In Old Testament times, only the priests were instructed and allowed by God to perform certain religious rites.
This included rigorous preparations by the priests to enter God’s presence properly, because of the holy nature of God and the sinful nature of humanity (including priests).
Two men, Nadab and Abihu, died when they approached the Lord contrary to his command (Leviticus 10:2). Priests were to be prepared and proper.
What about in Christian churches today? Specifically, who can serve Holy Communion?
- Only the pastor, because he graduated from seminary
- Only the pastor, because he is ordained by the church
- Only the pastor and the elders
- Anyone
While none of these four statements is entirely correct without condition, D is the closest. Most anyone can serve Holy Communion. But not just anyone SHOULD serve Holy Communion.
First, the power and blessing of Holy Communion is promised by Jesus to be divine, not human. It doesn’t depend on the integrity, morality or spirituality of the person serving it.
Thank God! You don’t want to be wondering if the faith and holiness—or the lack thereof—of the person serving communion is making it better or worse or valid or insufficient. And we don’t want to start comparing spiritual leaders to each other as if they have some power and blessing that God does not.
The power and blessing of Holy Communion is the work of God!
The apostle Paul corrects the Christians in Corinth for putting too much faith in human leaders. “One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? … ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1:12,13,31).
Want something boast about? Jesus Christ and his saving work that changes your life now and forever (Galatians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 12:9).
So don’t put too much confidence in human spiritual leaders no matter who good and godly they are. They’re not Jesus.
That doesn’t mean that just anyone should serve Holy Communion, however. While the power and blessing do not depend on the person serving it, other dynamics require attention and wisdom.
The intimacy of faith and biblical fellowship in Holy Communion, by the command of God’s Word, requires the celebration to be “close communion.” The one who serves you Holy Communion is to be a person who shares your biblical beliefs (1 Corinthians 1:10).
The maturity and understanding that qualifies “communicants” to properly prepare for Holy Communion should be shared by the one who serves. It’s not fitting for a child to serve Holy Communion, for example, or just grabbing a stranger passing by.
Finally, any adult in your faith fellowship certainly qualifies to distribute the real presence of Jesus in the bread and wine (universal priesthood, 1 Peter 2:9). Then why not take turns and give everyone a chance to serve Holy Communion?
One word. Shepherd.
Pastors and elders lead and feed the flock of spiritual sheep under their care, a servant leader position given to them by the call of the congregation (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). Administering the means of grace should be under their direction so that they can best care for the community of believers.
Yes, called spiritual shepherds like pastors and elders can ask others to assist. No, there is not a volunteer signup sheet in the lobby asking for 24 volunteers each to take a communion Sunday once during the year.
Want to know more about the incredible power and blessing of Holy Communion? I’d love to show you more or connect you to a local pastor in your area. Email me at pastordaron@crosslifepf.org.
PRAYER: Jesus, you are real, and your body and blood in Holy Communion are really present. Thank you for your gracious invitation to commune with you, and with my brothers and sisters in the faith. Bless churches with spiritual shepherds who shepherd like you. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
