Communion Training for Elders
In this training, elders will practice the basics of leading the Lord’s Supper, wrestle with helpful questions, and have opportunities to explore the rich meanings found within the Eucharist.
Several references and resources are also provided. Please do not be overwhelmed. While there is a wealth of information for detailed study overtime, the basics of the Lord’s Supper are not complicated. You can do this.
After the completion of this training be a pastor or someone else commissioned by the presbytery to lead it, your names will be give to the Committee on Ministry to be sent to the General Assembly of Muskingum Valley Presbytery to commission you to lead the Lord’s Supper in your home congregation.
Time to Listen
What was one time when Communion was especially meaningful to you? Where were you? Who was with you? What was this experience like?
What fears might people have when they consider leading the Lord’s Supper during worship?
Introductory Question SlidesFive Reasons to be CONFIDENT
Often Elders do not feel worthy to lead the Lord’s Supper! But rest assured, Christ has you covered.
BUILD CONFIDENCE Affirmation of Baptism
The Words of Institution
There is tremendous freedom in the Reformed Tradition when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. BUT the CENTRAL PROCLAMATION is SIMPLE; we call these words the “WORDS OF INSTITUTION.” The idea is to use words as close to the words Jesus used when he offered the bread and wine to his community on the night he was betrayed. The following is based on Matthew 26:26-30 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, but there are other options and adaptations.
Return to the Book of Confessions Return to Flexible Content and Formants Return to Other Tips and NotesOn the night Jesus was betrayed, he took the bread, and breaking it, he said, “This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In a similar manner, after the meal, Jesus took the cup, and pouring it out he said, “This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Later the Apostle Paul wrote, “As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we do proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes again.”
Digging Deeper
In your own words, write the Words of Institution. They do not need to be “perfect.” What are the key ideas you do not want to miss?
When Jesus broke the bread and poured the cup and shared it at meal with his disciples and community, what do you think was his tone of voice? Why?
BIBLICAL PASSAGES
Versions of The Words of Institution can be found in four passages in the Bible:
OTHER RESOURCES
Versions of the Words of Institution and other Communion Liturgical Resources can be found, among several other resources in book and digital form. Here are a few:
- The Book of Common Worship (PDF, 1993)
- The Book of Common Worship (Pastoral Edition, PDF, 1996)
- The Book of Common Worship (For purchase, 2018)
- The Book of Common Worship (For purchase, Shipped as a Flash Drive, 2018)
- The Book of Common Worship (For purchase, Pastoral Edition, 2018)
- Extended Serving of the Communion of the Church (PCUSA website, explanation and Order of Worship)
- Communion Liturgy by Rev. Joe Svancara
- Communion Liturgy, “Nourished in the Faith,” by Rev. Matthew J. Skolnik
- Presence: Several liturgies for elders and deacons to use as they visit members of the congregation. The first liturgy is home communion.
What is Included within the Celebration?
The Lord’s Supper is always a RESPONSE to hearing the Word of God, and follows scripture readings and the proclamation of God’s Word. Frequently an offering is taken at the very beginning of the communion service; not that we are buying access to the table. Instead to demonstrate that Communion is a RESPONSE to God’s grace, just as an offering is.
While the Words of Institution are the central liturgy in the Lord’s Supper to accompany the bread and fruit of the vine, other liturgical elements are often included.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The invitation is typically a joyous announcement that proclaims God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ and is accompanied by scripture. The Words of Institution may be included here.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
While at the Table the pastor/elder(s) lead(s) a prayer to the triune God which focuses on giving thanks to God’s creative power, providential care, and covenant faithfulness. The prayer should also include a celebration of God’s acts of salvation through Jesus birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return. The Words of Institution may be included here.
