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Leading Communion

Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, is a vital part of our worship. This important celebration is given by Jesus to the church: a shared act of remembrance, proclamation, thanksgiving, confession and faith. We believe the bread and cup do not save us or add to Christ’s finished work. But they do point us to Jesus’ body given for us and his blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. As we lead Communion, we help the church focus on Jesus, examine our hearts, confess our sin, receive his grace, and proclaim his death until he comes.

Scripture Resources

  • Psalm 22; Isaiah 53; Mark 15:21–29; John 19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–32; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8; Galatians 2:16–21; Ephesians 2:1–10; Philippians 2:1–11.

What is Communion? (The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist)

Communion is the regular remembrance and celebration of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. The bread points to his body given for us. The cup points to his blood shed for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26–28; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

What is the purpose of Communion?

Communion helps us remember and proclaim what Jesus has done. We give thanks for forgiveness, new life and restored relationship with God. It also calls us to examine ourselves, confess our sin, and come again to the mercy offered through Christ.

Preparation & Delivery

When you lead Communion, speak genuinely and keep the focus on Jesus. These guidelines are here to help, not make you anxious.

  • Plan Communion with the same care as every other part of the service.
  • Aim for a 5-minute, one-point reflection, not a sermon.
  • Use a brief personal story only if it helps people focus on Jesus.
  • If you want to vary how Communion is served, discuss it with the Pastor first.
  • Keep the focus on Jesus, the gospel, forgiveness, confession and gratitude.
  • Use the biblical terms “bread” and “cup”.
  • Plan who will serve Communion and consider involving people who are less often up front.
  • Allow unhurried space for personal examination, confession, assurance of grace, and reconciliation where needed.
  • If children take part in Communion, we encourage parents to help them understand its meaning and take the elements with them.
  • Be flexible if the order of service changes on the day.

What to include

  • Confession – include Scripture, silence, confession and assurance of forgiveness in Jesus.
  • Thanks – for the bread and cup and what they signify.
  • Invitation – invite followers of Jesus, and those turning to him in faith, to participate. Those who are unsure or not ready may let the elements pass and use the time for prayer.
  • Use 1 Corinthians 11:23–28 or another suitable passage.
  • Communion is reverent, but not sombre: we remember Jesus’ death and celebrate his resurrection.
  • Following Communion there will be a leader who will lead a time of prayer for others.
  • Communion is remembrance and proclamation, not a sacrament that gives saving grace through the elements themselves.

Confession & Personal Examination

Before sharing the bread and cup, give clear guidance and unhurried time. You might say:

“Before we receive the bread and cup, we are invited to examine ourselves before God. We come because Jesus is worthy, his mercy is enough, and his death opens the way back to God. Let us take a moment to be honest before the Lord.”

Allow 30–60 seconds of silence. Invite people to confess known sin, consider any needed reconciliation, and receive the assurance of forgiveness in Christ.

Example Confessional Prayer

Together or Leader:

Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and action. We have not loved you with our whole heart or loved our neighbours as ourselves. We have held on to pride, resentment, fear and selfishness. Forgive us, cleanse us, and lead us in repentance, faith and love.

Leader: Hear the good news: if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In Christ, we are forgiven. Let us receive the bread and cup with thankful hearts.

General Format

  • Introduce yourself
  • Give a short introductory reflection regarding communion
  • Read 1 Corinthians 11:23–28 or a suitable passage. Explain that the bread represents Christ’s body given for us, and the cup represents his blood shed for forgiveness.
  • Explain how Communion will be served: eat the bread when received; hold the cup so we can drink together.
  • Invite Parents to explain and share communion with their children.
  • Lead confession and personal examination, including guided silence and optional prayer.
  • Invite attendants to come forward.
  • Serve the bread and cup to the attendants.
  • Ensure the band receives the bread and cup.
  • Wait until everyone is served.
  • Invite everyone to drink the cup together with thanks.
  • Pray to close.
  • Hand over to Prayer for Others.