Typically, the “words of institution” (the words spoken over the bread and wine or juice) are paraphrasing of the words from scripture. They are most often spoken by ordained or licensed clergy. Then we pray over the “elements” (bread and cup). Finally, communion is shared with the congregation by lay people or deacons.
There is nothing wrong with this style of serving the Lord’s Supper. Unfortunately, though, it reinforces the idea that the clergy and the lay servers should have unequal roles; it undermines the empowering concept of “the priesthood of all believers.”
As a result, I want our deacons to expand their role in communion. I want them to have the opportunity to offer a heartfelt prayer at the table, to add their voices to Pastor Marisa’s and mine. I believe this better reflects the idea that we are all messengers of Christ’s love, all capable of being God’s hands and feet in the world.
2. The Cultural Reason
There is a second reason I am asking the deacons to share leadership with clergy at the communion table. It has to do with the culture of our church.
Some churches, particularly smaller ones, are pastor-led: members take little initiative, expecting their professional clergy to supply the energy and creativity that the laity then helps carry out. But larger churches, especially the most vital larger churches, tend to be lay-led. The pastor has an important role, of course, in helping church activities keep their spiritual and communal focus. But the more effective the church wants to be, the more its leadership needs to come from the laity.
Over the last years, our church has not only decided to become more lay led, it has made great strides in that direction. Our government of “circles” intends to make it possible for members to dream up and implement new ideas. We want the laity to feel empowered to follow their passion and serve the church.
I want this sharing of leadership between clergy and laity to be reflected throughout the actions of the congregation. From that point of view, when we see a deacon pray in concert with clergy at the communion table, we are creating a clear and visual experience of the value we place on laity leadership.
Starting in October, therefore, a deacon will offer a prayer of dedication at the table after I have said the words of institution. The deacon represents all of you, all of the laity of First Church. We will all take one step closer to our claims of lay leadership and the “priesthood of all believers.”
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