If included, the Great Thanksgiving often begins with the familiar words: “The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord…”
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION, BREAKING OF BREAD, POURING OF THE CUP, ADMINISTRATION OF ELEMENTS, AND BLESSING OF THE ELEMENTS
If not already shared, the Words of Institution should be included. Sometimes combining bread and wine in one statement, or separately if appropriate. The common elements (of bread and wine) should dramatically be presented with the words. Upon consuming the elements simple blessings are often added such as “Because there is one loaf, we, many as we are, are one body; for it is one loaf of which we partake” (1 Corinthians:16-17).
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
When all have received communion, the pastor/elder(s) lead(s) a short pray of thanksgiving from the Table. The prayer is a moment of praise to thank God for the gift of the sacrament and a blessing of grace and mercy which sends the congregation to live and serve faithfully until Christ returns.
Time to Share
With a partner or small group, take five minutes to list the typical sections of the Lord’s Supper. Define each section as best as you can, and write down any questions that you may have.
Time To Share Slides
What is a Sacrament?
First, we must attend to what a sacrament is.
It seems to me, then, a simple and appropriate definition to say,
that it is an EXTERNAL SIGN, by which the Lord
SEALS on our CONSCIENCE [God’s] PROMISES OF GOOD-WILL toward us,
in order to SUSTAIN THE WEAKNESS of our FAITH,
and we in our turn TESTIFY OUR PIETY towards [God],
both before [God], and before angels as well as [humans].
John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book IV, Chapter 14, Paragraph 1
Theology of the Sacraments
The Sacraments are the WORD OF GOD ENACTED and SEALED in the life of the Church, the body of Christ. They are GRACIOUS ACTS OF GOD, by which Christ Jesus OFFERS HIS LIFE to us in the power of the Holy Spirit. They are also HUMAN ACTS OF GRATITUDE, by which WE OFFER OUR LIVES to God in love and service. The Sacraments are both PHYSICAL SIGNS and SPIRITUAL GIFTS, including words and actions, surrounded by prayer, in the context of the Church’s common worship. They employ ORDINARY THINGS—the basic elements of water, bread, and wine—in proclaiming the EXTRAORDINARY LOVE of God. The Reformed tradition recognizes the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (also called Eucharist or Holy Communion) as having been instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ through the witness of the Scriptures and sustained through the history of the universal Church (W-3.0401).
Sacraments as God’s Gift, Means, and Call to Respond to Grace
Baptism enacts and seals what the Word proclaims: God’s redeeming grace OFFERED TO ALL PEOPLE. Baptism is at once God’s GIFT of grace, God’s MEANS of grace, and God’s CALL TO RESPOND to that grace (W-3.0402).
The Lord’s Supper enacts and seals what the Word proclaims: God’s sustaining grace OFFERED TO ALL PEOPLE. The Lord’s Supper is at once God’s GIFT of grace, God’s MEANS of grace, and God’s CALL TO RESPOND to that grace (W-3.0409).
Time to Write a Letter
Write a short letter to a friend, loved one, or family member answering the following questions. Try to make your answers as simple as possible:
- Are the sacraments for God or for humans?
- What do sacraments do?
- Who is the active agent in the sacraments? On whom do the sacraments depend?
- What is our responsibility when participating in the sacraments?
The Sacraments in the Book of Confessions
The Book of Confessions has multiple teaches on the Sacraments. Elders who study will find it beneficial to read and pray through them with care.
Sacraments in the Book of Confessions Practice the Words of InstitutionThere is tremendous freedom when celebrating Communion
Therefore, there are nearly unlimited resources for the Invitation to the Lord’s Supper and the other liturgical sections of the celebration. For each section, a few options will be provided. Often scriptures and liturgies are tailored to seasons within the Christian year. Such options are found in the Book of Common Worship (noted above) and various other printed and online resources.
The Invitation to the Lord’s Supper
Example LiturgyAs we gather for Communion we are reminded that the Lord’s Supper “is not a right bestowed upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love” (W-3.0409).
All invitations to the Lord’s Supper should welcome all people who are baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (G-1.0401).
