Worship: Why We Do What We Do (The One Where We Talk About Communion)

Welcome to another weekly installment of Why We Do What We Do, the series where we talk about common elements in Christian worship services.

Last week we discussed the Word of God in worship gatherings.  This time we talk about communion, the Lord’s Supper.  Christ Himself instituted the eucharistic meal on the night He was betrayed, and it has been one of the most discussed and debated parts of Christianity in the long history of the church. To this day, even within evangelical circles, we talk about whether to serve wine or grape juice, whether to take communion every week or at less frequent intervals, whether servers should pass the elements out to seated congregants or to have the congregation walk forward, and other such decisions.

At Sojourn, we offer both wine and grape juice, “as your conscience permits.” Communion follows the sermon.  The pastor recites the Lord’s instructions from “the night when He was betrayed” for this holy meal.  We caution that only believers should take this meal, because of the symbolism involved.  Believers then file forward in lines, towards one of several communion stations in the auditorium.  The band plays a communion hymn as we come to take the bread and cup, which are served by members of different community groups each week.

My interview subject is Sojourn Worship Leader Lorie King, who has led worship in a many contexts around the world.  She completed a Master’s program in Worship from the School of Church Music and Worship at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has been in Pastor Mike Cosper’s Sojourn worship ministry since shortly after our launch in 2000. Click “play” below to listen now, or download the episode from our podcast, Sojournmusic.com Radio, available at iTunes and other podcast directories.  And come back next Thursday for a discussion on tithes and offerings as part of Christian worship.

Click here to listen…

In this short interview we covered:

• What has been the effect of Sojourn’s decision to hold the Lord’s Supper every Sunday?
• Should we emphasize reflection and contemplation during communion, or celebration?
• What are the advantages in having the congregation walk forward to receive the bread and cup?

Hear The One Where We Talk About The Word of God In Worship Services

Hear The One Where We Talk About The Passing Of The Peace

Hear The One Where We Talk About The Celebration Of Assurance

Hear The One Where We Talk About Confession And Repentance

Hear The One Where We Talk About Expressions Of Adoration And Praise

Hear The One Where We Talk About The Call To Worship

for examples of various worship service readings, free for you to use and adapt in your own worship services, visit theopensourcebook.org

view the artwork above, Communion, along with other original liturgical art from the Sojourn community at sojournvisualarts.com