Guidelines for Leading Communion

Guidelines for Leading Communion

Communion is a high point of our corporate worship service. In it we are reminded of our unity with Christ and our unity with each other.

Team Leader and Team

• See Appendix 1: Communion Team Leader and Team.

Preparation

• Your communion message must be well prepared. This is a teaching moment in our service.
• If you are unable to fulfil your duty please give your team leader sufficient notice.

Arrive

• Please arrive no later than 8:15am for the 8:30am service.
• Inform the service coordinator and worship leader that you are present when you arrive.

Before the Services

• Inform the projectionist of your passage and the translation you use (default is CSB).
• Be seated when the bell rings 5mins before each service.
• Be seated in such a way as to minimise distraction when you come up.
• Anticipate coming up immediately when the communion slide goes up.

Before the Communion Message

• Do not tamper with the lectern.
• Always use the mic.
• Do not test the mic by blowing into it.
• Do not put your hands into your pockets.
• The communion should take 7-10 minutes.

Inform the Congregation

• Call up the stewards. They wait at the front during the communion message.
• “Communion is open to all who have placed their faith in Jesus and are in good standing with their local church.”
• “Anyone who hasn't placed their faith in Jesus is to let the elements pass by.”
• “Parents are to exercise authority over believing children and teens.”
• “Other children and teens must speak to an elder before taking communion.”
• “The congregation is to wait when they receive the elements so we can partake together.”

The Communion Message

• The message should take 3-5 minutes.
• Read and expound from one text only. Make only one point.
• Call for a short time of silence after the message.

Distribution of the Communion Elements

• Pray before eating the bread. Wait.
• Pray before drinking the cup. Wait.
• Close in a short prayer.

Leave

• You lead communion at both the 8:30 and 10:30 service.
• You are free to leave after communion in the 10:30 service.
  

  Helpful Texts

  • Genesis 22:7-8, Psalm 22:15-19, Psalm 40:6-8, Isaiah 53:4-9.
  • Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:7-20, 1 Corinthians 10:15-22, 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 1 Corinthians 11:27-34, John 6:53-56, Romans 3:22-26, Romans 5:9, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Ephesians 1:7-8, Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 5:2, Colossians 1:19-20, Hebrews 9:11-22, 25-28, Hebrews 10:5-10, Hebrews 10:19-22, Hebrews 12:22-24, Hebrews 13:11-15.