In addition, the baptismal waters should be present for someone who feels called to be baptized. Elders can “graciously extend” an “invitation to baptismal preparation and baptism” (W-3.0409).
For more notes on worthiness Calvin has a few wonderful paragraphs on God’s mercy and “unworthiness” in “The Institutes of the Christian Religion,” Book IV, Chapter 17, paragraphs 41 and 42. See below “Grow in Your Understanding.” So often we see Calvin’s theology as harsh. When read, we see that Calvin is a champion of God’s grace, and God’s saving action. We only respond. We are not worthy. God makes us worthy through Christ. If you are looking for references to“eating unworthily,” see the same chapter and paragraphs.
A panoramic view of Jerusalem. In Jesus teaching about the narrow door Jesus says, “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29).
Example Liturgy Rev. Joe SvancaraMATTHEW 11:28-29
Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
ISAIAH 25:6-9
“On the day of the Lord, God will make for all people a feast of rich foods and well-aged wines. The Lord will destroy the shroud that is cast over us; God will swallow up death forever and wipe away every tear.
On that day, the people of God will say: “This is the Lord, for whom we have waited; Let us be glad and rejoice in God’s saving love.”
MATTHEW 5 & PSALM 34:8
Blessed are you who hunger for justice, for you will be satisfied. blessed are you who thirst for righteousness, for you will drink deeply of the cup of joy. Blessed are you who year for reconciliation, for you will find peace. Blessed are you who are persecuted in the name of religion, for yours is the commonwealth of heaven. Blessed are we–for Christ calls us to his table, where there is room for everyone, and plenty for all.
O taste and see that the Lord is good.JOHN 6:35
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
The Great Thanksgiving
There are various names for the Lord’s Supper, each highlights an important aspect of the sacrament: The Lord’s Supper, Communion, Eucharist
Which of these names has the most meaning to you? Why?
Flexible Content
Many congregations write and/or use detailed liturgies for the Great Thanksgiving. Some use simple spontaneous prayers. Still, others use the opening words to the Great Thanksgiving as they find that they are joyful and bring a sense of comfort to their congregation, then continue with spontaneous prayers.
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Flexible Practices
“The bread and cup are shared in the manner most appropriate to the occasion. Worshipers may gather at the table, come forward to meet the servers, or receive the bread and cup where they are. The bread may be broken and placed in people’s hands or they may receive pieces of bread prepared for distribution. They may drink from a common cup, receive individual cups, or dip the broken bread into the cup. Ordinarily ruling elders, deacons, and ministers of the Word and Sacrament serve the bread and cup; the session may authorize other church members to do so. While the bread and cup are shared worshipers may sing, other music may be offered, appropriate passages of Scripture may be read, or the people may pray in silence” (W-3.414).
Practice the Words of InstitutionSignificant Themes for The Great Thanksgiving
The Words of Institution are central to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
But the following themes or items are often included.
Thanksgiving
We’ve all experienced The Lord’s Supper as a somber occasion at times. While it carries a serious tone and moments of heartfelt repentance, it is also a feast and a celebration. The overarching theme of this observance is one of thanksgiving.
It’s fitting to express gratitude to God for all the blessings we receive, including God’s creative work and providential care. We view the Lord’s Supper as a gift of grace, means of grace, and our response to God’s grace in Christ Jesus.
God’s Saving Action
At the heart of thanksgiving is the church lifting its voice in praise for God’s saving actions.
These actions are evident throughout Scripture. Depending on the occasion, we can recall various stories in gratitude: Noah and the Ark, God’s deliverance of the Hebrew children, David’s salvation from his enemies, and healing the sick. More specifically, communion celebrations reflect all forms of God’s saving actions through Jesus. (see the next sections)
Birth of Christ
On Christmas, we celebrate that God is with us, Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23).
In this celebration, we acknowledge that God has taken on our flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14-18).
