Churches of Christ observe communion every Sunday because they understand the New Testament to provide a pattern of Christians remembering Jesus' death during their weekly worship. This practice is based especially on , which describes Christians gathering on Sunday to participate in what churches of Christ understand to be the Lord's Supper.
Communion, also called the Lord's Supper, is a time during worship when Christians share unleavened bread and grape juice to remember Jesus' sacrifice. Some churches observe communion monthly, quarterly, or on special occasions. Churches of Christ generally observe it every Sunday because they believe the example recorded in Scripture should guide their worship today.
What Does the Bible Say About Communion?
Jesus established the Lord's Supper shortly before His death. During His final meal with the apostles, He took bread, gave thanks, and said:
"This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me" ().
He also gave them a cup, explaining its connection to His blood, which would be shed for the forgiveness of sins ().
The bread reminds Christians of the body Jesus gave, while the cup reminds them of His blood shed at the cross. Communion provides an opportunity to remember His sacrifice, reflect upon God's mercy, and express gratitude for salvation through Christ.
Paul later explained another important purpose: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" ().
Every observance looks back to Jesus' death and forward to His promised return.
Where Does the Bible Show Christians Taking Communion on Sunday?
The clearest example appears in :
"On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them."
Luke describes Christians gathering in the city of Troas on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. Their gathering included teaching from the apostle Paul, and Luke identifies breaking bread as a purpose of their meeting.
In Scripture, the expression breaking bread can describe sharing an ordinary meal. However, churches of Christ understand it here as referring to the Lord's Supper because of its connection with the Christians' assembly.
Earlier, describes Christians devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Paul also addresses the Lord's Supper as something Christians observed when they gathered together ().
These passages show that remembering Jesus' sacrifice held an important place in the worship and fellowship of the early church.
Does the Bible Actually Command Communion Every Sunday?
The New Testament gives no explicit command stating, "Take communion every Sunday." Churches of Christ follow the example in because they understand the apostles' teaching and the practices they approved as authoritative guidance for Christian worship.
The passage identifies Sunday as the day Christians gathered to break bread. Since every week has a first day, churches of Christ understand this example as establishing a regular practice for each Sunday.
Other Christians understand as describing a particular gathering without requiring communion every week. They also point to Paul's words "as often as" in , which identify the significance of communion without specifying its frequency.
The difference concerns how Christians understand and apply the New Testament's example. Churches of Christ believe observing the Lord's Supper each Sunday faithfully follows the pattern Scripture records.
Doesn't Weekly Communion Become Repetitive?
Any regular practice can become routine when people participate without giving thought to its purpose. The Christians in Corinth demonstrated this danger by approaching the Lord's Supper with selfishness and disregard for others ().
Paul corrected them by explaining the significance of the memorial and instructing each Christian to examine himself before participating:
"Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup" ().
His instruction directs attention to the heart and conduct of the person participating. Christians should approach the Lord's Supper with reverence, gratitude, and an awareness of what Jesus accomplished through His death.
Observing communion every Sunday provides a regular opportunity to remember the Savior, examine one's relationship with Him, and appreciate the forgiveness made possible through His sacrifice.
The meaning of the Lord's Supper comes from the One it honors. Every Sunday offers another opportunity to remember Him.
What Should Visitors Expect During Communion?
At Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas, the Lord's Supper is observed during Sunday worship. Christians share the bread and cup while remembering the death of Jesus Christ.
Visitors are welcome to observe the service and become acquainted with the congregation's worship. Those who choose not to participate may simply allow the communion trays to pass.
If you have questions about the Lord's Supper or why churches of Christ worship as they do, we welcome the opportunity to examine Scripture together.
Plan your visit, and choose any open spot when you arrive.
If you’d like to read what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm