The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is an important Christian practice that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It involves partaking of bread and wine (or juice) as symbols of Christ’s body and blood sacrificed for the forgiveness of sins. But how often should this meaningful ritual be observed? The Bible does not prescribe a definitive frequency, leading to a variety of practices among Christian denominations. By exploring relevant Scripture passages and examples from the early church, we can gain insight into principles for discerning the Lord’s Supper’s appropriate rhythm.
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus on the night before his crucifixion, during his Last Supper with the disciples. The accounts in Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-23, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 describe Jesus sharing bread and wine with the disciples and commanding them to “do this in remembrance of me.” This established the practice for subsequent generations of believers to commemorate Christ’s sacrifice.
These passages provide no specific instructions on how often it should be observed. However, the open-ended command to “do this in remembrance of me” implies an ongoing, repeated commemoration rather than a one-time event. The undefined frequency allows flexibility for communities of faith to celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly in a manner they deem meaningful.
Early Church Examples
The New Testament provides a few examples of the early church participating in the Lord’s Supper, which give us some indication of their practice:
- Acts 2:42 – Believers in Jerusalem devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. The breaking of bread likely refers to observing the Lord’s Supper.
- Acts 2:46 – They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
- Acts 20:7 – On the first day of the week, the believers in Troas gathered to break bread. Paul preached until midnight.
- 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 – Paul addressed abuses of the Lord’s Supper among the Corinthian church when they gathered together.
These passages suggest the early church integrated Communion into their regular gatherings for worship, instruction, and community. Most likely, they observed it at least weekly when they met together on the first day of the week, as well as additional times in their homes. Their practice reflects the significance of the Lord’s Supper in the lives of early believers.
Frequency in 1 Corinthians 11
In Paul’s instructions about the Lord’s Supper to the Corinthians, his language provides some clues regarding the frequency of their observance:
1 Corinthians 11:25-26 – In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The repeated phrase “as often as” implies the Corinthians were partaking of the Lord’s Supper on a frequent, regular basis. Paul’s instructions assume an ongoing rhythm rather than an annual or quarterly observance. By partaking regularly, they proclaimed Christ’s death and anticipated his return.
Exhortation for Self-Examination
Paul goes on in 1 Corinthians 11 to warn against observing the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner:
1 Corinthians 11:27-28 – So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
This call to self-examination also suggests frequent Communion, providing recurring opportunities for reflection and repentance. Infrequent observance, such as quarterly or annually, allows little chance to correct an unworthy approach. Regular, thoughtful participation enables disciplined preparation andami enables the Church to celebrate in a worthy manner that honors Christ.
Theological Significance
The theological meaning behind the Lord’s Supper also supports frequent remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The bread and wine represent:
- Remembering Jesus’s body broken and blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 22:19-20).
- Proclaiming our faith and participation in the new covenant instituted by Christ (1 Corinthians 11:25-26).
- Communing with Christ and being nourished by his grace for spiritual growth (John 6:53-56).
- Unity with Christ and with fellow believers as one body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
- Hope in Christ’s eventual return (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Frequent Communion allows believers to regularly reflect on these deep truths, solidifying doctrines of atonement, spiritual nourishment, and eschatology. Infrequent observance misses opportunities for communal remembrance, proclamation, thanksgiving, and spiritual renewal.
Anamnesis as Remembrance
“Anamnesis” is a biblical concept that refers to liturgical remembering and participation in the past event. In the Lord’s Supper, the bread and wine serve as tangible symbols to aid anamnesis of Christ’s sacrifice. This active remembrance and mystical participation requires more than mental recollection. Frequent Communion facilitates active remembrance resulting in spiritual vitality and closeness with Christ.
Commanded by Jesus
Jesus commands his followers to “do this in remembrance of me” but does not specify timing or frequency. However, his desire is likely for believers to celebrate Communion frequently based on the Last Supper’s linkage to Passover. The annual Passover meal reminded the Israelites of God’s salvation and deliverance. But Jesus transforms Passover to point to him as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb and means of salvation. Partaking “often” enables frequent remembrance of this new and better deliverance.
Example of Early Church
The pattern of the early church, though not prescriptive, provides wisdom for considering frequent observance of the Lord’s Supper. As they met for communal worship, learning, and fellowship multiple times weekly, the Lord’s Supper was interwoven into the rhythm of their gatherings. While weekly or more frequent Communion may not be mandated, the early church’s example shows the value of frequent remembrance, proclamation, and communion with Christ.
Practical Benefits
In addition to significant theological meaning, regular celebration of the Lord’s Supper offers practical benefits:
- Provides a regular reminder of Christ’s death on our behalf
- Fosters continual self-reflection and repentance
- Facilitates preparation of heart and mind to meet with Christ
- Opens opportunity to restore broken relationships within the church (Matthew 5:23-24)
- Contributes to unified church fellowship, rather than isolated observance
- Makes the practice more accessible to members who may miss occasional observances
- Embeds the gospel regularly into the liturgical life of the church
These benefits suggest the value of frequent Communion for spiritual formation and communal discipleship.
Caution Against Ritual Devoid of Meaning
One concern with very frequent Communion is the danger of observance becoming ritualistic, void of deep meaning and reflection. However, this improper approach of “eating and drinking judgment” (1 Corinthians 11:29) is more likely from a flawed heart attitude than over-frequency. Diligent self-examination is imperative, and challenging with infrequent Communion. Elders shepherding the flock should encourage proper discernment and preparation for the Lord’s Supper regardless of whether celebrated weekly or quarterly.
Differing Traditions and Positions
Throughout church history, opinions have varied significantly on appropriate frequency for observing the Lord’s Supper:
- Weekly – Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Protestant traditions celebrate Communion weekly as a regular part of Sunday worship.
- Monthly – Early Methodists and others have practiced monthly Communion on the first Sunday.
- Quarterly – Ulrich Zwingli, some Anabaptists, and many modern churches serve Communion four times per year.
- Annually – Some Protestant traditions have Communion yearly to emphasize its special nature.
Each position has its merits. Weekly or monthly observance allows regular remembrance and communal participation. Quarterly or annual practice stresses the deep significance and preparation. Wisdom may be found in prayerfully considering the needs within a local congregation.
Conclusions
In summary, Scripture neither mandates nor prohibits any specific frequency for celebrating the Lord’s Supper. Key principles to consider include:
- Jesus’s command to “do this in remembrance of me” implies ongoing frequency.
- The practice of the early church incorporated Communion into regular gatherings.
- Frequent observance enables deeper understanding of the theological meaning.
- Regular participation provides practical spiritual benefits.
- Self-examination and heart preparation are essential, regardless of frequency.
- Local church leaders should prayerfully discern what practice best serves their community.
The Lord’s Supper is a gift for the Church universal, transcending denominational differences. While opinions on appropriate rhythm differ, the unifying call is for believers to meet often at the Lord’s Table to remember his death, be nourished by his life, and proclaim the gospel until Christ returns.
