What is a Lovefeast?

Historic Roots

Breaking bread together as an expression of fellowship in Christ and the equality of people before him was common practice of the early church. The term for this meal was "Lovefeast" stemming from the Greek word "agape." Held regularly immediately preceding the Lord's Supper, the Lovefeast was also observed as a service in itself. In time it lost its devotional character and by the end of the fourth century had disappeared.

Moravian Lovefeasts

Count Zinzendorf, 18th century leader of the Moravian Church in Germany, reinstated the Lovefeast on August 13, 1727, following a deeply moving Communion service in the Berthelsdorf village church where his Herrnhut community worshipped. He did this by sending food from his kitchen to the seven separate groups which met after they had left the church. This was the first Moravian Lovefeast.

At first these Lovefeasts were limited to small groups which met for prayer, singing, personal testimony, and listening to reports from the mission fields. Moravian Lovefeasts today vary considerably. Retaining their devotional character, they are used to observe highlights of the church year.

The Lovefeast is a simple meal shared in a spirit of reverence and joy that Christ is present in our lives. The actual food and drink may vary considerably; in the Caribbean you may drink tea, in Africa you may eat peanuts. In America the traditional Lovefeast consists of a sweetened bun and coffee - but it could be a cookie and juice as well.

To the right are sacristans preparing a traditional Central Lovefeast of sweet buns and coffee. Sometimes sugar cookies or sugarcake are also served.

While the congregation sings, buns carried in baskets and mugs filled with coffee carried on trays are distributed to the worshipers in the pews by men and women designated as sacristans. After all are served, the congregation partake on the simple fare to the accompaniment of choir anthems or instrumental music. The mugs are then collected during more congregational singing.

The Lovefeast concludes with a benediction by the minister. In some congregations, people speak quietly with their neighbors about their spiritual journey. For 270 years not only Moravians, but also many visitors have come to appreciate the deep sense of Christian fellowship experienced at these services.