Christianity Practices Flashcards
1
Q
what is worship
A
- an act devoted to God to show love and reverence for God
- Most Christians hold acts of worship or services on Sunday every week as a communal show of devotion
2
Q
what is liturgical worship
A
- found in the Roman Catholic Orthodox and Church of England (Anglican churches)
- the services follow a liturgy ( a set pattern) usually from a printed book
- The liturgy has an established structure (order) of set prayers and readings with the congregation repeating key phrases
- hymns are sung at set times (hymns vary)
- a sermon is given
- some of the prayers, hymns, bible readings and the sermon differ from service to service
3
Q
why is liturgical worship good
A
the ordered nature makes worshippers feel comfortable and part of the process
4
Q
what is non-liturgical worship
A
- informal
- follows a pattern/order but the elements are tailored to each service
- Prayers are often in the leader’s own words, the sermon on a topical theme and Bible readings chosen to fit
5
Q
why is non-liturgical worship good
A
without set words to worshipper feels it comes more from the heart
6
Q
what is charismatic worship
A
- a kind of informal worship
- Evangelical worship is often in this style
- The service has a recognisable characteristics (hymns, prayers, sermon, readings) but is very free-flowing
- Charismatic is ‘spirit-inspired’
- people often speak in tongues or feel the Holy Spirit at work within them
7
Q
how is the bible used in worship
A
- the bible is always the focus of any act of worship because it is considered either the ‘word of god’ or ‘inspired by god’
- this can be processed into church, many hymns are based on it, portions are often read out loud and the sermon often explains a BIble passage
8
Q
discuss private worship
A
- just as important as public worship for Christians
- can be liturgical, Roman Catholics may say the Angelus (a series of short meditations performed three times a day)
- it can be non-liturgical for example a simple prayer in a time of need
- allows person to feel close to god in the way they want
- a time to be with god, say things from the heart and build a relationship with god
- Believers thread a rosary through their fingers while saying set prayers
- meditation is mainly silent throughout
- could be a reflection on a bible passage or religious truth
- a sense of peace and calm is a key characteristic alternating with hustle and bustle of daily life
9
Q
what is a rosary
A
a set of beads on a string with a crucifix at the end
10
Q
discuss prayer
A
- talking and listening to god to be open to guidance from the holy spirit
- should include praise, confession, thanks, prayers for others and the self
- Jesus spoke about prayer - humility and honesty are essential
- he stated that an all loving god would always respond to sincere prayers
- outcomes are not always in the way Christians seek but god knows best
- set prayers like the Lord’s prayer are used both publicly and privately
11
Q
why are prayers importat to worship
A
- god wants people to worship him
- worship can bring a sense of connection/togetherness with god to a community and/or individual
- it is an eternal expression of internal faith
- through worship people gain a deeper understanding of their religion or their faith in god
- it purifies the worshipper making them spiritually fit for what they do
12
Q
discuss the Lord’s prayer
A
- it has praise, confession, thanks and asking god for the things the worshipper and others need so it is a ‘perfect prayer’
- it was given by Jesus so links through the whole history of Christianity
- used in public and private, aloud or silently
- usually part of ll types of worship
- Jesus taught it to his disciples when they asked him ‘Master, how should we pray?’
