All of us Christians know, that when the Lord’s supper starts everyone has to be quiet and respectful. We have to examine ourselves so as not to partake in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:17-34), we have to make sure we aren’t carrying any grudges against a brother or sister in Christ (Matthew 5:23,24), and we have to make sure that we’re not hungry (1 Corinthians 11:34). At least not for food anyway. Surely it’s not the time to entertain theological debates or deal with doubts about whether or not it “really” is the blood or body of Christ. Regardless, we’re all in agreement, that this “sacrament” should be done by an ordained minister, or, in some rare cases an elder. Aren’t we?
Last night, in our Discipleship Group, we decided to “celebrate,” yes, “celebrate” the Lord’s supper. Ever wonder where that phrase originated? Somehow, saying that we “practiced” the sacrement, or “exercised the ordinance” of seems dry, impersonal and void of meaning. It is a celebration, isn’t it? And so, it began…
“In the same we took the cup after we had eaten, and said, “This cup which is poured out for us is the new covenant in Jesus blood. Luke 22:20 Paraphrase
We had already eaten some cake and drank some coffee, we had discussed as a group the manner in which we should approach the throne of grace, Hebrews 4:16, and we shared our personal experiences about the obstacles in doing so. We asked whether or not there were conditions necessary in order to approach that throne of grace and whether or not conditions could exist that would keep us from the throne of grace.
We talked about the significance of the Lord’s Supper for a little while and then someone suggested we sing a couple of songs accompanied by guitar. We as a group sought to enter that throne of grace. As one was explaining the significance of the bread and Christ’s represented body therein, it happened. People started to ask questions! Personally, I’ve never seen that before. There was mutual and participatory discussion, laughing, a little bit of healthy debating, and much contemplation. All of this AFTER the ordinance had already started. We prayed together, examined ourselves, and took the bread.
Ok, this time it really started….
Another explained the significance of the wine which represented the new covenant in Christ’s blood. Again the atmosphere took on that familiar and “acceptable” tone. But soon after, there was another barrage of comments, questions, and testimonies. It was strange for all of us there, but at the same time Super-Natural, more natural, and liberating.
We took the cup, prayed again, and then sang a final song together. Afterwards there was a buzz of fellowship and all expressed a deep satisfaction with the Lord and each other. My wife and I agreed that it was the longest Lord’s supper we had ever experienced, and yet, for both of us, the most fulfilling.
Should what happened in our home last night be the norm for “Celebrating” the Lord’s Supper?
Missionary in the Andes Mountains Cloud Forest Region of Ecuador. My last name, "Labrador," is the word that's used for "Vine Worker" in the Spanish Bible, and it's OK with me. 
Eli on The Problem of a Missional Prophet
Peter on The Problem of a Missional Prophet
Abrown on The Problem of a Missional Prophet
Much enjoyed reading….
and I don’t know what your particular feelings are about wine as wine (it it seems to be a hangup in the conservative USA denominations… but the first time I went to a small house church and the pastor broke out a bottle of expensive wine for communion….an the aroma filled the place, it gave new meaning to fragrant offering….and celebration.
Ps. I listed a blog that is much in need of new content. My others are pretty much defunct. But if you like to read poems… this is the place.
Should the celebration of the “sacrament” be led by an ordained minister/elder only? I ask because one of the most moving times I experienced during a Lord’s supper was led by some young folk. Young as in, 17, 15, 13 and 10 years of age. I still get chills thinking about that time. Just curious.
Gibby,
I don’t think (some of my colleagues may disagree) that the Lord’s Supper must be served, orchestrated, or even managed by only the ordained. That’s why I followed my statement in the post by “Aren’t we?”
I always get a strange look from folks when I tell them to go and baptize someone. The most common response is, “But, I’m not a Pastor!”
I’ll have more to say on this after a few more comments. If there are a few more comments…
Yeah, some folks (leaders) do get twisted over who can and can’t lead out with the Lord’s Supper and baptisms. The way I see it is that I’m not a pastor, but the Lord seems pretty cool when I get to lead out in either. We are his royal priesthood…”aren’t we?”