Communion Ideas for Small Group
Communion is a sacred tradition that Jesus implemented during his last meal with his disciples before the crucifixion. This tradition started as something intimate between Jesus and his followers in someone’s home. What a treasure that we get to repeat this practice with the people that we consistently meet with to talk about faith. Below you will find some communion ideas for small groups to grow or start a communion tradition in your group.
When to Take Communion
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Luke 22:19
While the first communion was taken during Passover, Jesus does not specify when or how often communion should be practiced. Some churches take communion every Sunday, or at major holidays. It is up to you how you want to develop this tradition for your small group.
Below are some common times that the church has historically taken communion, along with some times that might be beneficial for your group.
Major Holidays
Major Christian holidays offer a natural entry point for introducing communion to your small group. Since members are already focused on the Gospel and the person of Jesus, the practice of communion will feel seamlessly integrated.
Christmas
At your first and/or last advent study
Easter
At your first and/or last lent study
Ash Wednesday
Good Friday
On a Schedule
If you are excited about the idea of taking communion in your small group, and want to make it a regular practice, put it on your schedule. The early church took communion often, referring to it as “breaking bread together”. (Acts 20:7, Acts 2:42)
The first meeting of the month
At a retreat
When starting a new study
To Mark an Event
At its core, communion is a celebration of the life we get to live because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Add to your small group’s spiritual celebrations by incorporating communion.
After a baptism
After a member accepts Christ
After adding new group members
To celebrate a long answered prayer
Setting the Tone
Let your group know in advance that you will be offering communion at the next meeting. Some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of taking communion in a small group setting. Informing them in advance allows them to ask questions and prepare their hearts beforehand.
Choose a time during your meeting when your group is engaged and focused. Communion should be approached with reverence. Avoid offering it when group members are scattered, distracted or have “giggly” energy. If you are at a retreat, you may want to schedule it: before the first session, as the last thing before you leave, or before a meal together.
What to Use
You may have grown up in a church that used the small wafers, or had big loaves of bread to tear from to take communion. Both of these options, and many in between are valid for communion. When Jesus took the first communion, he used what was in front of him from the meal they were already eating. The bread and wine were holy because Jesus used them for a holy purpose, not because they were special on their own.
Use what you have.
Use a slice of wonder bread, ritz crackers, the rolls from dinner, or whatever is available to you. If you have it set in your heart to bake a beautiful sourdough loaf, do it! But don’t let perfection of what you think communion practice should be stand in the way of your small group participating in communion.
For the wine, just like the bread, use what you have. Red wine or red grape juice is preferred, since it represents Jesus’ blood poured out for us. You can use a bottle that has been previously opened or buy mini-single-serve bottles to reduce waste. Consider using a short, wide mouth glass to serve the wine if you plan on dipping the bread.
Plan Your Script
Plan what you are going to say before you meet. Even if you have taken communion many times before, it is easy to forget what you want to say in the moment. Have some notes, or write out a full script of exactly what you want to say. You can also follow the Y&A Small Group Communion Guide, which has a full written out script, including Bible passages and member script cards.
More Posts:
