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Keeping the Awe in the Lord’s Supper One of the highest privileges of pastoral ministry is leading the people of God in Communion. Let’s be sure we never let the commemoration of Christ’s sacrifice become commonplace through dull repetition.
Communion is both ritual and sacrament. It is possible for the observance to become only ritual, if the depth of its meaning is not explored. The following themes are all present when your congregation gathers together to receive the Lord’s Supper. Consider the implications and rich prospects for preaching:
What are you saying when you receive Communion?
1. You publicly identify with Christ and His people.
2. You affirm your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
3. You demonstrate your belief in salvation by grace, for no one is worthy to kneel at the Lord’s Table on his or her own merits.
4. You repent of any known sins, for one cannot bring unconfessed sins to the table of the Lord.
5. You seek purification, holiness, sanctification.
6. Your action says you are ready to encounter God in soul-shaking dimensions.
7. You commemorate the suffering of Jesus Christ on your behalf.
8. You reenact the sacrifice of Christ and commit yourself to share in His sufferings on behalf of the lost for whom He died.
9. You renew your covenant with Christ.
10. You declare your hope in the return of Jesus Christ.
11. You assert your faith in the resurrection of Jesus and in your own resurrection (Romans 8: 11).
12. You express your commitment to the unity of the church, and your willingness to reach out in love and forbearance to the family of faith.
13. By participating in the Lord’s Supper you are nourished by the Bread of Life and the Blood of the Lamb.
14. You give thanks to God.
15. You acknowledge the true presence of the historical Christ.
16. You participate in a celebration of joy and Christ’s victory.
— Module for Spiritual Formation, Wes Tracy, p.138.
Small Churches—An Important Component of the Kingdom
In case you still need to be convinced, small churches are vitally important! Here is a list of reasons many people prefer small churches. This list can be used to encourage people in small church settings, or as a measuring stick for larger congregations to determine if felt needs of the members are being met in smaller circles of friendship.
People experience community in small churches. When a person becomes a member of a small church, he or she joins a family. These families share their hurts and joys, strengthening their relationships as they grow in Christ.
People have an opportunity to serve and use their gifts. In larger churches, it may take a great deal of time for people to become included in the work force of the church. The need for workers is greater in the small church, and people move more quickly into service. This may increase their rate of growth.
Small churches communicate quickly when problems arise. Addressing the needs of others can happen very quickly when members of a small community look after one another. A prayer chain can mobilize the church to action in a matter of minutes.
People in small churches share common experiences. Acknowledging the common experiences of a community, the church can adjust the calendar of the congregation to maximize opportunities and minimize distractions. For example, rural churches understand the nuances of a farming community and can adjust appropriately.
People are more important than programs or performances. Small churches are more interested in relationships than in performance. This leads to strong, supportive relationships.
Small churches benefit their communities. Small churches serve their communities by offering public services, compassionate ministries, and various kinds of assistance. They provide communities with a sense of hope and an awareness of God.
These ideas are explained more fully in the book, The Healthy Small Church (Dennis Bickers, Beacon Hill), which provides insightful descriptions and healthy conversation starters for any small church wanting to maximize its ministry. |
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Vol. 2, No. 19
In This Issue
• Keeping the Awe in the
Lord’s Supper
• Small Churches—An Important Component of the Kingdom
• Toward a Theology of Change
ISI – a practice of ministry component of the Soul Care ministry of Clergy Development, USA/Canada Mission/Evangelism Department of the Church of the Nazarene. Daniel Copp, director.
Developed and edited by
Dan Whitney and Neil Wiseman
Visit the Clergy Development website
by clicking here.
To unsubscribe, please click here. |
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Toward A Theology of Change
In his thoughtful book, An Unstoppable Force, Erwin McManus talks about changes we have already negotiated, as a prelude to discussing the changes we need to embrace.
A Change of Heart—The new covenant (Ezekiel 36:26) heralds a transformation of human spirit. Consider the scope of this change which is at the core of our salvation!
A Change of Culture—Israel operates on a Sunday-to-Friday calendar. Christianity instituted a new work rhythm, based in Lord’s Day worship. This eventually leads us to our modern concept of the weekend. Secular culture was changed by worship patterns. The early Jerusalem Councils are remarkable for their willingness to wrestle with cultural issues.
A Change of Disposition—Rather than working through the Jewish national identity, God now promises He will work through our lives. If God is at work in us, we ought to expect God to be an agent of change. This anchors our hope that things will be different in the future.
The fact that change is a significant feature of our past should mean it will be present in the future. McManus says, “The danger of nostalgia: in the comfort of a safe and warm time-place, we become blind not only to the real world we are called to engage but also to the movement of God’s Spirit in our day. Fear of the future causes present blindness.”
Are there things that need to change so your church/ministry assignment can open itself to what God wants to do in your community? |
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“Life is a process, not a conclusion.”
— Robert Logan |
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