Communion every other Sunday?

[Nova Scotian Boy]

As someone who is not Lutheran but is investigating it. This is something that baffles me. In my entire area there is about 20 LCMS Churches and only 2 of them even have weekly communion. If Lutheranism is as sacramental as so many Lutherans claim it is then why would you have communion every other week. What they do seems to contradict what they say.

I go to a confessional Reformed Church with historic Reformed liturgy and communions once a week. In my city there are more Reformed Churches that celebrate weekly communion then Lutheran churches.

I live right next to a LCMS congregation I'am friends with the pastor, however if I decided to become Lutheran I would be forced to drive 20 minutes away because they have communion twice monthly. Im not about to go from the Reformed Church were i get it weekly to the Lutheran church were I only receive it half the time.

Again as a outsider looking in it baffles me.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

I live right next to a LCMS congregation I'am friends with the pastor ...

That's great! Why not as him why some LCMS churches practice communion every weekend and some don't. Go straight to the source! He'll probably say the exact same thing I said in my previous comment.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

Anyone know the history of why we don't do full immersion baptisms?

It might give you a small idea of why some churches have opted to not have communion every week.

 

[Edial]

Anyone know the history of why we don't do full immersion baptisms?

It might give you a small idea of why some churches have opted to not have communion every week.

Why?

 

[Mrs Awesome]

Why?

LOL I was wondering the exact same thing ...

 

[Edial]

We have Communion every Sunday. It's a TAALC synod ... and that's what we do.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

It was a push to get you to do some research!!

Basically, we started doing sprinkle baptisms to counter the argument that the only valid baptism was one of full immersion.

There is no command that one must take communion every week, or even that one must take it every time it's offered. Many churches have adopted every other week communion in response to those who say it's a sin if you don't offer/take it every week. It's our pietist roots, I suppose.

And still other congregations do it because it's how they've always done it.

Other congregations think that offering it all the time will make it less special.

Et Cetera.

I personally wouldn't mind communion being offered every week, but I am happy that I have the opportunity to take it every other week.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

Many churches have adopted every other week communion in response to those who say it's a sin if you don't offer/take it every week.

I agree that there are no specific guidelines via God's Word for when/where/how often/etc to partake in Communion. However, there is really only one reason why a confirmed Lutheran should NOT take Communion:

If someone is being offered to partake in Communion with those who's beliefs and practices one is either unfamiliar with and/or those beliefs/practices are not in alignment with one's professed Lutheran faith and it's Biblical teachings, then they should NOT partake in Communion. For example, a confirmed LCMS Lutheran should never partake in communion from an ELCA church as the two church's beliefs and practices are not aligned.

As Lutherans, we practice what is called a "close communion", meaning that we are spiritually close to those whom we are partaking in Communion with, that we hold the same Biblical teachings/beliefs/practices to be true. Which is why the above reason is so important. You see, the Bible teaches that Communion may also be spiritually harmful if misused, and that participation in the Lord's Supper is an act of confession of faith among all those partaking in it (which is why we teach/train/confirm our members). In 1 Corinthians 11:29 Paul wrote, "For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." Communion, it's kind of a big deal.

Please also recognize that someone should always partake in Communion whenever offered (unless the above reason applies). Why would someone want to say, "No thanks" to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice when offered to us? Why deny such a gift and the opportunity to celebrate Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for mankind?

 

[Edial]

I agree that there are no specific guidelines via God's Word for when/where/how often/etc to partake in Communion. However, there is really only one reason why a confirmed Lutheran should NOT take Communion:

If someone is being offered to partake in Communion with those who's beliefs and practices one is either unfamiliar with and/or those beliefs/practices are not in alignment with one's professed Lutheran faith and it's Biblical teachings, then they should NOT partake in Communion. For example, a confirmed LCMS Lutheran should never partake in communion from an ELCA church as the two church's beliefs and practices are not aligned.

