Can I Receive Holy Communion at Faith?
At Faith we observe the historic practice of closed communion. Thus, there are two basic answers to this question: “Yes” and “Not Yet”
Yes
People who may commune at Faith Lutheran Church:
- Are baptized (Acts 2:37–39).
- Believe that we receive Christ’s true body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine of communion (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
- Are living a life repenting from sin (1 Corinthians 5:11-13, 10:20-21).
- Are living a life working to be reconciled to others (Matthew 5:23-24).
- Are a communicant member in good standing at a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (Acts 2:42, Romans 16:17, Ephesians 4:1–4, 1 Corinthians 10:17, 11:26).
Not Yet
If one of the criteria above does not apply to you, we’re happy to have you in worship with us joining your prayers and songs with ours. You may also come forward to the communion rail with your arms crossed to receive a blessing from the Pastor.
The Pastor would love to meet with you to talk more about how you can join our church through a basic instruction class. Depending on background and familiarity with texts such as the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism, the course may take longer or shorter.
Because those who belong to a different denomination (e.g. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [ELCA], the Roman Catholic Church, or non-denominational Christian) have a different confession and set of beliefs, we ask that they do not join us at the communion rail before taking this basic instruction class. Holy Communion is a shared confession of faith as well as a reception of Christ’s body and blood.
Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18–20, ESV). We believe that closed communion is an essential part of the Great Commission as we joyfully and urgently teach all things that Christ has commanded us. As we confess Christ together, we gladly join one another as those united in doctrine and faith who have the sure hope of eternal life.
For more information:
https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs/denominations
https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs/doctrine#lords-supper