An Example of Communion Instructions

By Bill Tenny-Brittian|March 31st, 2014|1 Comment

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This is one of the best guest-friendly introductions to communion I’ve seen. Notice that Pastor Ted tells the congregation virtually every detail of how to receive communion.

It’s also a good example of a lightened version of the Lutheran Liturgy for the Eucharist.

Exceptional Practices of Note:

Virtually nothing is left to chance – there are instructions for virtually everything, from how to come forward to how to return to your seat and everything in between.
The non-alcoholic cup is the first cup offered – there is therefore no perceived pressure to take the wine.
There is a gluten-free option.

Our thanks to:

Pastor Ted Carnahan
Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA)
Holdrege, Nebraska
March 30, 2014

About the Author: Bill Tenny-Brittian

Bill is the Managing Partner at The Effective Church Group. He began ministry as a church planter in the early 1980s and over the past 40 years he's grown churches from one side of the nation to the other. In 2002 he joined Bill Easum's consultation group and began partnering with churches and church leaders to help them reach their fullest potential. He is the author of twelve books and the editor of Net Results magazine. Reach Bill here.

Comment (1)

Ian| September 3, 2015 at 11:29 am Reply

I began my ministry at a meuidm-size alive Baptist church. In college I enjoyed the First Baptist Church of Knoxville, Tennessee. Charley Trentham was the pastor. He had gone to Carson-Newman College where I was preparing to serve the church. There was more than a thousand people in worship, preaching on television, all kinds of ministries. Dr. Trentham helped me serve as student pastor of prayer. I thought God would enable me to serve as pastor of a church like First Church in Knoxville.I prepared well. Reading all kinds of books, praying much, growing in faith. I earned a bunch of degrees. I waited patiently. I served many types and sizes of churches. Today I am helping a dead church celebrate a godly funeral, remembering the joys of their past and holding their hands as more people die or just leave.I have lived 80 per cent of my life, never earning much money as a pastor. I cannot imagine doing anything else. First Baptist Church in Knoxville is NBA churchball.My current church is pick-up neighborhood churchball with no stars on our team.I pray God will view my commitment as real. JUst think that one never knows where God will lead any person called by God to play churchball anywhere. I don’t see the meaning, purpose, or whys I have been led to keep serving even though I have been hurt by churches and those who are in charge of it.I’d like to live my last days just preaching around sharing my faith as minister of joy to the world. Or perhaps just be a fan in some established happy congregation like I remember First Baptist Church in Knoxville.