This happened yesterday at a church my wife and I visited in Villa Rica, GA. At the end of a message from Exodus on the Passover the pastor invited the congregation to share in the Lord's supper (obviously, this is an open communion congregation). While we received our juice in small thimble-like cups (as is common practice in many churches), the pastor was drinking his juice in a regular-sized wine glass. I think this sends a mixed message to the congregation that as pastor, he is entitled to a larger portion of the fruit of the vine than the rest of the congregation :tear:. Why would a pastor do something like this? :eek:
A Lord's Supper question
Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Speedpass, Aug 23, 2010.
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Rhetorician AdministratorAdministrator
Speedpass Response
Hello Speedpass,
I am not sure you and I have ever talked on the BB? Enjoy the blessings or our Lovely Lord Christ today.
If you want to be really accurate, then why not consult with your local Rabbi and see how they do the Passover meal? Then you could have a really accurate but no doubt controversial example of how it should be done. That is, if you want historical accuracy?
But be aware, it may tear up your ideas a bit culturally from the Jewish to the "Southren." and from the ancient to the contemporary. Especially when it has to do with wine and such?
I would have you to understand that if you go down this road you may find several things that are very disconcerting? No doubt!!!
Just some thoughts.
"That is all!" :smilewinkgrin: -
Just out of curiosity: how do you know he had more juice?
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Squire Robertsson AdministratorAdministrator
Can't speak to this particular case. However, when I'm attending a Russian EC-B church, much the same thing happens. They use a common cup (four with a small pitcher for refills) and a common loaf (baked by the sisterhood). As Slavic Baptists, the cup contains wine (the church we fellowship with uses Mogen David). If there is any leftover in the cups, it is finished up first by the Pastor and serving deacons and the to the front rows on the men's side of the congregation.
There could very well may be a pervectly good reason particular to that congregation for the pastor's action. Who knows when you find out what it is you might give yourself a mental dope slap. -
Tradition?
Really good wine? :smilewinkgrin: -
I noticed his cup was about 3/4 full.
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So have you asked him?
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I've thought about emailing the church to find out more.
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preachinjesus Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Did he preach before or afterwards?
When I was in a band we would always say "the drunker we get the better they look."
I'm not saying, but I'm just saying...;) -
This was after the sermon. -
I see now that you were visiting the church and it's not your regular home church, so this might not apply. But I am speaking from a pastor's viewpoint. But I would much rather you talk to me about it than bring it up publicly in a forum.
There may be any number of reasons. It might be that it was the way the church always did it previously. It might be a hold over from a time where everyone drank from a common cup. Those who serve the (deacons?) might all drink from that same cup. -
Why is this a huge deal?
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I didn't know this was going to be so sensitive. I just thought it was something I'd never witnessed before. Anyhow, the pastor of this church answered my email and told me he holds up the glass as a way to symbolize the grape juice representing the blood of Christ.
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You were supposed to focusing on identifying areas of your life that need repentance and acknowledging our Lord's sacrifice made for us, and instead you're concerned how large the pastor's cup was compared to yours? Good night, nurse. I'm speechless.
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You had a good question with some good responses and some responses that were a waste of time to read.
I am glad that the pastor answered your email. I was curious too, and I am sure that you were participating in the Lord's Supper and this caught your eye, just like it would most people (even those who chastise you for it). -
Squire Robertsson AdministratorAdministratorI have the same wandering eye. At the EC-B church, the officiating brother raises one of the goblets blessing is asked.
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I remember some years back we all drank from a common "cup". It was soon changed to small plastic glasses for sanitary reasons. In my churches, for sometime, the deacons, who served the bread and wine to the congregation, sat at the communion table and sipped from the common cup.
Changes came over time when everyone had the little glass and a piece of bread.
Cheers,
Jim