Leading Your Group In Communion

Here’s a simple outline, from Rick Warren, that you might use in preparing your group to take communion. I've added some info on preparing communion at the bottom of the article as a little refresher. You can find more on Communion in your Ignition Leaders Packet on page 13.
 
THE MEANING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER (COMMUNION):
Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the church two visible symbols (called “ordinances”) as reminders of His death. These two ordinances are: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper (Communion). The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.

WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER? (1 COR. 11:23-26)
1. IT IS A SIMPLE ACT
“The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” (vs. 23)
2. IT IS A REMINDER
“…and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; eat it in remembrance of me.’” (vs. 24)
3. IT IS A SYMBOL
“In the same way, He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; drink it to remember me.’” (vs. 25)
4. IT IS A STATEMENT OF FAITH
“For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes back.” (vs. 26)

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Only those who are already BELIEVERS. (Mark 14:22-26)
“For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” 2 Cor. 11:29
If you have people in your group who haven't come into a personal relationship with God, this is a great time to invite them to give their lives to Him.  If they aren't ready for this step, they can simply pass the elements to the person next to them and reflect/meditate/pray, while communion is being taken.

HOW DO I SPIRITUALLY PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER?
“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” 1 Cor. 11:27-28
By…
1. Self-Examination 1 Cor. 11:27
2. Confessing My Sins 1 John 1:9
3. Re-commitment Rom. 12:1
4. Restoring Relationships Matt. 5:23-24

HOW DO I PREPARE THE LORD’S SUPPER FOR MY GROUP?
1. Prepare the elements simply, sacredly, and symbolically.
2. Be sensitive to timing in your meeting.
3. Break up pieces of cracker or soft bread on a small plate or tray. Don't use
large servings of bread or grape juice. You should use grape juice—and not
wine. We suggest you use one cup of juice for people to dip their bread in,
or if you would like, the church can supply you with disposable communion
cups and a tray, if you give two weeks notice. Shoot me and email and ask for the cups/tray
(Kevin@newlifepetaluma.org). Please note that the office is closed Friday and
Saturday.
4. Have all of the elements prepared beforehand, and just bring them into the
room or to the table when you are ready.

NOTE: Communion can be done at any one of your Life Group gatherings, and should take approx. 10 minutes. If you'd like more info on leading your group through communion, touch base with your coach. They would be happy to guide you.