Reading Time: 3 minutesQuestion 09008 The New Testament commands the church to observe the Lord’s Supper but does not specify how frequently. This has led to considerable variation across Christian traditions, from daily celebration in some Catholic and Orthodox settings to quarterly or even annual observance in some Protestant churches. The absence of a specific command about frequency…
Reading Time: 4 minutesQuestion 09006 The Lord’s Supper is the second of the two ordinances Jesus gave to His church. It is practised in virtually every Christian tradition, yet the meaning attached to it varies enormously. Roman Catholics believe the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ. Lutherans hold that Christ is physically present…
Reading Time: 3 minutesQuestion 09007 The question of who may take communion touches directly on how we understand the nature of the Lord’s Supper and the community for which it was given. Different Christian traditions draw the lines in different places, from the very restrictive to the entirely open. What does the New Testament itself say about who…
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Reading Time: 5 minutesQuestion 9009 When a church gathers for the Lord’s Supper, who is welcome at the table? This question has led to different practices among churches, often described as “open communion,” “closed communion,” and “close communion.” Understanding these different approaches will help you navigate the variety of practices you may encounter and think through what your…
Reading Time: 6 minutesQuestion 9006 Alongside baptism, the Lord’s Supper is the other ordinance that Jesus gave to His Church. It has been called by various names: the Lord’s Supper, Communion, the Eucharist, the Breaking of Bread, the Lord’s Table. But what exactly is it? What does it mean? And why do we observe it? These are important…
Reading Time: 5 minutesQuestion 9007 When the bread and cup are passed at the Lord’s Supper, a question naturally arises: who may participate? Is it for everyone present? Only church members? What about visitors? What about children? These are practical questions that churches must answer, and Scripture provides guidance for us. For Believers Only The most fundamental principle…
Reading Time: 4 minutesQuestion 9001 Ecclesiology is the study of the Church. The word comes from the Greek ἐκκλησία (ekklesia), meaning “assembly” or “called-out ones,” combined with λόγος (logos), meaning “word” or “study.” It is the branch of theology that examines what Scripture teaches about the nature, purpose, structure, and ministry of the Church. What is the Church?…