13
Q
give two quotes about worship
A
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up - James 4:10
But the hour is coming and now is when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father is seeking such to worship him - John 4:23
14
Q
what are the seven sacraments
A
BAPTISM confirmation EUCHARIST reconciliation healing marriage ordination
15
Q
discuss the outward and visible sign of baptism
A
water and the signing of the cross with the words in the name of the Father, son and holy spirit
16
Q
discuss the outward and visible sign of confirmation
A
the laying of the hands by the Bishop
17
Q
discuss the outward and visible sign of eucharist
A
bread and wine
18
Q
discuss the outward and visible sign of reconcilliation
A
words of forgiveness
19
Q
discuss the outward and visible sign of healing
A
anointing and laying on of the hands
20
Q
discuss the outward and visible sign of marriage
A
rings
21
Q
discuss the outward and visible sign of ordination
A
the laying on of the hands by the Bishop
22
Q
what is an outward and visible sign of each sacrament
A
the external and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace
23
Q
what are three points about the seven sacraments
A
- the external and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace
- can be experienced with the senses
- has a deeper meaning which is not experienced through the senses
24
Q
discuss the inward and spiritual grace of baptism
A
- receiving the holy spirit
- the removal of original sin
- entry into the kingdom of god/the church
25
discuss the inward and spiritual grace of confirmation
- strengthening/sealing the gifts of the holy spirit in the person
- becoming an adult member of the church
26
discuss the inward and spiritual grace of eucharist
spiritual feeding with the body and blood of christ
27
discuss the inward and spiritual grace of reconciliation
- the forgiveness of sins
| - rebuilding of bonds
28
discuss the inward and spiritual grace of healing
- spiritual and sometimes physical healing
| - preparation for death
29
discuss the inward and spiritual grace of marriage
the endless love between the couple
30
discuss the inward and spiritual grace of ordination
the special gifts of the holy spirit needed by a deacon or priest
31
which two sacraments do Protestants recognise
- baptism and eucharist
- known as the gospel sacraments because they were authorised by Jesus and there are many references to their use in much of the New Testament
32
what denominations recognise all seven sacraments
Roman Catholics
Orthodox Christians
some Anglicans
all of which are implied through Jesus in the early church
33
what is the importance of the sacraments
- god imparts gifts through the sacraments
- they are offered at appropriate times in a person's life like rites of passage - baptism, confirmation and marriage
- in eucharist the bread and wine unites Christians with the risen christ
- reconciliation helps Christians realise what they have done wrong, show penitence and then receive forgiveness through the Priest's words
- healing can be given during a long illness or when close to death to give strength and peace of mind
- Ordination separates those who devote their lives to god in the priesthood giving them gifts to carry out this role
34
why do some Christians not believe in the sacraments
- Quakers and members of the salvation army reject all seven because no direct reference is made to all seven in the bible
- they believe Jesus did not intend either baptism or his words and actions over the bread and wine at the last supper to become prescribed rituals
- they believe god speaks directly to the believer's heart so there is no need of any form of 'go-between' and that symbols and ritual distract from true religion
35
discuss baptism in terms of John
- John the baptist was the first Jew to use baptism to symbolise the forgiveness of sins
- this prepared for a new way of life with the coming of the Messiah (Jesus)
- Jesus was baptised by john and experienced the Holy Spirit entering his life
- Jesus' last instructions were 'to baptise them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit' (Matthew 28:18-19)
- Baptism welcomes a person into the Christian community
36
why are baptism ceremonies important
- christians feel they are doing what Jesus did so it connects them to him
- it welcomes a person into the christian church
- baptism removes sin
- it enables spiritual growth
37
discuss infant baptism
- actual ceremonies differ from one christian group to the next but all services have core similarities
key elements used by Roman Catholics, Orthodox and the Church of England are:
- baptism of a baby
- use of holy water (blessed) from the font and poured three times over the forehead
- the sign of the cross made on the forehead in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit
many baptism services also include promises made by parents/godparents on behalf of the child to reject evil, repent sins and turn to christ;
the lighting of the paschal candle symbolising receiving the light of Christ
use of holy oils to symbolise strengths (to fight evil) and salvation
readings and prayers
38
discuss believers baptism
