Guidelines for Leading Communion

Example of Leading Communion

Here is an example of leading communion at Crystal Park Baptist Church Benoni. How does your church do communion? If you have a recorded example online please drop us a email so we can learn (churchcraft@crystalparkbaptistchurch.co.za).

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.

How Does Communion Feel?

• Sombre.
• Joyful.
• Pastoral.

Team Leader and Team

• Mark Penrith (Team Leader)
• Jake Msimango
• Sifiso Pule

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
• John 6:53-56
• 1 Corinthians 5:7
• 1 Corinthians 10:15-22
• 1 Corinthians 11:17-22
• 1 Corinthians 11:27-34
• Romans 3:22-26
• Romans 5:9
• Ephesians 1:7-8
• Ephesians 2:13
• Ephesians 5:2
• Colossians 1:19-20
• Hebrews 9:11-22
• Hebrews 9:25-28
• Hebrews 10:5-10
• Hebrews 10:19-22
• Hebrews 12:22-24
• Hebrews 13:11-15