Communion at Home

The church throughout the centuries has drawn upon a variety of practices in worshiping God. One of those practices used frequently by the early church is the sacrament of communion. Over time, the church in all of its diversity has developed a variety of ways in which this sacrament is observed.

If you’ve been to a Summit service, you know that we observe communion as a part of our worship service every month or so utilizing the “intinction” method, where we dip a piece of bread into wine or juice. For other churches, you may see them pass the elements to one another. Others have the ordained leaders administer the elements to each individual parishioner. 

Now that we find ourselves worshiping from online or from house churches, it begs the question—what do we do now? Can we still participate in communion even though we aren't in a traditional sanctuary setting?

The answer is a resounding yes! 

It would honor the Lord for us to continue to observe communion in our homes with loved ones present, or even with us virtually, as we connect with others.

Let us offer a few thoughts from the Scriptures on this subject.

First, let’s take a look at the historical backdrop of the New Testament. The early church, described so vividly in the Book of Acts and in the various letters to the churches, were congregations often made up of groups no larger than 10-20 people. These small churches met frequently together in homes (Acts 2:46; Acts 5:42; Colossians 4:15) and they assembled publicly with the other churches in the city when possible. 

In these small, home-based gatherings, the church congregations regularly participated in what became known as a “love feast” (Jude 1:12; 2 Peter 2:13). In this time, those who gathered for worship would share a meal and a time of worship, prayer, and fellowship together. As a part of this gathering, time was also set aside for the observance of communion (also referred to as “breaking of bread”). As we see from Acts 2:42, it was something the church was “devoted to” as a regular practice of their worship:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

The apostle Paul gives some clear direction in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 about how to practice “The Lord’s Supper,” as he calls it. Paul refers to the instruction of Jesus where he instituted the practice of communion to be observed from that time forward by his Church in Matthew 26:26-28:

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”

It is important to notice that this was something commonly done in the churches described in the New Testament, and it is not something that needed to be administered by a church leader. It is something that all believers shared whenever they gathered together as God’s people. 

This principle, that every believer is a minister of God, is called “the priesthood of all believers” by theologians (1 Peter 2:9). It is the idea that as a follower of Jesus, we are all called to serve God and are responsible as his children to read and observe the teachings of Scripture. This would certainly include following the Scripture’s command to regularly observe communion in our gatherings. 

So, much in the same way as we see how the early church participated in communion, we encourage you to make this a part of your worship in your homes during this time of social distancing. 

Below are some helpful suggestions for you.

Instructions for Sharing the Sacrament of Communion at Home

1. The sacrament of communion is a meal shared by followers of Jesus regardless of denomination or any particular church affiliation. When we say in services, “This is not Summit’s table, it is the Lord’s table,” this is what we mean. As such, those who are not yet followers of Jesus are welcome to observe and have the meaning of the meal explained but should not participate until such time as they make a decision to follow Jesus.

2. Identify a leader. The person who administers the sacrament should be seen by the group as one who has a measure of spiritual leadership within the group, whether it is within a family, household, Connect group, or group of friends. There may be several people who fit this criteria. As we continue in this season, consider rotating who takes the lead role each time communion may be shared.

3. Distribute the elements. Traditionally, the elements are bread (or gluten free crackers) and wine (or grape juice). In unusual times, such as we are in today, other elements may be substituted. There is a story of an impromptu communion led by a seminary professor using grape soda and peanut butter crackers purchased from vending machines. Use what you have. If you are sharing communion virtually, ask everyone to gather their elements and hold them until you are ready to begin the meal.

4. It is appropriate, before the meal begins, to invite the participants to a time of silent reflection and confession of sin. In this way, we acknowledge our sins—what we have done and what we have left undone—so that our gratitude may increase for what Jesus has done for us. The leader should say something along the lines of, “Before we receive this meal, let’s take some time to silently reflect and confess our sins to God.” After some time passes, simply say, “Amen,” or, if preferred, the leader may close the time of confession with this traditional prayer:

   “We do not come to Your table, O merciful Lord, with self-confidence and pride, trusting in our own righteousness, but we trust in Your great and many mercies. We are not worthy to gather the crumbs from under Your table. But You, O Lord, are unchanging in Your mercy and Your nature is love; grant us, therefore, God of mercy, God of grace, so to eat at this Your table that we may receive in spirit and in truth the body of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, and the merits of His shed blood, so that we may live and grow in His likeness and, being washed and cleansed through His most precious blood, we may evermore live in Him and He in us. Amen.”

5. If you are the leader, read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 to your group from your Bible, and preface your reading by saying, “Hear these words from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.” 

6. If you are the leader, lift up the bread so everyone can see and say, “The body of Christ, broken for you. Take and eat.” Then eat the bread, inviting others to do the same.

7. If you’re the leader, lift up the cup so everyone can see and say, “The blood of Christ, which was shed for you. Take and drink.” Then drink from the cup, inviting others to do the same.

8. If you are the leader, you may close in prayer, or invite someone else previously identified to close in prayer. You may also opt to spend an extended time praying together as a group. And/Or, you may choose to pray the Lord’s prayer to close your time together. 

   “Our Father, who art in heaven,
   hallowed be thy name;
   thy kingdom come;
   thy will be done;
   on earth as it is in heaven.

   Give us this day our daily bread.
   And forgive us our debts,
   as we forgive our debtors.
   And lead us not into temptation;
   but deliver us from evil.

   For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
   for ever and ever.

   Amen.”