Thus, we praise God because Jesus carries our burdens and encompasses all that hinders us: sin, disease, broken relationships, and death.
Life of Christ
We also celebrate that in the life of Jesus, God demonstrated to be for us (Romans 8:31). Christ ate with the sinners, and spent his life proclaiming God’s Kingdom of healing and salvation while he healed the sick and raised the dead.
Death and Resurrection of Jesus
In the language of St. Paul, we celebrate that in the death and resurrection of Christ, that God defeated both sin and death.
Ascension and Second Coming of Christ
Just as we celebrate God dwelling with us in the incarnation, we celebrate that in the ascension of Jesus and Second Coming of Christ that Jesus takes us to be with God forever. Jesus picks up all of our feeble and broken flesh and offers us to God.
In the language of Revelation 21, “See, the home of God is among mortals. God will dwell with them; they will be God’s peoples, and God will be with them; God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be now more…”
Christ’s Meal
When we call the sacrament “The Lord’s Supper” we celebrate that Jesus is both the host and the sustenance of the feast. We gather because of and for Christ, and we seek Jesus will nurture us in the weakness and fragility of our faith, and at the same time confirms our faith.
Union with Christ
When we call the sacrament “Communion” we are celebrating that we are all bound to Christ in every way. In the language of John’s Gospel, Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. (See Calvin’s writings below. He highlights this intimate union multiple times.)
This means that we communion with God and one another. As our relationship with God is restored in Christ, so too do we come reconciled to one another.
This is why Communion is never celebrated alone. Even when we take and share communion with those who are homebound or in a hospital, it is an extension of the public celebration we have received in worship.
When we celebrate communion, we have the opportunity to pause, reflect, and repent for our sins against God and one another, even as we are already assured of forgiveness.
Common Elements
There is hardly anything more basic than bread and the fruit of the vine. They are common. Abundant. Everywhere.
The same is true with water as we consider baptism.
We consider this extravagant availability to be a blessing. Everywhere we turn we are reminded of God’s gift and saving action in Jesus.
This signifies that God’s grace and gift are abundant. Overflowing. Ubiquitous.
It is also appropriate, at this time, to ask God to bless the bread and the fruit of the vine.
The Lord’s Prayer and Prayers of the People
The moment matters. God reaching to, nurturing, healing and assuring God’s people matters in the day. During the Great Thanksgiving, it is often appropriate to offer specific prayers for the experiences of God’s people in the moment.
As a means of comfort, it is also appropriate to end the Great Thanksgiving with the Lord’s Prayer. It is a way to involve the people on a level where they can simply be and at the same time bring the prayer to an end.
The Wondrous Exchange
This is the WONDROUS EXCHANGE made by [God’s] BOUNDLESS GOODNESS.
Having become with us the Son of Man, he has made us with himself sons of God.
By his own descent to the earth he has prepared our ascent to heaven.
Having received our mortality, he has bestowed on us his immortality.
Having undertaken our weakness, he has made us strong in his strength.
Having submitted to our poverty, he has transferred to us his riches.
Having taken upon himself the burden of unrighteousness with which we were oppressed,
he has clothed us with his righteousness.
John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Chapter 17
Martin Luther first focused on “The Great Exchange,” but this idea figures heavily in the Reformation and is frequent to Calvin’s theology.
It is also central to how Calvin understood the sacraments.
Other Tips and Notes
Elders often feel overwhelmed when called upon to lead Communion. But remember, it is simple. You need the bread and juice, the Words of Institution, the gathered congregation, and simple prayers.
With that said, there are other notes to consider as you develop as an elder.
Practice the Words of InstitutionCOMMUNION TABLE
Coming out of the Reformation, we have a common “table” not an alter. Just as we have a cross and not a crucifix. We use this language to emphasis that Christ died once and for all, and that we do not have to sacrifice Jesus time and time again.
TABLE LOCATION
The Communion Table is not guarded by a priest. It should be placed on the level of the people and should always be placed between the people and the pastor.
