindly.
- Which two sacraments did we mention? (Hint: water and bread/wine)
- Name one way your church uses local culture in worship.
- Why is giving an offering part of worship?
Try answering these with a friend or write them in your notebook.
Key words (short)
Baptism — ceremony using water to show new life in Christ.
Communion — meal remembering Jesus' death and resurrection.
Liturgy — set order of worship used in some churches.
Intercession — praying for other people.
Sacrament — a special Christian rite that shows God’s grace.
Worship can be quiet or loud, traditional or modern — what matters is honouring God and loving others. In Kenya we celebrate God using many languages and styles, and all are welcome to join.