Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 184
The ‘sermunion’ has become more and more popular. In case you are unfamiliar with the phenomenon, it involves combining the sermon and communion. Most commonly ending with a prayer before taking bread and wine.
I would guess that we do something like this once a month or so in the Watford Church of Christ. The topic came up in conversation last week with my friend, Rudie and I thought it would be timely to record some thoughts on it.
Today I will not argue for the merits or otherwise of the ‘sermunion’. There is no scriptural command concerning the form of sermons and communions in detail, hence we cannot be definitive.
Instead, I’d like to touch on a few principles and practicals to consider when planning a ‘sermunion’ (more detail is contained in the video/podcast version).
- Text – how appropriate is it?
- Hybrid – consider a separate person for the sermon and post-sermon communion thought.
- Length – tendency to make the lesson longer. May find it harder to keep listeners engaged.
- Motive – not to save time. Highlight Jesus.
What I’d like to know today is, “What are your experiences with combining the lesson with communion?”
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John
