Communion

why do we take communion

It seems like the earliest Christians saw the celebration of Communion as a central part of what it meant to share a common life of faith. We do too.

In Kingdom Vineyard our normal practice is to share Communion in Homegroups, in the context of people who trust and value each other.

This act was instituted by Jesus when in fellowship with his 12 closest disciples, and is described as part of the early church’s radical community life in Acts 2:42- 47. However, it is not simply an act of memorial, but rather a participation in the life of the resurrected Jesus.

Occasionally (when we can gather together) we also share Communion together as a whole church as a way of expressing our unity with each other.

It’s a way of recognising our common vision and values, but also to express our identity with the worldwide church in the way in which we all trust in and follow the same Jesus.

Practical steps

Prepare wine and bread. It’s wise to include non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread (and clearly label them!), just in case.

Read from Scripture (e.g. Luke 22:19-20; Matt 26:26-28; John 6:53-58; 1 Cor 11:23-26)

Pray, inviting the Holy Spirit to come and fill each person and the act of taking communion, and explicitly asking God to transform this human act of taking bread and wine into a significant spiritual occasion (not simply an act of memorial for a historical event).

Extend an invitation to share communion. When we take Communion we reaffirm our covenant relationship with God through Jesus, and we reaffirm our body relationship with each other. Everyone who is willing to do that is welcome to celebrate Communion with us in the Kingdom Vineyard.

The most hygienic way to share is to tear a chunk of bread and dip it into the wine. You might decide to serve one another, or to place the bread and wine in the middle of the group and invite people to step forward/sit/kneel to take as they wish.