An intimate encounter?the significance of communion for the Christian
Shelly Webb
July 21, 2011
273
SUMMARY? In the Christian faith communion is celebrated over and over and is done in remembrance of Christ and the crucifixion. It is an intimate and sacred practice observed in most churches.
STORY?Communion is one of the most significant practices in Christianity. It is observed in every Christian church and has deep meaning for all Christians. Some churches have adopted different protocol as to how often communion is offered ranging from every week, to once a month, to once a year. Communion is practiced once a quarter at the local Mennonite Christian Assembly in Fredericksburg.
Pastor Jeremy Miller said the church has just recently reviewed their communion calendar and are in the process of implementing some new changes as to how often communion is held.
?We are actually in the process of increasing the frequency in which we partake of communion,? Pastor Miller explained. ?In the past we have held communion twice a year, however we have just recently decided to hold it once every quarter. This has been a good change and I think it is working out well.?
According to Miller the early church practiced communion every time they met, but when the church was coming out of the reformation period it was decided that communion would be observed twice a year. It was thought that having communion less frequently would enhance the meaning and significance of the practice when it was offered.
?Many at that time felt that having communion every week made it too common place and more like a habit,? Miller added. ?Having communion less often gave it a special significance and made it more meaningful for many individuals. Most Christian churches do vary as to how often they have communion. We have recently decided here at Mennonite Christian Assembly to hold communion every quarter, four times a year for our congregation and that is working well.?
According to Miller, communion is very important to all Christians, for many reasons. Number one it is commanded in the Bible to partake of communion as a group or body in remembrance of Christ. Communion symbolizes the broken body of Christ and His blood, which He shed on the cross for our sins and also reminds us of how we became His own.
?It helps us to remember what Christ did for us and can be an important time of renewal in a many ways,? Miller added. ?I think of communion as similar to the renewing of marriage vows. It is an outward claim to the connection we have with Christ and reminds us that we are joined with Him and that we belong to Him and also helps us to remember the price He paid for us. It is a sign of the deep covenant we have with Him and is an important act for all Christians.?
Some churches discourage non-members from participating in communion or they require you to be of their faith to participate. At Mennonite Christian Assembly anyone that has committed their life to following Christ is welcome to partake in communion regardless of whether or not they are an official member. That being said Miller cautions anyone that is not fully committed to the Christian walk to avoid participating in communion.
?If a person is living in rebellion and is not truly committed to Christ they are drinking judgment on themselves if they partake of communion,? Miller explained. ?The Bible is very clear on this point. In Corinthians 11:28-29 states, ?But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord?s body.?
Miller says that we are all sinners, saved by grace but there is a difference between someone that is truly seeking God in their life and positioning themselves towards Christ and someone that is not really committed. Miller believes that communion is a serious act and should not be regarded lightly.
?We should never look at communion flippantly or treat it casually,? he said. ?Communion is an important act and should be treated with examination of one?s heart and with a serious tone.?
For many, communion is a special and sacred practice. It gives individuals an opportunity to reflect and be grateful for how far Christ has brought them. It is an intricate part of the Christian faith and one that continues to be relevant even today more than two-thousand years since the disciples partook of the last supper and that first cup of the new covenant that began the concept of communion.
