Communion Statement
We welcome all of our guests worshiping with us and pray your faith is strengthened through the service. Following the practices of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, our congregation practices closed communion.
But what does that mean?
Closed Communion means we publicly confess the same teaching before we have communion together. Practically, this means that if you are a member of a different denomination (or have no church family) we ask you to not take communion. Because we are one of the few churches that still practice this, a lot of people are shocked, and some are offended. So, before we explain it further, we would like to explain what we are not saying.
Closed Communion DOESN’T mean:
As simple as possible, Jesus wants His people to believe the same things, to have a unity in teaching, in doctrine, in confession. This common faith is expressed most fully in the common meal. In Acts 2:42 we read, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” There is fellowship in the teaching, the meal, and the prayers. This is what we understand in the practice of closed communion. God’s Word declares to us that the bread and wine we receive in the Lord’s Supper is the true body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ given for the forgiveness of sins and nourishing of faith (Matt. 26: 26-28; Mark 14: 22-24; Luke 22: 19-21; 1 Cor. 11: 23-26). When receiving His true body and blood, all communicants are to be united in their understanding and confession of Jesus Christ and all of His teaching (John 17: 22; 1 Cor. 1: 10). An unworthy reception of this gift results in one who “eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Cor. 11: 29). Therefore, if you are still learning Lutheran doctrine or are not part of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation, we invite you forward for a blessing and encourage you to speak with the pastor before the service in order to learn more about our teaching on the Lord’s Supper.
How should I prepare to receive communion?
You are invited to read and consider Luther's questions for preparation as found here.
But what does that mean?
Closed Communion means we publicly confess the same teaching before we have communion together. Practically, this means that if you are a member of a different denomination (or have no church family) we ask you to not take communion. Because we are one of the few churches that still practice this, a lot of people are shocked, and some are offended. So, before we explain it further, we would like to explain what we are not saying.
Closed Communion DOESN’T mean:
- We don’t like you or want you to be here. We do! We are delighted you are here with us. We know that God has brought you here to bless you, and your presence is a blessing to everyone here.
- We think you are not good enough. Wrong! In fact, we learn from the Scriptures that to be worthy to partake of the Lord’s Supper means that we know we are sinners in desperate need of the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.
- We think you are not a Christian. We hope that you trust in Christ and know His love. We lament that different teachings divide Christian churches, and we pray with Jesus that the church will be united in the Lord’s Word.
- You are not part of the club. The church is not a social club. Jesus welcomes people of every sort, from every nation and background. Jesus loves sinners. His meal is for sinners who desperately need the forgiveness of sins He offers. You are welcome here.
As simple as possible, Jesus wants His people to believe the same things, to have a unity in teaching, in doctrine, in confession. This common faith is expressed most fully in the common meal. In Acts 2:42 we read, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” There is fellowship in the teaching, the meal, and the prayers. This is what we understand in the practice of closed communion. God’s Word declares to us that the bread and wine we receive in the Lord’s Supper is the true body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ given for the forgiveness of sins and nourishing of faith (Matt. 26: 26-28; Mark 14: 22-24; Luke 22: 19-21; 1 Cor. 11: 23-26). When receiving His true body and blood, all communicants are to be united in their understanding and confession of Jesus Christ and all of His teaching (John 17: 22; 1 Cor. 1: 10). An unworthy reception of this gift results in one who “eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Cor. 11: 29). Therefore, if you are still learning Lutheran doctrine or are not part of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation, we invite you forward for a blessing and encourage you to speak with the pastor before the service in order to learn more about our teaching on the Lord’s Supper.
How should I prepare to receive communion?
You are invited to read and consider Luther's questions for preparation as found here.