Worship, Baptism, and Communion in the Didache: How the Early Church Practiced Faith

What if you could step back in time and experience Christian worship as the first believers did? No church buildings, no denominations—just raw, authentic faith. The Didache, one of the earliest Christian writings, gives us a front-row seat to how the early church practiced baptism, prayer, fasting, the Lord’s Supper, and Sunday worship. While modern traditions vary, the heart of Christian worship remains surprisingly familiar. Let’s explore what the Didache reveals about the faith and worship practices of the first Christians—and what we can learn from them today.

Baptism in the Didache: Simple Yet Powerful

The Didache instructs that baptism should be performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, preferably in running water (like a river). If that’s not available, still water or even pouring water over the head is allowed.

How It Compares to Today

This early Christian flexibility contrasts with some modern traditions that insist on a specific method, such as full immersion. Yet, the Didache’s emphasis wasn’t on rigid rules but on the sincerity of faith. No matter the method, baptism remains a public declaration of new life in Christ, just as it was in the early church.

Fasting and Prayer: A Life of Devotion

The Didache teaches fasting twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, a shift from Jewish customs. It also includes a short daily prayer guide, mirroring the Lord’s Prayer found in the Gospel of Matthew.

What We Can Learn

Structured prayer and fasting were normal rhythms of Christian life, not just occasional spiritual exercises. Today, while some churches still emphasize fasting and liturgical prayer, others have moved away from these disciplines. The Didache challenges us to reconsider: How intentional are we in setting aside time for prayer and fasting?

Worship on the Lord’s Day: Gathering as a Church

The Didache emphasizes Sunday worship, calling believers to gather, give thanks, and confess their sins before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. This echoes Acts 20:7, where early Christians met on the first day of the week to break bread.

The Legacy of Sunday Worship

The tradition of Sunday gatherings remains a cornerstone of Christian worship worldwide. While some churches emphasize formal liturgies and others favor contemporary styles, the purpose remains the same: to worship God, encourage one another, and remember Christ’s resurrection.

The Eucharist (Communion): A Sacred Thanksgiving

The Didache offers a unique look at Communion in the early church. The prayers of thanksgiving, the emphasis on unity, and the requirement that only baptized believers partake highlight the reverence given to the Lord’s Supper.

Then vs. Now

While today’s churches differ on how often to take Communion—weekly, monthly, or on special occasions—the core purpose remains unchanged: to remember Christ’s sacrifice and celebrate our unity in Him.

What Has Changed—and What Hasn’t

The Didache reveals that, despite differences in expression, the foundation of Christian worship remains the same:
✅ Baptism is a public declaration of faith.
✅ Prayer and fasting are vital disciplines.
✅ Sunday worship is about gathering in thanksgiving.
✅ Communion is a sacred act of remembrance and unity.

While modern churches may look different from first-century house gatherings, the heart of worship remains unchanged: drawing near to God in faith and community.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Deeper Worship

The Didache challenges us to reflect: Are we approaching worship, prayer, and Communion with the same devotion as the early Christians? Whether through structured traditions or personal faith practices, we are invited to worship God with sincerity, just as the first believers did.

Worship, Baptism, and Communion in the Didache: How the Early Church Practiced Faith