- ceremony for older children and adults
- takes place in a baptistery
- the central rituals are the use of water and the Trinitarian formula (Father, son, holy spirit)
- the subject testifies to why they seek baptism then declares the repentance of sin and their intention to follow a Christ-centred life avoiding evil
- walking down three steps symbolises the end of the old life of sin
- then there are three full submersions in the name of the trinity
- the person then leaves by three other steps to start a new life as a Christian
39
what are the arguments in support of infant baptism
- natural for parents to want to bring their child into the Christian faith
- gifts of the holy spirit to allow the child to grow up strong in God's love
- enables the child to receive the other sacraments
- brings comfort to the family of an ill child that if it dies it will be with god
- removes original sin and purifies the child
40
what are the arguments in support of believer's baptism
- only those old enough to understand should take this step as they should be able to make their own promises
- a child might grow up to resent the promises made for them so they need to decide for themselves
- Jesus was an adult when baptised
- God's love is not dependent on human actions so baptism is unnecessary
- how can an innocent child even have sin to remove
41
what are the gifts of the holy spirit and what book are they stated in
Corinthians 12
| - knowledge, courage, understanding, right judgement, wisdom, reverence, awe and wonder in God's presence
42
what is a covenant
an agreement made between man and god
43
what are the elements
the bread and wine used in eucharist
44
what is the last supper in basic definition
the last evening meal Jesus shared with his disciples before he was arrested
45
what is transubstantiation
the change in the bread and wine to become the body and blood of Jesus
46
discuss the last supper in detail
the last supper is the basis of the 'bread and wine' service
- Jesus took bread, broke it and said 'this is my body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me'
- Jesus took wine and said 'this is my blood, do this in remembrance of me'
- this was a sign of a new covenant between god and all believers established by Jesus' death
- Christians today re-enact the last supper in different ways
- can be done daily, weekly or monthly as part of or in addition to normal service
47
what is eucharist
the last supper
48
what do some say the eucharist (last supper) is like
- a taste of heaven, unties the worshipper with Christ and is food for the soul giving strength to live everyday as Christian
49
what is the Orthodox Divine Liturgy
- 'divine' is a reminder of the sacred mystery of the service and 'liturgy' means work of the people in the praising of god
- bread and wine prepared on altar behind iconostasis
- divided into four
- eucharist prayer said to consecrate three of them so they coexist with the actual blood and body of Jesus
- service includes bible readings, sermon, prayers and the Bible processed through the Royal Doors
- the cherubic hymn is sung
- the bread and wine are carried though the royal doors
- the priest invites all baptised members to participate
- from one chalice of bread soaked in the wine, spoonful's are given
- the fourth unconsecrated piece of bread is broken up to be taken home
50
discuss Roman Catholic mass
- in roman catholic mass worshippers confess sins and forgiveness is given
- service includes bible readings, sermon and prayers and Nicene Creed recited
- bread and wine brought to altar and the eucharist prayer is said to consecrate them
- people stand before the priest to receive the bread which is placed on the tongue or in their hands
- only the priest drinks the wine
- the post-eucharist prayer and blessings are said
51
discuss the Anglican Holy Communion
- follows a similar pattern to that of roman catholic mass
- wine is taken by the congregation from one single chalice and the bread is placed on crossed hands
- all participate in both bread and wine
52
what is the Lord's supper
- These tend to be much simpler services with people gathering at the front of the church
- The last supper story is read out
- the bread and wine are shared
- often the wine is non-alcoholic and given in little individual cups
- hymns may be sung and the lord's prayer and additional prayers may be said by all
53
discuss the different meanings of the Lord's supper for different Christian/Protestant groups
Orthodox:
- the consecration of bread and wine remains a mystery but they believe that Jesus is mystically present in the elements
Roman Catholic:
- believe in transubstantiation
- the bread and wine are invisibly transformed into the actual body and blood of Jesus
Anglicans:
- some believe the same as the Catholics but most believe that the bread and wine hold the spiritual presence of the body and blood rather than becoming it
Other Protestants:
- believe the bread and wine are purely symbolic of Jesus' death which brought salvation
54
define pilgrimage
a religious pilgrimage is a visit to a holy place that often have a feeling of spirituality and closeness to god. The journey can be as important as the visit.
