I think one of the most stressful moments for visitors in our assemblies is the Lord’s Supper. I’ve grown up attending congregations of the Church of Christ, and I still feel that to some degree. Exactly how does this congregation carry out this act?
Typically the bread isn’t a problem. I may not know exactly what’s going to be in the tray/basket, but I know that I’m supposed to take a piece and eat it. Sometimes you’ll be expected to hold it until everyone is served, but that’s usually explained.
The cup is more of a concern. Do I take the cup, drink it and put it back? Do I take the cup, pass the tray, then drink the cup and place it in the little hole next to the songbook rack? Do I take the cup, pass the tray, then wait for the tray to be passed a second time to put the cup back?
Many Hispanic congregations stand when taking the Lord’s Supper. I discovered “the hard way” that one is expected to sit after being served the cup. For some visitors, that could be extremely embarrassing, discovering that they are the only ones left standing. (OK, it was embarrassing for me, but I could laugh it off)
For the outsider, the stress is even higher. Are they expected to participate? Will they offend if they don’t? Will they offend someone by taking part when they aren’t expected to? Worse yet, will someone publicly reprimand them if they do something wrong?
In my experience, churches rarely explain the mechanics of the Lord’s Supper, even though our tradition of congregational autonomy leads to varying practices. I think it’s something we need to be sensitive to. It never hurts to explain things, even when they seem obvious to us.
What suggestions do you have?
We take time to read scripture before the bread, cup, and even the collection. It would certainly be appropriate to explain the practice from time to time particularly when you have a large visitor concentration like on a friends and family day. More instruction would be required if you did anything beyond passing and partaking. Too many churches rush through this element and being more conscientious of it’s place in worship would certainly serve us well.
Dale,
I agree that we often rush through the elements. It’s almost as if we thought efficiency was part of the fruit of the Spirit.
I also think that we need to be more visitor-aware. We don’t necessarily have to explain everything from the pulpit; if people will take time to explain things to visitors privately, a lot will be taken care of.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
I think we need to encourage our members to love the sojourner among us by (WARNING: TRADITION VIOLATION ALERT) talking to them, inviting them to ask questions and letting them know that they are free to respond in whatever way they feel comfortable.
Nick, Our assemblies do discourage dialog, don’t they.
Good question Tim. I was thinking about our situation. We have an announcement sheet with order of service, those who are sick, etc…. My first thought is this would be a good place for a little one paragraph explanation. Once again, just being aware of the “stress” on visitors will help. Thanks Tim… Hope you and the family have a wodnerful holiday season.
Danny
Thanks Danny. Hope you and your family also enjoy the holiday.
The Lord’s Supper is probably one of the main reasons my husband (not a believer) feels uncomfortable attending a service with me. It “marks” him not to partake and makes him stand out as he has to indicate to the servers to pass him by.
At the evening service at Northside the trays are not passed. The bread and “wine” are on tables up front and to the side and people go up in their own time to partake. It’s a practice much more “visitor” friendly.
I have no suggestions that probably have not been thought of by others. However, I will say that if I was planting a new church that had a large chapel worship gathering, I would not have the Lord’s Supper as a regular part of that gathering. Instead, the church would also gather as small groups/house churches in the evening where the body and blood of our Lord would be remembered and celebrated as it was meant to be.
Grace and Peace,
K. Rex Butts
Rex, that would mean those who couldn’t attend both meetings would miss out on the LS. It’s very difficult for many to attend 2 meetings – those with health issues, the elderly and those like me who are married to non-believers.
Wendy,
I understand and with all do respect, I still would not change. I think some accommodations could be made for the exceptions such as you mention but I still believe the LS would be better practiced (both theologically and practically) in a small group/house church than in a large chapel-style worship gathering.
Grace and Peace,
Rex
Rex, theologically I agree with you. Practically as a wife who attends meetings alone at a distant (25 mins drive one way) church, I would prefer the LS in the large meeting. I have stopped being a member of the Wed night small group I used to attend because of difficulties being able to attend. I belong to another group that meets monthly after the Sunday morning meeting but I don’t always get to attend those either!
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