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We basically the following 3 types to the Lord's Table:
- members of our church in good standing
- members of another evangelical church in good standing
- interview with the Session and their approval
members of another evangelical church in good standing
We basically the following 3 types to the Lord's Table:
- members of our church in good standing
- members of another evangelical church in good standing
- interview with the Session and their approval
Yes, that is the position of the PCA's BCO, and I believe the Biblically correct one. As an elder, I have admitted at least one person to the table in each category.
Since, by our Lord's appointment, this Sacrament sets forth the Communion of Saints, the minister, at the discretion of the Session, before the observance begins, may either invite all those who profess the true religion, and are communicants in good standing in any evangelical church, to participate in the ordinance; or may invite those who have been approved by the Session, after having given indication of their desire to participate. (58-4)
The pastor is there to shepard the believer.
If an unknown person comes in how is the pastor to know whether or not that person is under church disciplin in another church and that is why he has chosen to come to a new one.
How is a person baptized and not a member of a church? (Just want some opinions)
In our church the table is guarded by two elders; they just stand at the sides, and if someone who should not be there approaches the table, they have the task of stopping him or her from the table. I've never seen it happen.
Our pastor has, though; at one time there even was someone weak of mind, not a member of the church, nor having applied beforehand, who wanted to partake, so they tried to dissuade her, which was impossible, and as they did not want to use force, they allowed her to sit, but the pastor did not pass her bread. So when they passed around the cup she tried to grab it, but I don't think she succeeded. Worrying, though.
How is a person baptized and not a member of a church? (Just want some opinions)
That's my question, as well. My wife was very hurt when she first started visiting 1st RP with us and wasn't able to commune because her name wasn't on some list somewhere, even though she had been baptized and faithfully attended her home church for 15 years.
I would be curious how this all played out and whether the church did a good job in verbally fencing the table or else interviewing those that wanted to partake so that Judo moves and bobbing and weaving from Lord's-Supper-grabbers would be unneeded.
That's my question, as well. My wife was very hurt when she first started visiting 1st RP with us and wasn't able to commune because her name wasn't on some list somewhere, even though she had been baptized and faithfully attended her home church for 15 years.
Was she baptized at the same church she attended for 15 years? How is it that she could be baptized and faithful attender of a church for 15 years and not be on their membership rolls? I’m not accusing, just curious. Did they not have a formal membership roll?
Lex neminem cogit ad vana seu impossiblia - The law compels no one to do vain or impossible things.
We basically the following 3 types to the Lord's Table:
- members of our church in good standing
- members of another evangelical church in good standing
- interview with the Session and their approval
Yes, that is the position of the PCA's BCO, and I believe the Biblically correct one. As an elder, I have admitted at least one person to the table in each category.
The PCA BCO says the following:
I believe there are only two options for a Session based on this wording.Since, by our Lord's appointment, this Sacrament sets forth the Communion of Saints, the minister, at the discretion of the Session, before the observance begins, may either invite all those who profess the true religion, and are communicants in good standing in any evangelical church, to participate in the ordinance; or may invite those who have been approved by the Session, after having given indication of their desire to participate. (58-4)
1) They may invite all members in good standing of an evangelical church (no examination required by this Session), or
2) They may invite all those who have been approved by the Session (examination required for everyone by this Session)
Based on this wording (I think the “may either … or may” is an exclusive or condition), a Session must exercise consistency in the way they fence the table, choosing either option (1) or option (2).
I do not believe option (2) is for the purpose of allowing the Session to bring to the table those who are not members of any Church. I believe the purpose was to give a Session even more control and scrutiny over those who would come than is afforded by option (1). I believe, under option (2), it would still be expected that anyone wishing to come to the table would, if necessary, make public profession and be identified with the Visible Church to which the Word and sacrament belong (see BCO 2).
That's my question, as well. My wife was very hurt when she first started visiting 1st RP with us and wasn't able to commune because her name wasn't on some list somewhere, even though she had been baptized and faithfully attended her home church for 15 years.
Was she baptized at the same church she attended for 15 years? How is it that she could be baptized and faithful attender of a church for 15 years and not be on their membership rolls? I’m not accusing, just curious. Did they not have a formal membership roll?
members of another evangelical church in good standing
How can that be established? By a card? By a letter? Or is it based on the word of the individual?
members of another evangelical church in good standing
How can that be established? By a card? By a letter? Or is it based on the word of the individual?
I think it is the responsibility of the individual to know whether they are a member of a church. I've never seen anyone questioned at my church. We are told that it is for members of an evangelical church immediately preceding the administration of the Lord's Supper. So at my church, it is simply based on the conscience of the individual, I guess.
In my church, if one is not already a member, he or she must be interviewed by the elders before being admitted to communion.
Zeno: The reference was probably 1 Corinthians 11:29-30:
"For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. " (KJV)
In our church the table is guarded by two elders; they just stand at the sides, and if someone who should not be there approaches the table, they have the task of stopping him or her from the table. I've never seen it happen.
Our pastor has, though; at one time there even was someone weak of mind, not a member of the church, nor having applied beforehand, who wanted to partake, so they tried to dissuade her, which was impossible, and as they did not want to use force, they allowed her to sit, but the pastor did not pass her bread. So when they passed around the cup she tried to grab it, but I don't think she succeeded. Worrying, though.
I would be curious how this all played out and whether the church did a good job in verbally fencing the table or else interviewing those that wanted to partake so that Judo moves and bobbing and weaving from Lord's-Supper-grabbers would be unneeded.
If a stranger continues to try to partake, it may be that they are a believer in good standing with another church and see the evil of transgressing your churches rules as greater than the evil in missing a legitimate chance to partake what is rightly hers.
In the case of a stranger trying to partake, I am not sure physical restraint is called for.