55
discuss Bernadette in Lourdes (pilgrimage)
Here Bernadette claimed she had seen a woman, the virgin Mary in 18 visions. In a cave near the River Gave she was told to dig away the growth clogging the spring and drink the water. Her friend bathed her dislocated arm in the water and it was healed
56
discuss the pilgrimage to Lourdes (France)
- many pilgrims visit Lourdes today, taking part in processions, saying the rosary and mass and touching the walls of the cave (grotto)
- water is often taken home and statues of the virgin Mary bought
- the sick or disabled go hoping for healing
57
discuss the healings in Lourdes (France)
- since the first cure in 1858, 69 more Lourdes healings have been declared miracles
- most pilgrims not experiencing physical healing still feel as though they have been healed spiritually
- pilgrims also describe feeling peace of mind
58
what things should you talk about when talking about he Lourdes pilgrimage
- Bernadette
- since 1858 69 more healings
- why visit
59
discuss the Iona Pilgrimage
- This is known as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland , as Columba, an Irish monk, settles there in 563ce
- the Gaelic rulers of Ireland gave him Iona to build a monastery and spread the Christian message
- Columba dies in 597ce but the monastery continues leading to new monasteries in Ireland and Lindisfarne
- many came on pilgrimage via a system of Celtic crosses and processional roads which were built
- The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the Gospels, was produced
- Iona fell into disuse but in 1938 George Macleod had the monastery rebuilt and set up the foundation of the ecumenical Iona Community open to all Christian groups
- Their way of life was founded in the bible - daily prayer reading, stewardship of time and money, regular meeting with other members and the active promotion of justice, peace and the environment
60
discuss the Iona Pilgrimage today
- Iona has a very long history making pilgrims want to visit
- Individuals or groups often go home renewed in their faith to live and work in the modern world
- A stay at Iona means work as well as worship and study
61
what is the importance of pilgrimage (arguments for)
- allows focus on faith
- a renewed energy to cope with the demands of life
- offers time for spiritual growth
- some pilgrimages include very simple living, being closer to the way Jesus led his life
- the experience might bring healing either physical or spiritual
-
62
what are the arguments against pilgrimage
- money could be better spent in helping others
- some people cannot afford to make a pilgrimage
- the renewal while on pilgrimage quickly wears off when pilgrims return home
- spiritual development can be gained at home in prayer and reflection
- prayers and healings can happen anywhere as God hears all prayers
63
discuss a quote about Christmas
"for onto us a child is born, to us a son is given , and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" - Isaiah 9:6
64
discuss Christmas
- celebrates birth of Jesus
- Western church chose 25th Dec, Eastern Church chose 6th Jan
- the story of Jesus' birth is found only in the gospels of Mathew and Luke but there a little different
65
discuss the story of Jesus Birth (Christmas)
Jesus born in Bethlehem in stable as town was overcrowded. Mary gave birth laid him in manger and he was visited by kings/shepherds who had been told that the king of the Jews, the Messiah had been born.
Christians disagree over the accuracy of the story but the message is key - that the incarnation of God (Jesus) had humble beginnings thus showing humility
66
how is Christmas celebrated
- state holiday in UK showing the importance of this event in a 'Christian Country'
- it is celebrated in a secular way with cards, gifts, food and parties and in a religious way with the four weeks of advent, the Christingle service, Christmas Eve mass and a Christmas day service.
- Christmas Carols are sung throughout the period, the birth stories are read and nativities are acted out
- Believers often send religious cards (e.g nativity scene, religious wording)
67
why is Christmas important
- Christians thank god for his gift of Jesus
- focus on family, children, the poor and lonely to make Christmas a time of warmth, love and togetherness
- common for churches to set up shelters, host meals and distribute gift parcels for/to the most needy
- a time of giving, receiving and of love to symbolise the love that God showed
- a time for hope, peace, love and reconciliation and love to our fellow man
- Christians show their faith to the world
68
what is Easter and the key days
- Holy week remembers the events that led to Jesus' death, his actual death and the resurrection
Palm Sunday (beginning) - Jesus' entry into Jerusalem
Maundy Thursday - The last supper and Jesus' arrest
Good Friday - Jesus' crucifixion and death
Easter Sunday - the resurrection
69
how is Easter celebrated
- special church services run through the week remembering the lead up to 'the greatest sacrifice ever made'
- In a secular way people send cards, gifts, Easter chocolates and have family meals
- in a religious way Christians see palm crosses are given out, church services take place for each of the special days including Easter vigils and special Easter Prayers and hymns are said
- believers send Easter cards
70
what is the importance of Easter
- Christians move from a period of great sadness to great joy knowing what God has done for them, he sacrificed his son to bring about reconciliation
- the human suffering of Jesus and his obedience to the will of God are emphasised
- Christians believe that God reunited himself with humanity by the actions of Jesus so they can once again be reunited with him at death, the new covenant
71
discuss in general terms the role of the church in the local community
```
Christians have always been involved in working to make communities better places to live
they work in:
- support groups for young and old
- support charities that help the needy
- welcome immigrants
- work as street pastors
- work in food banks
```
72
discuss and state teachings and quotes about the role of the church in the local community
The parable of the sheep and goats teaches that if people fail to help those around them it is as thought they fail to help Jesus himself
1 John says - "If anyone has material possessions and ignores his brother in need, how can he love god?"
1 John says - "lets not love with words or thoughts but with actions and in truth"
Jesus spent much of his time helping people in society who were needy or outcasts or simply those who were looked down on by others. He said:
"It is not the well that need a doctor but the sick"
showing how we should help those in need in any way possible
73
what is the basis in the role of the church in the local community
Christians using their faith as a basis for action and the action itself showing that faith
74
discuss food banks
- at food banks people volunteer to collect and distribute food.
