Small Group Communion Guide
Download a printable communion script
Taking communion as a small group is a unique opportunity to worship God together. It is an act of fellowship and rare opportunity to be quiet together. Leading communion can be intimidating, because you want to get it right. Using a guide will give you confidence to participate in this tradition that Jesus created for us. In this article you will learn how to take communion in a small group setting, including a script that can be read out loud. There is also a printable version of the script, along with mini script cards for each small group member.
Before Your Communion Practice
Materials
Bread
Red Wine or Grape Juice
A dipping-friendly wine glass
When to Take Communion
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Luke 22:19
While the first communion was taken during Passover, Jesus does not specify when or how often communion should be practiced. Below are some common times that the church has historically taken communion, along with some times that might be beneficial for your group:
Christmas
Easter
Ash Wednesday
Good Friday
The first meeting of the month
After a baptism
After a member accepts Christ
At a retreat
When starting a new study
After adding new group members
To celebrate a long answered prayer
Setting the Tone
Let your group know in advance that you will be offering communion at the next meeting. Some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of taking communion in a small group setting. Informing them in advance allows them to ask questions and prepare their hearts before hand.
Choose a time during your meeting when your group is engaged and focused. Communion should be approached with reverence. Avoid offering it when group members are scattered, distracted or have “giggly” energy. If you are at a retreat, you may want to schedule it: before the first session, as the last thing before you leave, or before a meal together.
Communion Script
➤ Before beginning communion, prepare a cup of wine and small loaf of bread. Read the script below. You may want to ask two group members to look up and read the Bible verses from the script.
BEGINNING OF SCRIPT
Jesus gave us the practice of communion to remember His sacrifice on the cross. The practice of communion is often only done in a church building, lead by a pastor. But, communion can be served by anyone who follows Christ. First century christians often took communion in their homes. In Acts it says:
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:46-47
Today we will also participate in this practice together. As you eat your bread soaked in wine, reflect on the weekend in prayer. Give thanks to God for His sacrifice. Be fully present in the moment.
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes again.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for making a way for us to have a personal relationship with you. Remind us that we need You daily. Help us to remember You and Your sacrifice after we leave this place. Lord, we dedicate this wine and bread to you. This bread is your body, broken for us. This wine is your blood, poured out for us. As we practice communion help us to stay present in this moment.
Amen
➤ One person, the cupbearer, will hold the cup of wine and plate of bread.
➤ The person to their right will tear a small piece of bread, as they do, the cupbearer will say:
“The body of Christ, broken for you.”
➤ Then they will dip the bread into the cup of wine and eat it. As they dip into the wine, the cupbearer will say:
“The blood of Christ, shed for you.”
➤ Pass the cup to the person who just took communion. Continue in a circle until all members have taken communion.
➤ Give the group 3-5 minutes to wrap up their prayers before moving on.
END OF SCRIPT
Disposing the Wine and Bread
Different church denominations have their own way of handling leftover wine and bread. However you decide to dispose of the wine and bread, do it with reverence and respect for the practice.
Suggested Practice: Pour the wine onto the ground. Tear the bread in to small pieces and scatter it outside.
Bible Studies:
