Why ‘going forward’ is Biblical after all « Letters from Mississippi

At the church I pastor we celebrate Communion twice a month (1st and 3rd Sundays) and our people come forward for Communion. This has been our practice since our church began in the spring of 2004. Some may argue that the practice is too Catholic or Lutheran. But as I have argued from the beginning, if we believe that Christ is spiritually present in Communion, but administer the sacrament just like those who believe it is nothing more than a memorial (staying seated as the elements are passed), then our folks will probably always see the sacrament as a memorial.

Since that time I have become aware of some reformed churches that have changed their Communion liturgy to have people come forward. Some have the congregation come down front to receive the elements and return to their seats to partake together. Others, like my church, have people come down front to partake of the bread and wine and receive words of assurance that indeed "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"(Romans 8:1). This is not trendiness, like so much of what is found in cutting edge church plants or missional/emergent churches. This is historic liturgy and practice.

How refreshing to read this post Why ‘going forward’ is Biblical after all « Letters from Mississippi of a PCA church and pastor articulating much of what we have practiced.

HT: Heidelblog