- 2004 saw the launch of the UK- wide network with vision to end poverty and hunger, show compassion and give practical help
- Many food banks are centred in churches or church halls
- people in need are identified by the police, schools or social services and given vouchers to exchange for food parcels
75
discuss street pastors
- Christians who go out on city streets at night to care for the spiritual and physical needs of young people who might be affected by excessive drinking, drug use, fighting, ect…
- they care for, listen and try to help regardless of young people's behaviour
- following training they ask for God's blessing in this difficult type of ministry
- over 270 towns now have street pastors
- their governing body is the Ascension Trust which works with local councils, the police and other official bodies
- the work is based outside pubs/clubs/shops where there may be anticipated issues
76
what is the salvation army
- founded as a result of the deprivation people were living in and the apparent unconcern shown by many Christian churches.
- the salvation army works with the poor and disadvantaged, setting up for example
- food kitchens and hostels for the homeless, including emergency assistance
- toy collections at Christmas
- training and employment help and advice
77
what is the St Vincent de Paul society
- this is a roman catholic society whose aim is to provide for the great needs of people in society
- Its motto is to help the homeless, visit the sick, befriend the lonely and feed the hungry
- the society is involved in for example:
- setting up support centres and counselling services
- providing work and training
- helping refugees, released prisoners, the disabled and the mentally ill
78
discuss church growth
Christianity has always been a missionary religion spreading all over the world
African membership on rise but Europe on decline
In recent years there has been a renewed focus on preaching to make the gospel relevant in a modern world. Many Churches are trying to find fresh approaches to worship whilst maintaining their key beliefs
79
define evangelism
spreading the word by way of preaching the gospels of Christ
80
discuss the Church Army
- Church Army members are trained and licensed by the Church of England to work throughout the UK
- They aim to help people find faith, showing their love of god as revealed through Christ
- they focus their work on vulnerable and marginalised people in society
- provide projects for young children and families
- work with drug addicts
- work as chaplains in prisons and hospitals
- visit the elderly
- provide access to worship outside of church
81
discuss SIM (serving in mission)
- SIM has a worldwide scope to follow Jesus' instruction to send people out on mission
- members work chiefly in areas where it appears Christianity is under attack
- for example in Nigeria where Christians are often the target for terrorist groups
- Churches have been destroyed, vicars killed and people left traumatised by what they have suffered and SIM supports the rebuilding of these communities
82
discuss the Ichthus Fellowship
this is a group of new churches linked to already established churches which are planted so that that church continues to grow. They offer more evangelical than traditional worship to appeal to a modern audience who are not enthused by traditional forms of worship
83
discuss Fresh Expressions
This organisation offers 'different churches' set up in pubs, cafes, schools and even skate parks or beaches. These gatherings take religion directly to people who would never think about going to church. They are all planted to suit the needs of that group and help them become and develop a Christians
84
define persecution
hostility and ill-treatment usually because of prejudice
it can be in many forms and by anyone
85
discuss the church facing persecution
- church faced persecution as far back as Jesus himself
- Romans and Jews persecuted him and his disciples
- Many early Christians suffered death as a result of spreading the Christian message
- for nearly 300 years after Jesus' death it was illegal to be a Christian, carrying a likely death sentence as punishment
86
what has the Christian reaction to persecution been
- to trust god in times of need
- "all things will pass"
- "God knows best"
- "blessed are the persecuted"
- react with forgiveness and love rather than hate
- those not suffering persecution to support the persecuted (irrespective of faith or no faith)
87
discuss organisations and individuals that support the persecuted
Brother Andrew smuggled Bibles into communist countries to James and Stephen Smith who set up the Aegis Trust which encourages people to challenge all types of discrimination. They now work extensively in Rwanda following genocide there
Open Doors:
- an organisation which fights for justice and freedom, raises awareness of persecution issues, trains people to work with those affected by persecution and offers practical help to rebuild communities.
