Previous | Next 

WHAT WE BELIEVE
The Lord’s Supper

Reuben Pauls

A second “ordinance” in our Confession of Faith (after baptism) is “the Lord’s Supper” or “communion” or, as some denominations call it, “the Eucharist” (which means “thanksgiving”). This consists of the ritual eating together of bread and drinking wine (or grape juice), which represent the body and blood of Jesus, Jesus’ death on the cross to bring us forgiveness for our sins and new life. We do not refer to this event as a “sacrament”, which is one of the key differences between a “believers’ church” (which we are) and the Roman Catholic Church, for instance. For Mennonite Brethren, this celebration of Jesus’ death is symbolic. By participating in the Lord’s Supper, we remember and are grateful for the salvation that Jesus has brought us; we also express our commitment to Jesus. But the bread and wine do not actually become the body and blood of Jesus, Jesus is not sacrificed again in the Lord’s Supper, and taking part does not in itself magically bestow any grace or power on us.

The word “communion” (having things in common) speaks of a relationship both with God and with other believers. The use of the plural “believers” in this Article indicates that our emphasis is not so much on the individual believer as it is on the community one enters with conversion and baptism. By participating in the Lord’s Supper, believers are jointly declaring with other believers that Jesus died for sin.

In the Lord’s Supper, we celebrate fellowship and unity with other believers. In some denominations, one must be a member of the local church which is celebrating the Lord’s Supper in order to take part. Our practice is different. Mennonite Brethren allow participation in the Lord’s Supper by believers of all denominations. (In some ways, this represents some change in our thinking in the last three or four decades.)

Further, while the focus in the Lord’s Supper is on Jesus’ death, we do not overlook the celebration of Christ’s life – which is to be lived out in our daily life as disciples, or followers, of Jesus. As a youngster, it puzzled me that many times our communion services resembled funerals. So much emphasis was placed on Jesus’ death that we seldom even mentioned His resurrection. A reasonable balance between these two emphases is reached in our current Confession. Some of us need the celebration of life, while others need the reminder of death and the price Jesus paid for sin.

Preparation for participation in the Lord’s Supper is essential. Identification with Jesus is not to be taken lightly. The qualifications “understand its meaning” and “confess Jesus Christ as Lord” are important. So is the requirement that participation be linked with accountability. These phrases reflect the interdependence needed when one is part of the Mennonite Brethren family. As we live out our Confession, as symbolized by the Lord’s Supper, we do so in a community. Not only are we declaring to those present that we are living in a “right”, or restored, relationship with God, but also that all is right in our relationships with fellow believers.

Reuben Pauls is pastor of River of Life Church in Sorrento, B.C. and former executive minister for the Canadian MB Conference.

CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADIAN CONFERENCES OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES Article 9

Lord’s Supper Meaning The church observes the Lord’s Supper, as instituted by Christ. The Supper points to Christ, whose body was broken for us and whose blood was shed to assure salvation for believers and to establish the new covenant. In the Supper the church identifies with the life of Christ given for the redemption of humanity and proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes. The Supper expresses the fellowship and unity of all believers with Christ. It is a supper of remembrance, celebration and praise which strengthens believers for true discipleship and service. Practice In preparation for the fellowship of the Lord’s Supper, all believers examine themselves. All those who understand its meaning, confess Jesus Christ as Lord in word and life, are accountable to their congregation and are living in right relationship with God and others are invited to participate in the Lord’s Supper. The normal pattern in the New Testament was that baptism preceded participation in the Lord’s Supper. Matthew 26:26-30; Acts 2:41-42; I Corinthians 10:16-17; I Corinthians 11:23-32. View complete Confession of Faith

 
In this series: Previous Article · Next Article

Previous | Next 

Last modified March 13, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.