Communion at generation church

What is communion?

Communion is a ritual practiced by Christians all around the world. Communion is an ordinance, an outward expression of an inward reality. Jesus instituted the practice of communion among his followers as he gathered with his disciples before giving his life on the cross.

17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” 19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
- Luke 22:17-19 -

As we share in communion, often called The Lord's Supper, we are figuratively sitting at the table and communing with God and one another as we share in the symbolic body and blood of Christ. At Generation Church we practice communion on the first Sunday of the month, and at different times throughout the year as well. We practice communion with grape juice and a small cracker, rather than wine and bread as Jesus did. This does not change the symbolism of the ritual, and those joining online from home may choose to use different elements to join in communion with us.

What is open communion?

At Generation Church we practice what is called Open Communion. Communion at Generation Church is encouraged by all who claim Jesus as their savior. There is no requirement of membership or baptism to practice communion at Generation Church. There’s one simple qualification for anyone to take communion: faith in Christ. If you have trusted Jesus for your salvation, you are encouraged to take communion to remember what Christ has done for you. This means we do not hinder anyone in our public gathering from practicing communion. We believe the decision to practice communion should be made by the individual as they examine their own relationship with Jesus and the local church.

26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again. 27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup
- 1 Corinthians 11:26-28 -

What about kids?

Communion provides a great opportunity to have a Gospel conversation with your kids. At Generation Church we love to reflect on the heart and response of Jesus when he was "bothered" by little children...

13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.
- Matthew 19:13-15 -

Our goal is not to hinder a child from coming to Jesus. We want to equip you to decide whether your child is ready to practice communion or if it is best for them to wait. See resources below!

When should your child take communion?

Knowing when your child should participate in communion can be confusing for many parents. We hope this video and these discussion questions will help guide you as you examine whether your kids should participate in communion or not.
Questions to consider as parents:

Has your child trusted Jesus for salvation? If so, when did it happen? If not, when do you think they’ll be ready?
Have you explained what communion is to your child?
Can your child tell you what the "bread" and the "wine" represent in communion?

Helping your kids understand communion...

This video will help explain communion on your kids' level. Watch this video together with them and use the following questions to help guide them through the meaning of communion.

What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
Share some of your favorite family traditions. Do your friends think any of them are weird?
What do people do when they take communion? What does each item represent?
Why does Jesus want us to take communion?
Read John 3:16-17. Why did Jesus come? What does it mean that we can have eternal life?
If you feel comfortable doing so, consider taking communion together as a family with juice and bread you have available.