Sometimes our rituals become routine and we forget the basics.
One church I knew took the procedure of serving Communion so seriously they had a two-hour training session for every new deacon to learn the ropes. The plan was perfectly laid out in a detailed document with a diagram. Following each observance, they would grade the servers on how synchronized they were with the passing on the elements. It was serious business.
While I appreciated the intention of serving the Supper in an appropriate way, I couldn’t help but wonder if the focus was on the wrong thing. Jesus didn’t say much about the procedure of Communion. He made a huge statement about why.
“Do this in remembrance of me,” He said of the bread. “Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me, “ He added when He took the cup. He didn’t say how often to do it. He just said that every time we do, to make the focus on Him and what He has done for us.
As a leader, what goes through your mind at Communion?
“Do we have enough servers?” “Did we get enough materials?” “Will the servers do it right this time?”
What do you think the worshippers are thinking about?
“It’s time for Communion again?” “He says the same thing every time we do this.”
“What time does the game start?”
We really are just that human, aren’t we?
It is convicting to consider how routine it all can become for all of us when Jesus said it was to be anything but routine. I wonder if there is something more for us to consider about Communion than just the template our particular church has created and follows each time.
At LifeWay Worship we have the joy of stewarding Communion Supplies for churches as well as the music churches use in worship. I pray that we don’t lose the significance of that assignment.
Church Leader – slow down your preparation. Consider the significance. Reach beyond your template. Put more thought into it. Pray for guidance.
The songs.
The prayers.
The scripture.
Jesus.
Every time…remember.
Mike Harland is the Director of LifeWay Worship. When he’s not directing 30+ employees, you’ll find him leading worship at various churches around the country, writing/arranging worship songs and/or, writing his next book. In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and spending time with his family. Mike can be found on Twitter @MikeHarlandLW and on facebook.com/Mike.Harland.37.
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