METHODOLOGY
People may come forward to receive communion or may remain seated. Both are appropriate. As people come forward it is a vision of the world streaming to meet God in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2). Likewise, as the elements go out to the people it is a reminder that God’s Word goes out and does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Further, worshipers may gather around the table to more fully enact the sense that we are gathering for a meal; like Jesus did.
In addition, it is appropriate to celebrate the Lord’s Supper with individual pieces and cups, or through the breaking and sharing of one loaf and dipping in one cup (intinction).
ALLERGIES AND ADDICTION
More and more people experience allergies to gluten. It is appropriate to have gluten free options.
In a similar manner, it is appropriate to use juice or wine. But local elders should decide based on the needs of their people. Many congregations only use juice because individuals are addicted to alcohol. Having both is also appropriate for some congregations.
TRADITIONS
Many congregations have specific traditions. For example, when the bread and juice are uncovered, recovered (or not), and by whom. There are other local practices about who sits where and when they come forward.
While these traditions can be meaningful to the local congregation, there is no set of rules in the Presbyterian Church for such issues. Visiting pastors and elders should listen to the needs of the local congregation before administering Communion.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ELEMENTS AFTER WORSHIP?
In the Catholic Church, the priest finishes all left over bread and wine.
In the Presbyterian tradition, left over elements can be disposed of with respect and care. Some congregations leave the bread the birds and pour the juice out on the earth. Others allow children to come forward and enjoy more.
Besides throwing the elements away or pouring them down the drain, you can do anything with them as long as it is respectful.
The local session has the authority to determine what is appropriate for their congregation.
EXTENDED SERVING OF THE COMMUNION OF THE CHURCH
“As soon as possible after the service (ordinarily on the same day), the bread and cup may be shared with absent, homebound, or hospitalized members by two or more persons in ordered ministry. Those who carry out this extended service of communion shall be authorized by the session; equipped with the necessary theological, pastoral, and liturgical gifts and resources; and instructed to maintain the unity of Word and Sacrament through the reading of Scripture and offering of prayers” (W-3.0414).
“Persons in ordered ministry” include deacons, elders, and pastors. Because “home communion” is an extension of the community of faith pastors, elders, or deacons should never administer the sacrament alone.
WELCOMING TO THE TABLE (W-4.0202)
“[Children] shall be welcomed to the table and the session should ensure they receive ongoing instruction or formation in the meaning and mystery of the Sacraments.”
There is no age restriction on participating in the Lord’s Supper. The only requirement is baptism and instruction.
W-2.0201 affirm that “children and youth … grow in their faith” as they participate in worship, and according to W-1.0107 God’s children are “nourished” at Christ’s Table.
Baptism can be administered to infants as their parents take responsibility for them. Likewise, the same is true for the Lord’s Table as they receive instruction appropriate to their age.
The other side of instruction is that mature adults should continue to grow in their understanding of the Lord’s Supper.
Elsewhere it is written: “Both believers and their children are included in God’s covenant love. The baptism of believers witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls for our grateful response. The baptism of our young children witnesses to the truth that God claims people in love even before they are able to respond in faith. These two forms of witness are one and the same Sacrament” (W-3.0402).
Grow in Your Understanding
The most succinct explanation of Presbyterian theology of the Lord’s Supper can be found on a few pages in the Book of Order.
But other more detailed writings can help us gain understanding too. Included here are some of Calvin’s core reflections on the Sacraments and the Lord’s Supper.
The Book of Confessions also has several helpful teachings. Attached is an abridged version that highlights theology of the sacraments (in general) and the theology of the Lord’s Supper.
Resources for Christian Care
Communion is one aspect of Christian Care. But there are others. When you want more training, let us know. Or feel free to use the following resources.
Presence: A Guide for Christian CarePresence: Liturgies of CarePresence: Scriptures of Comfort, Hope, and Peace