88
define reconciliation
coming back together after a falling out so that no grudge is held
89
discuss reconciliation
- bringing people together to be friendly again
- when Jesus reconciled the world though his death it was the ultimate sacrifice
- Christians should be able to reconcile the with each other after dispute whether as families, communities or nations
90
discuss individuals or organisation working for reconcilitation
- Corrymeela in Ireland and the International community of the cross of nails are two communities working for reconciliation
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu in south Africa has spent his whole life trying to reconcile the black and white communities there after years of discrimination. He has also worked with the Israeli and Palestinian communities
- the Quakers do not believe in the use of violence. Many Quakers have worked as meditators to bring reconciliation to opposing sides in the pursuit of peace
91
define emergency aid
immediate response to a disaster with urgent medical and survival provisions
92
define LEDC
less economically developed country
93
define long-term aid
development of communities to become self-sufficient through projects which usually last for at least a year
94
define poverty
the absence or paucity of the basic needs of life - food, water, shelter, healthcare, education and employment
95
define short-term aid
start of the rebuilding process after emergency response or development projects which usually last a few weeks or months
96
why is there a need for Christians to help with poverty
LECDs are the poorest countries in the world and people suffer generally no fault of their own, the countries are often
- at wat
- debt ridden
- suffer natural disasters
- corrupt government
- few natural resources
- pay is low
- exploited by rich countries
- not in an economic position to raise the standard of living for all their people
97
discuss the Christian response to poverty
- Christians have links to many countries and they are moved with compassion at media coverage of disasters and crises
- Many see helping as putting their beliefs (faith) into action
- in the poorest countries even the smallest response can make a massive difference
- Jesus worked amongst the poor and so Christians are copying his example and re-enacting his work
98
discuss teachings that can be used when discussing poverty and Christian help
- Jesus worked amongst the poor and so Christians are copying his example and re-enacting his work
- the parable of the sheep and goats clearly states that whoever a believer helps, it is as if they are helping Jesus himself and they will gain the reward of heaven
- the parable of the good Samaritan clearly shows the need to help where help is needed regardless of who the victim is. this encourages Christians to help in all situations
99
what things do Christian aid, CAFOD and Tearfund all do
- provide emergency, long and short term aid
- all part of the UK's Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)
- work with partner organisations when a disaster occurs
- work in the UK to campaign for the government to raise issues to secure justice for LEDCs
- increase public awareness through media and educational programmes to keep the issues in the mind of the public
- they fundraise so the public keep giving money ensuring these charities can continue to meet the needs of many people in poverty
- encourage fair trade, this means that producers get a fair amount for the good produced and in turn can pay their workers fairly
- it helps raise economic status of people throughout the system but crucially the producers who are paid the least
100
discuss CAFOD
Catholic Agency for Overseas development
- has more than 500 partners in LEDCs
- the organisation works in disaster areas providing relief and disaster risk reduction strategies
- long-term projects are carried out with local groups
- it is essential that the communities themselves see the value of what is being done
- the idea is that projects can breed self-belief and self-reliance which often then lead to much greater change as communities gain confidence and see more ways to develop and improve what they have
101
discuss Christian Aid
- organisation set up to deal with refugee crisis in Europe after Second World War but since then it has extended its work worldwide providing a response to disasters and promoting long-term development
- it works with partner agencies and will support all of them regardless of race, religion etc.....
- it asses projects in a country then supplies experts and materials for the projects to be completed
- the key focus since 2012 has been to see an end to poverty and to generate global justice by empowering those who are currently exploited and disadvantaged
- every year Christian Aid Week envelopes are delivered to all households to collect money to continue the organisations work
102
discuss Tearfund
- this began as a fund collected for the 40 million refugees caused by wars worldwide
- the money was given to evangelical agencies caring for such refugees
- prayer is key to the organisations work as well as the principle of following Jesus to where the need is the greatest
- money is raised from evangelical churches and young people are encouraged to join projects in gap years or on mission trips
- all types of aid are given but Tearfund does emphasise people's spiritual as well as physical needs
- 67,000 churches have been created or helped in the past 5 years
- the agency claims to have changed 15 million lives
- it promotes self-help projects so that people are empowered to help themselves out of poverty, for example loans given for small business start-up, meaning that money is community produced rather than received as a charity
