The Lord’s Supper: A Sacred Table for the Church Plant

By Ken Nabi

In the fast pace of planting and growing a new church, it’s easy to prioritize preaching, leadership development, and outreach strategies. Sometimes, however we do so at the expense of one key Protestant ordinance—the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is not just a religious ritual tucked into a worship gathering. It is a moment of sacred encounter, a visible proclamation of the gospel, and a visible expression of grace that nourishes the body of Christ and bears witness to the watching world.

For church planters especially, the regular practice of the Lord’s Supper is vital. It roots the church in Christ’s finished work, shapes the culture of worship, and offers both believer and unbeliever a glimpse into the heart of the gospel.

The Presence of Christ in the Gathering

Evangelicals have historically emphasized the symbolic nature of the bread and the cup. We reject the idea that the elements literally become Christ’s body and blood. Yet, we must be careful not to overcorrect by downplaying the spiritual importance of Christ’s spiritual presence among us when we celebrate the table.

As Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” The Lord’s Supper is a tangible experience of that promise. It’s not merely a symbolic routine; its a means through which the Holy Spirit makes the presence of Christ very real. Jesus meets us, feeds us, and renews our souls with Him as we reflect and remember.

At the table, the church doesn’t just recall Christ’s sacrifice; we share in its ongoing power. This is especially formative for new communities of believers who need more than ideas. The church plant needs an encounter with Christ. Communion time can be just that when done soberly and with intentionality.

The Power of the Memorial

At the same time, the Lord’s Supper is a powerful memorial. Jesus commanded: “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). It’s a time to reflect on the cross, to examine our hearts, and to recommit living as a redeemed people. In a very real way, today’s young people crave a sense of connection to ecclesial past symbols and meaning. What better example than communion?

In a new church setting, where theology is often being built from the ground up, the memorial nature of the Supper provides regular gospel clarity. It reminds us that our salvation was accomplished through the shed blood of Jesus our Messiah, not our own efforts. It reminds the weary pastor and the new believer alike that Jesus died once for all, and that this death changes everything.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” The Lord’s Supper is a kind of proclamation. It’s not a passive ritual. Communion speaks gospel reality. It tells the gospel story again and again to every person in the room. The Supper preaches with bread and cup what the sermon declares in words.

Evangelism at the Table

One of the overlooked aspects of the Lord’s Supper is its evangelistic power. When the church gathers and partakes with reverence and joy, it testifies to a watching world that Jesus is alive, present, and powerful. It communicates that today’s gathering connects with centuries of church practice and meaning. Unbelievers who attend the gathering are not simply observers of a religious ritual—they are witnessing the church embody the gospel.

This visible expression of faith and community becomes an invitation. The broken bread and poured-out cup serve as a compelling visual of the good news. Is it possible that some curious folks may be more moved by the experience of communion than by the most eloquent sermon. As such, church planters should treat the Lord’s Supper not as a obligatory moment to rush through, but as a strategic, Spirit-filled opportunity for gospel witness.

Invite unconvinced people to watch. Explain what’s happening. Let the weight and wonder of the gospel be seen, not just heard.

Four Reflective Questions for the Lord’s Supper Gathering

1. Are we coming to the table with reverence, remembering what Christ has done and who we are in Him?
   Encourage your people to pause, reflect, and repent as they prepare to receive the elements.

2. Are we recognizing the presence of Christ with us as we partake—rejoicing in His grace and resting in His love?
   Don’t rush. Let the Supper be a time of sacred joy and spiritual renewal.

3. Are we aware of those in our midst who are not yet believers, and are we helping them see Jesus through this act?
   Use the Supper as an opportunity to explain the gospel and invite people to faith.

4. When was the last time you dedicated the entire service to teaching about communion and the meaning of the elements?

Consider dedicating an entire service teaching from the Passover Lamb in Exodus all the way up to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in the gospels.