“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, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Cor. 11:24-26
Last night during a session of our Experiencing Worship study, we looked at the different elements of worship that are mentioned in the Bible. We looked at praying, singing, giving of tithes, and communion. One of the ladies in our group asked the question, “Why don’t we take communion each week?” She had come out of a tradition that took Communion weekly. Since attending our church, she has felt a hole in her worship. You see, our church doesn’t offer the act of Communion on a regular basis. It was a question I had seldom thought about. My background was such that we took communion every quarter. It seemed like it was enough for me. Was I correct in my thinking?
As we shared and discussed this issue it was brought to my attention that Communion was an act of worship…it was a valid expression of our corporate worship. I knew that. I knew it was a part of worship, and yet, it never occurred to me that it needed to be done more than just once a quarter. It should be something we do weekly.
Why observe it weekly? First, all of our people who come to church do not come every week. If they miss the week we offer Communion, it is six months before they have the chance to take it again with the body. Second, there are many people who would like to have it as their act of worship from week to week. Many denominations partake of Communion each week. If it is a true act of worship for the believer, then it should be offered each week.
How do we go about doing this? Here are a few suggestions. I hope you will give any suggestions that you may have on our opinions below.
1. Have the elements out on a table each week for people to come and take as the music is playing during worship. It is the same as people singing or praying. They can come take it as part of their worship.
2. If weekly is too often for you, try moving it to a monthly event. Make sure the people are notified of it. Give them notice of it’s coming so they can plan to be there.
We believe that Communion is a very important part of our worship experience. To leave it out of the service is like leaving out prayer or singing. If it is a Biblical expression of worship, then it needs to be incorporated in our weekly worship times just as the rest are. Send us your feedback on this so we can help other churches grow in their worship experiences together.
Staff writer for ExperiencingWorship.com.