What is communion?

Communion – also known as the Lord’s Supper – is a set of symbols Jesus commanded his followers to use to remember his sacrifice for us.

  • The bread represents his body, which was broken for us.

  • The cup represents the new covenant in his blood, which was shed to bring us back into right relationship with him.

 

Q&A

  • Like the early church, we want to devote ourselves to this practice regularly, alongside the apostles’ teaching, sharing our lives, eating meals together, and prayer (see Acts 2:42, 46).

    • We celebrate communion as a whole church once a month (typically the second Sunday).

    • We also encourage Grow Groups to celebrate it often outside of that time.

    Because the church is not a place but a people (all those who believe in Jesus), the location isn’t what’s important – remembering his sacrifice is what matters.

  • (Note: You may wish to prepare by reading all of 1 Cor. 11:17-34 for context.)

    1. Gather the symbols:

      • bread/crackers (it was unleavened bread at the Last Supper)

      • grape juice (so as not to trip up those who may struggle with alcohol) and cups

    2. Read aloud 1 Cor. 11:26-29 to remind the group to take communion in a worthy manner:

      • it’s serious – we’re remembering the Lord’s death for our sin

      • it’s communal – we’re united as one body of Christ through his body given for us

      • it’s hopeful – Jesus is coming again!

    3. Give time for the group (including yourself!) to examine themselves:

      • confess sin & repent

      • consider anyone I need to make things right with

      • celebrate the cross, the resurrection, and the coming kingdom of Jesus

    4. Read aloud 1 Cor. 11:23-26, pausing to eat the bread together after verse 24 and again to drink the cup together after verse 25.

    5. Close in prayer, thanking the Lord for what we have just celebrated.

  • We believe the elements of communion represent the shed blood and broken body of our Savior Jesus Christ. We do not believe these elements are the actual body and blood of Jesus, nor do we believe they become the actual body and blood of Jesus. It seems evident, since Jesus was physically present with his disciples when he commanded them to eat the bread and drink the cup, that the elements were intended to be symbolic. We also practice open communion, meaning anyone who has trusted Jesus as Savior is invited to join us in partaking of the elements.