As Lutherans, we practice what is called a "close communion", meaning that we are spiritually close to those whom we are partaking in Communion with, that we hold the same Biblical teachings/beliefs/practices to be true. Which is why the above reason is so important. You see, the Bible teaches that Communion may also be spiritually harmful if misused, and that participation in the Lord's Supper is an act of confession of faith among all those partaking in it (which is why we teach/train/confirm our members). In 1 Corinthians 11:29 Paul wrote, "For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." Communion, it's kind of a big deal.

Please also recognize that someone should always partake in Communion whenever offered (unless the above reason applies). Why would someone want to say, "No thanks" to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice when offered to us? Why deny such a gift and the opportunity to celebrate Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for mankind?

I never really understood close communion. Some call it close(d) communion.
I understand that ELCA and other synods cannot meet due to that homosexuality thing.
But I do not understand why all the rest of the Lutheran synods who are not at odds with the Bible cannot have communion together.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

One should not take communion if they are not spiritually prepared for it. My husband has a long segment in the bulletin as well as pointing out the section in the hymnal that's talks about being prepared.

I have not taken communion a few times because I was not spiritually ready. I was at odds with a fellow friend and there had not been repentance I one case.

I leave it to an individual to decide these things for themselves. At some point in time they will answer to God. My concern is how *I* will answer to God.

For the record, I am a lifelong WELS member, my husband is a WELS pastor. I do understand what closed communion is as well.

 

[Edial]

One should not take communion if they are not spiritually prepared for it. My husband has a long segment in the bulletin as well as pointing out the section in the hymnal that's talks about being prepared.

I have not taken communion a few times because I was not spiritually ready. I was at odds with a fellow friend and there had not been repentance I one case.

I leave it to an individual to decide these things for themselves. At some point in time they will answer to God. My concern is how *I* will answer to God.

For the record, I am a lifelong WELS member, my husband is a WELS pastor. I do understand what closed communion is as well.

I thought your husband was LCMS at one time?

I also skipped communion at least once when my mind wasn't right.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

I do not understand why all the rest of the Lutheran synods who are not at odds with the Bible cannot have communion together.

* Just so we're clear (because I know some of us are new to Lutheranism), several different Lutheran synods endorse the Biblically-based practice of CLOSE Communion and it is not specific to the LCMS synod only. However, as I am an LCMS Lutheran, I can only explain it from that perspective. *

The fact that it is called CLOSE Communion simply means that we see the fellowship that happens when partaking in Communion as something that is indeed very very spiritually important and sacred - that we are and should be spiritually CLOSE with those we partake in Communion with.

To specifically answer your question, Edial, the LCMS does allow CLOSE Communion to happen between some other Lutheran synods that are not the LCMS. These churches are considered to be in what is called "altar and pulpit fellowship" with the LCMS. Churches in altar and pulpit fellowship share the same confession, including the rejection of errors that contradict this confession. Altar and pulpit fellowship is a relationship which signifies agreement not only in a church body’s formal statements but also agreement in the implementation of the formal confessions of a church body in its actual life and practice. A list of these synods can be found here: www . lcms . org / page . asps?pid = 1372).

You'll notice on the list that in North America this includes such synods as The Lutheran Church Canada (LCC), The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (ELCH). Where churches cannot agree on a common confession, the basis for altar and pulpit fellowship does not exist and therefor those synods are not listed. This is true for the ELCA due to them professing that the Scripture is not necessarily always accurate, whereas the LCMS strongly believes that the Bible is without error in all that it says. However, the WELS is not present on the list because they do not want to officially be held in altar and pulpit fellowship with the LCMS.

The practice of CLOSE Communion is not one of exclusivity. It is a great responsibility that a pastor has in regards to protecting his flock spiritually. It is Biblically-based and sound. It is also an interesting topic to bring up during pastor-led Bible studies or when one-on-one with your pastor.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

I thought your husband was LCMS at one time?

I also skipped communion at least once when my mind wasn't right.

Nope. We are both lifelong WELS. I have extended family members that are LCMS and ELCA.

