Believers celebrate communion as an act of remembrance and profession to represent the new covenant between God and His creations. Some churches offer Communion daily, weekly, or monthly. What are five things that Christians might get wrong about communion?
Merriam-Webster states that Communion is “a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ’s death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ.”
Communion is offered by partaking of the elements offered by clergy. A loaf of bread and a vessel of grape juice or wine sits on a designated table. Perhaps a candle is lit, and a special cloth covers the table. At some point during worship, the pastor or clergy will offer a prayer and then take the bread and the juice or wine and share the details of Jesus and the Last Supper. Scripture is shared as a reminder of the sacrifice made for our sins. Special songs may be used in worship.
The elements may include homemade wafers or bread and a gluten-free option that church members may have baked. The drink may include a sugar-free option, grape juice, or wine. Signs may designate what each item contains.
During the pandemic, numerous churches began offering a “throw-away” option of packages with a wrapped cracker and sealed drink. After the pandemic, some churches have continued to use these pre-packaged options.
The importance of Communion is not found in the physical meal but in the remembrance of Christ’s death and the love God has for His creations.
What are five things that Christians might get wrong about communion? Let’s look at five common questions we ask about communion and the misconceptions we may have.
1. Why Can’t Everyone in the Church Take Communion?
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Have you attended a church where only members are allowed to take communion? Have you noticed what happens in a Catholic church when the elements are served? Perhaps you have attended a worship service and heard the clergy say words such as, “All who are baptized may come to the table and partake in Communion.”
What does that mean for a new believer? Should that person be denied the opportunity to take the elements and draw closer to the Father because they haven’t been confirmed in the church? There are various opinions about who can and can’t take Communion. Each church and denomination has its guidelines. However, the only laws we are called to follow are the ones from God.
Attending a Catholic church may bring different rules for believers. Because I am not a Catholic, I am not allowed to take Communion in the Catholic church. I may go forward to receive a blessing from the clergy. Could that make someone feel awkward about not receiving the bread and wine/grape juice? Perhaps.
If you have questions about whether or not you are allowed to partake of the elements, please seek answers from the clergy. Ask for the history and reasons some people can receive Communion while others may only receive a blessing.
2. Does A Person Have to Be Baptized to Take Communion?
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Baptism is required in the Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox churches before receiving Communion. The Bible does not state that someone must be baptized before communing. Some churches and denominations require confirmation first.
When we are baptized, we are making a public declaration of our faith in Jesus. Christians are baptized once, although some churches have a renewal opportunity.
Confirmation classes are offered for children. In these classes, young people learn the importance and meaning of baptism and Communion. What about those who are older and not baptized?
What if a family has members who are baptized and others who have yet to make that commitment? Family discussions with clergy and other church leaders may help lead to confirmation and baptism. Having open communication can help young and older people learn more about God.
There is an opportunity to be baptized at any age. This means that baptism can occur at any time, even near death.
As we grow in our relationship with God and strengthen our faith, the desire to be baptized and participate in Communion deepens.
Daily Bible reading, prayer, and sharing questions and concerns with family members and clergy can lead to needed answers. In each moment, we can pray to God and seek His will.
“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21 NIV)
Are children allowed to take Communion? What happens when a family has some members who are baptized and others who are not? Does everyone walk to the front of the sanctuary, or do those members who are not baptized have to sit and wait? Do they feel singled out?
Children notice their surroundings in church and everywhere. They listen, hear, and absorb what is happening in life. Although there is no strict age rule for taking bread and juice, parents or guardians may ask if a child is ready to understand the meaning of Communion.
What should a child do if they can’t go forward and take Communion? Having conversations with the child about the Last Supper and the biblical meaning of Communion may be helpful. A child may sit in the pew and wait for parents and guardians to take the elements and return to their seats.
Some churches have restrictions about children taking the bread and juice. Certain denominations believe that a child who has not been baptized can’t fully understand the depth and meaning of Communion. However, others believe anyone at any age can participate in the remembrance. Different churches use different guidelines.
Can children understand the meaning of the bread and juice? When a child hears that the bread symbolizes “the body of Christ, broken for you,” what is their reaction? How does a child comprehend “the blood of Christ, shed for you”? These actions may open a conversation to discuss the meaning of taking Communion.
Jesus loves children. We read the words and sing the songs. Jesus doesn’t want anyone to be hindered from knowing the Father.
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14 NIV)
4. Do Christians Have to Examine Themselves Before Receiving Communion?
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What words are spoken before Communion in your church? Have you listened and reflected on the need for examination in preparation for partaking of the bread and juice/wine?
Clergy often stand in front of the congregation when preparing to give Communion. One or more prayers are spoken, perhaps a worship song is shared, and maybe a time of silent reflection is given before the elements are introduced.
What does your clergy say before presenting the bread and juice/wine? Is there a reminder to examine your thoughts and repent of sins?
“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28 NIV)
For some folks, the monthly, quarterly, or daily routine of taking the bread and wine/juice may have become mundane. God doesn’t want anything to be ordinary when we partake in the Lord’s Supper. Yet, some Christians may have developed a “boring” and “ritualistic” routine of participating in the Lord’s Supper. If this happens, we should acknowledge our shortcomings and ask for forgiveness.
We remember and draw closer to God every time we take the elements.
How do we examine ourselves? Pause, pray, and think about any hurtful feelings or actions you have experienced. Ask God to guide you in repentance and having a heart filled with His love and forgiveness.
What happens when someone can’t attend worship service due to medical conditions or other reasons? Maybe you have visited a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, or rehabilitation center and noticed people receiving Communion. In each unique situation, clergy can offer the elements and pray with each person.
Scripture shares that Jesus gave Communion to his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem. Notice that this action was not inside the walls of a church. Jesus gave the Eucharist on the night He was betrayed. Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his apostles.
Pastors and other clergy may sometimes carry Communion elements with them as they visit the shut-ins. They may ask a person if they would like to receive Communion. Then, a prayer and words of encouragement, along with silent meditation, may be included.
Whether inside or outside the church walls, the significance of Communion is important. Hospitals often have chaplains who are available to give the elements to those who are sick or dying.
God doesn’t limit our ability to know Him and to remember. Every time Communion is given and taken, we can pause, reflect, renew, and be inspired by God.
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:19-20 NIV)
When does your church offer Communion? How can we experience the importance of taking the elements, and how can we share that feeling with others?
Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers.
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian practices and disciplines important to the Christian faith. From speaking in tongues to tithing & baptism, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living.
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