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In short, I think the answer is "yes." Both services (Word & Sacrament) are functions or acts done in the person (place) of Christ, officially. It is ministerial and a principal function of the minister, who, while he sits as one of the governors of the church, is primarily a representative of Christ in his priestly mediation. We should understand that Rome has misunderstood this function abysmally in their "priesthood", but that does not negate the rectified or restored understanding of the minister's role. He is the declarer of the Good-news message: Peace with God to those who believe through the blood of Christ.While I think I understand the teaching elder / ruling elder distinction, I don't quite see the minister of sacraments / ruling elder distinction. Is it because the administration of the sacraments is linked to the preaching of the word?
Serving the Meal is an act of discipline, and should be done by the elders; or under their close, direct supervision. I think in exceptional cases approved men may help with the serving, under the watchful eyes of the elders. However, I should think it quite inappropriate to assign the task of serving to women who would serve the Meal to able-bodied men sitting in the pew. Perhaps to a congregation peopled entirely by women...?What about distribution of the Supper? At our church the ruling elders typically help distribute the elements if there are enough of them present at the particular service. If not, then it seems that they let any communing member help. Are only elders allowed to distribute? If others are allowed, should elders be preferred? Should men be preferred?
Thank you all for your replies! I'm still not sure how 1 Cor 4:1-2 shows that only those who are ordained can administer the sacraments? And Pergamum makes a good point about missionaries.
Is a lay person prohibited by scripture from administering and performing the sacraments? Why?
Anyway, for this reason, I believe that the WCF is wrong and that all lawfully ordained elders of the local church are "the stewards of the mysteries of God", and should be given the privilege of administering the Sacraments.
Thank you all for your replies! I'm still not sure how 1 Cor 4:1-2 shows that only those who are ordained can administer the sacraments? And Pergamum makes a good point about missionaries.
Is a lay person prohibited by scripture from administering and performing the sacraments? Why?
Anyway, for this reason, I believe that the WCF is wrong and that all lawfully ordained elders of the local church are "the stewards of the mysteries of God", and should be given the privilege of administering the Sacraments.
Where does the Bible say it is a 'privilege' to administer the Sacrements? A duty yes, a privilege no. This is something that you will probably understand more once you are an elder (are you now?) It is certainly not a privilege to be a slave. Unless your have some wierd perspective that being treated like a door mat is a 'privilege'. Just give the eldership thing a few months and you will see what I mean.
Thank you all for your replies! I'm still not sure how 1 Cor 4:1-2 shows that only those who are ordained can administer the sacraments? And Pergamum makes a good point about missionaries.
Is a lay person prohibited by scripture from administering and performing the sacraments? Why?
I thought that ministers were responsible for representing Christ to the congregation during the worship service. Are we not to sit and pay attention as if God were speaking to us? I often hear preachers pray before sermons that "Christ" would speak.
And in that case, it makes sense that the ministers would also administer the sacraments. As Christ's representatives, the ministers offer him to us in the Word and Sacrament.
But the real reason is because of the spelling! Obviously only ministers may administer the sacraments!