Small Group Toolbox: Practicing the Lord’s Supper
Summary: If Jesus didn’t make the Lord’s Supper complicated, we don’t need to either.
In the “Toolbox” series of blogs we’ll answer some of the most common questions about leading small groups. If you have questions you’d like answered, just drop us a message!
How do we practice the Lord’s Supper in our small group?
Jesus modeled the Lord’s Supper in the simplest way, even though it is a vital, core practice. And if Jesus didn’t make the Lord’s Supper complicated, we don’t need to either.
A simple way to practice the Lord’s Supper is to read the same words Jesus said to his disciples, on the night he instituted it. This passage is found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where Paul repeats Christ’s narrative.
Read the passage, then pause to allow time for reflective prayer. Make space for each person to look inward, to repent if needed, and to be thankful for salvation. Then take the bread and wine together as a group. Afterward, small group members can take turns speaking phrases of thanks and praise for Christ’s work on the cross.
A few practical points: the “wine” doesn’t have to be real wine or even grape juice. Cranberry juice is red too. Keep the amounts small enough for one swallow and one bite. Cracker pieces work well to represent the Body of Christ if you do not have bread. If people in your small group are gluten-free, potato chips work just as well. (In parts of the world, while in prison, believers used rice and water.)
The important thing is that we not forget this practice as we help disciples grow to follow Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is a beautiful and vital part of being the church together and reminds us of the core of our faith.
