Communion

Prayer for Those Searching for God

Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth and the life.  Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you, as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open my heart to the reality of who you are.  Give me an understanding of you that leads to the life you promise.  Amen.

Prayer of Trust  

Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever dared admit, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. 

I thank you for paying my debt on the cross, taking what I deserved, that I may enter into complete forgiveness and deep renewal.  I turn from my sins and receive you as my only Savior and Lord.  Amen.

Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, was instituted by Jesus Christ to be observed in remembrance of Christ, to show forth His death until He returns.

Its benefits include, but are not limited to: strengthening His people against sin, supporting them under troubles, encouraging and quickening them in duty, inspiring them with love and zeal, increasing their faith, and promoting peace of conscience.

The Sacraments

Those who partake are all those who profess the true religion, and are communicants in good standing in any evangelical church.  It is the responsibility of the leaders of the church (the session) to be the gatekeepers of the sacraments (baptism and communion).  This is done for two reasons: 
1.)  to promote the peace and purity of the church by not allowing anyone who is not a believer in Christ to partake, and 2.)  to protect the one who is taking communion from eating and drinking judgment on themselves if they do not have faith in Christ.

Therefore, anyone who has given an audible, credible profession of faith to the session (or a representative of the session) is not only invited but encouraged to come and partake.  If someone has not given an audible, credible profession of faith to the session (or the leadership of any evangelical church) they should not partake. The session, by asking children NOT to take communion before becoming communing members, is in no way passing judgment on any child, but only preserving the purity of the church and protecting from the possibility of partaking unworthily.

Becoming a Communing Member

Connect with a member of the session or a pastor, set up an appointment with you and your child, and have your child meet with the elder or pastor and give an audible, credible profession of faith.  This is a simple interview process where a child is given opportunity to share their faith in Christ with a leader of the church.  This will probably be their first attempt of sharing their faith with someone that is not a family member.
     
This is the first step into becoming a communing member.  Your child will then meet with other new members on joining day, and answer the “membership questions” (which will be discussed with them), and then be presented to the church at the end of a service along with all who are joining that day.
You, as the parent, want to make sure that your child has come to know Christ first.  Then, watch them over the next month or two.  If they   begin to ask questions regarding communion or baptism, talk them through the process stated above.  IF they are still interested, it would certainly be appropriate to start the process by calling an elder or pastor to set up a time.

If, however, they are not asking questions regarding membership or the sacraments, waiting is certainly appropriate for a season.  The age of the child plays a large part in the  decisions that must be made. If the child is really young (0-6), waiting may be completely appropriate.  If the child is older (7-up), starting the membership process sooner may be appropriate.

The Bible teaches that the sacraments should not be unduly delayed because of the benefits they bring.  Keep that in mind as you wrestle with these parenting issues.

If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Todd Teller