Looking for a wonderful way to worship with your group? Share the Lord's Supper together. It can be especially meaningful after a time of confession, a period of loss or grief, or after experiencing an answer to prayer.
If you've never done this before, the idea can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think. Of course, churches vary in their treatment of Communion so you may need to adapt these suggestions to your church's beliefs or check with a coach or pastor ahead of time.
Prepare for the Experience
Prepare the elements ahead of time. Break up pieces of cracker or soft bread on a small plate or tray, or pass around a loaf of bread for group members to tear off a piece. Have the elements prepared beforehand, and then simply bring them into the room or to the table when you are ready.
Don't use large servings of bread or grape juice, or it will take a while to eat and drink together, making some people uncomfortable. Regardless of your church's tradition, you might consider using grape juice rather than wine because wine can cause some people to stumble.
While this is a meaningful experience, you'll still need to be sensitive to the timing of your group. Don't go over time or you may have group members more worried about getting kids to bed rather than soaking in the moment.
Steps in Serving Communion
Connect the Meaning to Your Group Experience
Focusing on your own experience, say something brief about God's love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, commitment, tenderheartedness, or faithfulness. You'll also want to connect your words with the personal stories of the group. For example, "These past few weeks I've experienced God's mercy in the way he untangled the situation with my son. And I've seen God show mercy to others of us here too, especially to Jean and Roger." If you prefer, you can write down ahead of time what you want to say.
Read a Scripture Passage
My favorite passage to read is 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, but you could also use Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16-21, or 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
Pass the Bread
As you pass the bread, you can further set the tone by asking group members to reflect silently, singing a simple praise song, or playing worship music in the background.
Eat the Bread Together
When everyone has received the bread, remind them that it represents Jesus' body that was broken on their behalf. Simply state, "Jesus said, 'Do this in remembrance of me.' Let us eat together," inviting group members to eat.
Pass the Juice
Pass around a tray with small cups of juice, serve people individually, or have group members walk to a central table and pick up a cup. Consider singing a simple praise song or playing worship music in the background for this step as well.
Drink the Juice Together
When everyone has been served, remind them that the cup represents Jesus' blood that was shed for them. Simply state, "The cup of the new covenant is Jesus Christ's blood that was shed for you. Jesus said, 'Do this in remembrance of me.' Let us drink together."
Conclude in Worship or Prayer
When finished, close by singing a simple song, listening to a praise song, or having a time of prayer in thanks to God.
—Brett Eastman is the founder of LifeTogether. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
