It would be interesting to know how different local churches administer Communion and why. Our church has no written policy, but do not deny communion to anyone in attendance. Tom and I go to the same church, but he believes in closed, and I tend to agree with open. We agree with most other issues. Neither of us would make this a test of fellowship, nor would either leave the church if the local body ever decided to adopt a policy one way or the other. Tom is a very close brother in Christ, and have the utmost respect for his strong Christian beliefs.
How Does Your Church Administer Communion?
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by saturneptune, Aug 19, 2012.
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How does your local church administer Communion?
Poll closed Nov 27, 2012.
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Closed
0 vote(s)0.0% -
Close
6 vote(s)26.1% -
Open
15 vote(s)65.2% -
No Written Policy or Other (please explain)
2 vote(s)8.7%
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A full description is at my website.
www.oldregularbaptist.weebly.com -
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Although your Communion is described as closed, I noticed that you invite those from corresponding churches to participate, but do not give a general invitation.
I would describe that as "close," in a way. Although, if I understand correctly, I would not be invited to participate, since I am not from a corresponding church. And given my own position, I could not participate, even if invited.
What I like is that your policy is clearly stated. I think most visitors to your church would not be upset, even if your view was not theirs. Baptists of every stripe understand local church autonomy.
Where most problems would arise, I think, spring from a lack of a clear church position. I think the congregation SN and I serve would benefit from a clear position, clearly stated each time we have communion. -
Don't we ALL in a sense practice 'closed communion", for ONLY saved allowed to partake it! -
Of course, where you start determines where you come out.
If you, like Yeshua, believe in the existence of The Church, then you will likely favor open communion.
If, however, you hold that there are only local churches, and the universal church does not exist, you can see why closed communion makes sense.
I suspect that a large majority of BB folks observe the Lord's Supper the way they do because that's the way it's always been done. Would I be right?
I'm also curious if some of you pastors have altered the way it was done before you got there. -
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It has been a minute since I have been to a church that practices closed communion, and I guess even close communion.... not in my realm of attendance. I hold to open communion, but having taught to it....