What does communion mean?

It looks back to Jesus' death on the cross, joins believers to him in thanksgiving now, and looks forward to his return. It is a gift of grace to receive, not a ritual to perform perfectly.

Do all churches understand communion the same way?

No. All hold it as holy and central, but they understand Christ's presence differently, from a real change in the bread and cup, to a real presence with them, to a deep remembrance. Ask the church you join.

First steps

What Is the Lord's Supper?

The Lord's Supper, also called communion, is the meal Jesus gave his followers on the night before he died: bread for his body and a cup for his blood, shared in remembrance of him until he returns. It is a way believers receive his grace, give thanks, and proclaim his death and coming again. Christian traditions understand exactly how Christ is present in it differently.

Where it comes from

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus took bread and a cup and told his followers to keep sharing them in memory of him. The church has done so ever since, at the very center of its worship.

“The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.”

1 Corinthians 11:26

What it means

The Lord's Supper looks in three directions at once: back to the cross where Jesus gave himself, upward in thanksgiving and communion with him now, and forward to the day he returns. It is a gift to receive, not a performance to get right.

How traditions understand it

Christians agree the meal is holy and central, and understand Christ's presence in it differently. Some believe the bread and cup truly become his body and blood, some that he is really present with them, and some that the meal is a profound remembrance. A local church will teach you their understanding and when you may take part.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lord's Supper?: It is the meal Jesus gave his followers before his death, bread for his body and a cup for his blood, shared in remembrance of him until he returns (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). It is also called communion or the Eucharist.
What does communion mean?: It looks back to Jesus' death on the cross, joins believers to him in thanksgiving now, and looks forward to his return. It is a gift of grace to receive, not a ritual to perform perfectly.
Do all churches understand communion the same way?: No. All hold it as holy and central, but they understand Christ's presence differently, from a real change in the bread and cup, to a real presence with them, to a deep remembrance. Ask the church you join.

One small step from here: What is confirmation? →

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Take the next step with people, not alone

Following Jesus was never meant to be done by yourself. The most helpful thing you can do next is find a warm, local church family who will walk with you, answer your questions, and pray with you. And read his own words in the Gospel of John. There is no rush and nothing to prove.

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Jesus Christ is Lord.

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