Communion Resources
Understanding and leading communion in your T-Life Group
Communion is a meaningful opportunity to remember Jesus’ death, resurrection, and promised return; examine our relationship with Him and one another; and praise Him together.
These resources will help you understand the purpose of communion and lead your group with confidence. Explore the teaching below, then choose a guide to use with your group.
T-Life Groups take communion at least three times a year, typically in February, June, and October. You’re welcome to lead communion at other times as well.
What Communion Is and Why We Take It
What Communion Is
During the Last Supper, Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples and told them to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
When we take communion, the bread represents Jesus’ body given for us, and the wine or juice represents His shed blood. Together, we remember His sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins and the new covenant He established.
Communion also expresses our fellowship with Jesus and our unity with one another because of our unity in Him.
Remember
Communion is a time to remember:
Jesus’ sacrificial death: He died in our place to save us from the penalty and power of sin, forgive our sins, and restore our relationship with God.
Jesus’ resurrection: He rose from the grave, demonstrating that He is our Savior and providing eternal life with God.
Jesus’ promised return: He will defeat the enemy and the presence of sin once and for all and fully usher in God’s Kingdom.
Self-Examine
Communion invites us to reflect on two relationships:
Our relationship with Jesus
Consider any sin you need to repent of and any next step Jesus is inviting you to take in following Him.
Our relationship with His Church
Consider any sin against others you need to confess, anyone you need to forgive, or a relationship that needs reconciliation.
Make room to listen to God and respond to what He brings to your attention.
Praise
Communion is a time to praise and glorify Jesus for who He is, what He has done through His death and resurrection, and what He has promised to do.
How to Lead Communion
A practical guide for leading your group.
Before you begin, prepare bread and small cups of juice or wine. Arrange your space so everyone can participate comfortably.
1. Explain
Give a brief explanation of what communion is and why we take it. Use the teaching above to help your group understand the meaning of the bread and cup and the invitation to remember, self-examine, and praise.
2. Self-Examine
Allow a few quiet minutes for people to pray and reflect on:
Their relationship with Jesus: Sin to repent of or a next step He is inviting them to take.
Their relationship with His Church: Something to confess, someone to forgive, or a relationship to reconcile.
You may invite people to share what God has brought to mind, without requiring anyone to share publicly. Offer to pray for those who share.
3. Challenge & Pray
Encourage everyone to surrender to Jesus as the Leader of their life and respond to the next step He is inviting them to take. Invite one or more people to pray for the group.
This can also be an opportunity to ask whether someone who has never put their faith in Jesus is ready to respond to Him as the Forgiver of their sin and Leader of their life.
4. Distribute
Give each person a small piece of bread and a cup of juice or wine. Distribute them in whatever way works best for your group.
5. Serve
The bread: Read 1 Corinthians 11:23–24. Say, “This represents Christ’s body broken for you,” and eat together.
The cup: After a few moments, read 1 Corinthians 11:25–26. Say, “This represents Christ’s blood shed for you,” and drink together.
6. Praise
Close by praying to praise and
Communion Guides for Your Group
Choose a guide to help your group remember, self-examine, and praise Jesus together. We’ll add more guides here as they become available.
Self-Examine Communion
Lead your group through remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and reflecting on their relationship with Him and one another. This guide includes Scripture, quiet reflection, prayer, and steps for sharing the bread and cup.
Download Self-Examine Communion Guide
Passion Week Communion
Use this Passion Week–themed guide as your group prepares for Easter and remembers Jesus’ sacrifice.
Need Help Preparing?
If you have questions about leading communion or choosing a guide for your group, reach out to Anna.