 

[Edial]

* Just so we're clear (because I know some of us are new to Lutheranism), several different Lutheran synods endorse the Biblically-based practice of CLOSE Communion and it is not specific to the LCMS synod only. However, as I am an LCMS Lutheran, I can only explain it from that perspective. *

The fact that it is called CLOSE Communion simply means that we see the fellowship that happens when partaking in Communion as something that is indeed very very spiritually important and sacred - that we are and should be spiritually CLOSE with those we partake in Communion with.

To specifically answer your question, Edial, the LCMS does allow CLOSE Communion to happen between some other Lutheran synods that are not the LCMS. These churches are considered to be in what is called "altar and pulpit fellowship" with the LCMS. Churches in altar and pulpit fellowship share the same confession, including the rejection of errors that contradict this confession. Altar and pulpit fellowship is a relationship which signifies agreement not only in a church body’s formal statements but also agreement in the implementation of the formal confessions of a church body in its actual life and practice. A list of these synods can be found here: www . lcms . org / page . asps?pid = 1372).

You'll notice on the list that in North America this includes such synods as The Lutheran Church Canada (LCC), The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (ELCH). Where churches cannot agree on a common confession, the basis for altar and pulpit fellowship does not exist and therefor those synods are not listed. This is true for the ELCA due to them professing that the Scripture is not necessarily always accurate, whereas the LCMS strongly believes that the Bible is without error in all that it says. However, the WELS is not present on the list because they do not want to officially be held in altar and pulpit fellowship with the LCMS.

The practice of CLOSE Communion is not one of exclusivity. It is a great responsibility that a pastor has in regards to protecting his flock spiritually. It is Biblically-based and sound. It is also an interesting topic to bring up during pastor-led Bible studies or when one-on-one with your pastor.

I understand the reason we are doing that.
I just do not agree with it.
If the Bible allows it why shouldn't we?

If we all believe the same way and the only thing that really separates us is a name of synod, why not partake together?

Besides, the liturgy says it is a communion with all the saints in heaven and earth ... so, ... I don't agree with separating that what the Bible does not.

But that was always my objection.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

If we all believe the same way and the only thing that really separates us is a name of synod, why not partake together?

But that's the thing, we do not share beliefs the same way, and therefore cannot be in altar and pulpit fellowship. It is much more than a synod name that separates those who are not in a/p fellowship with one another.

I can see how everyone coming together to celebrate and partake in Communion together as one can be a great idea, but it is not Biblically sound or spiritually safe to do so, unfortunately.

I feel like we (everyone in the world) could use a hug. LOL

 

[PreachersWife2004]

But that's the thing, we do not share beliefs the same way, and therefore cannot be in altar and pulpit fellowship. It is much more than a synod name that separates those who are not in a/p fellowship with one another.

I can see how everyone coming together to celebrate and partake in Communion together as one can be a great idea, but it is not Biblically sound or spiritually safe to do so, unfortunately.

I feel like we (everyone in the world) could use a hug. LOL

Fellowship and closed communion are two very difficult doctrines to learn and teach.

 

[Edial]

But that's the thing, we do not share beliefs the same way, and therefore cannot be in altar and pulpit fellowship. It is much more than a synod name that separates those who are not in a/p fellowship with one another.

I can see how everyone coming together to celebrate and partake in Communion together as one can be a great idea, but it is not Biblically sound or spiritually safe to do so, unfortunately.

I feel like we (everyone in the world) could use a hug. LOL

Oh, please understand that I am the one in the minority here, not you.

I used to have long debates on this with several people at once, so I do not know if I should start again.
But I would certainly like to welcome you to CF.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

Fellowship and closed communion are two very difficult doctrines to learn and teach.

Agreed! As is such with a lot of Christian/religious topics.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

Oh, please understand that I am the one in the minority here, not you.

I used to have long debates on this with several people at once, so I do not know if I should start again.
But I would certainly like to welcome you to CF.

Thank you!

 

[PreachersWife2004]

Agreed! As is such with a lot of Christian/religious topics.

I think those two are a little harder than most because the natural inclination is that "we're all believers, why can't we all just be united in that"? And it's a noble thought but not really biblical.

I long for the day when we'll all be united in everything, but that's for heaven, not earth.