-By Deering Dyer
This weekend, Pastor Tim is addressing the question, “What is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper?” in part 5 of his appropriately named message series, “Answers”. So I thought I’d take this opportunity to answer a related question, “Can we take communion in our small group meeting?” The answer is absolutely yes.
At Crossroads we celebrate the Lord’s Supper corporately on every first Wednesday of the month. But there’s no rule in scripture that says that the Lord’s Supper must be held within the walls of a church building or officiated by an officer of the church.
While this may seem daunting and it is something that you need to take seriously, do not let this be an obstacle to keep you from celebrating the Lord’s Supper as a small group. To help you, just follow the steps below.
Steps in Serving Communion*
1. Out of the context of your own experience, say something brief about God’s love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, commitment, tenderheartedness or faithfulness. You may wish to connect your words with the personal stories of the group or from your personal life.
2. Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26**:
“[The] Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
3. Pray silently, and pass the bread around the circle. While the bread is being passed, you may want to reflect quietly, sing a simple praise song, or listen to a worship CD. Be sure to allow enough time for personal examination and reflection before concluding. Sometimes an extended period of silence may seem awkward or uncomfortable, but it is necessary in order to look honestly at our own hearts and to confess our sins to the Lord. This helps make sure we take the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
4. When everyone has received the bread, remind them that this represents Jesus’ broken body on their behalf. Simply state, “Jesus said, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ Let us eat together,” and eat the break as a group.
5. Pray silently, and serve the cup. You may pass a small tray, serve people individually, or have them pick up a cup from the table.
6. When everyone has been served, remind them that the cup represents Jesus’ blood shed for them. Simply state, “The cup of the new covenant is Jesus Christ’s blood shed for you. Jesus said, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ Let us drink together.” Then drink the juice in a group.
7. Conclude by singing a simple song, listening to a praise song, or having a time of prayer in thanks to God.
Practical Tips in Serving Communion
1. Prepare the elements simply, sacredly, and symbolically.
2. Be sensitive to timing in your meeting.
3. Break up pieces of cracker or soft bread on a small plate or tray. Don’t use large servings of bread or grape juice. You should think about using grape juice—and not wine—because wine can cause some people to stumble.
4. Have all of the elements prepared beforehand, and just bring them into the room or to the table when you are ready.
*Much was taken from the article “Build Community Through Communion” – www.smallgroups.com but was edited for the purposes of this post.
**Here are some other good Communion passages: Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16-21 or 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
Click here to download “Answers Pt. 5: What is the Meaning of the Lord’s Supper” AnswersPt5_PSG
Beginning in April, small group leaders are invited to a monthly gathering called “Community Cafe”.
