Do you believe it scriptural to offer the Lord’s Supper at an evening service in a separate room from the remainder of the congregation after the invitation but before a closing prayer?
Question:
While researching this question, I stumbled across your web site. What a wonderful amount of information!
Do you believe it scriptural to offer the Lord's Supper at an evening service in a separate room from the remainder of the congregation after the invitation but before a closing prayer? My local congregation does this and I do not care for it; I am unaware of it being scriptural. Just trying to get some other views.
Thank you!
Answer:
Obviously personal preference doesn't make a matter right or wrong. For that, we must appeal to God's teaching. Ever since the decision was made years ago to have two services on Sunday to accommodate those who are forced to work on the weekend, Christians have debated how to handle the Lord's Supper. Some only offer it at one service and others at both services. Some have everyone participate in the second serving, some have only those desiring it participate while the rest of the congregation sits with them, and still others offer it in another room where those desiring it can go and partake. While I have my views, I certainly don't think I can settle the question.
One thing that must be kept in mind is that Paul stated, "Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread" (I Corinthians 10:16-17). An important aspect of the Lord's Supper is that it is a covenant meal share with the Savior and shared with each other. The united partaking of the Lord's Supper is to emphasize our unity. This is further seen in the verses leading up to the discussion of the Lord's Supper. Notice the phrases: "you come together," "when you come together as a church," "when you meet together" (I Corinthians 11:17-20). The partaking of the Lord's Supper is done by the church together. It is for this reason that I do not believe a group going off to another room is following the purpose laid out for Christ's memorial meal. It is not being done by the church together.
Response:
Thank you very much for your response. I also wanted to say thank you for the wonderful Bible lessons on your congregation's web site.