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Baptists/The reason we (So. Baptist's) sporatically celebrate The Lord's s Supper

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Expert: - 4/25/2008


Question
Does the SBC provide guidance/recommendations for frequency?

[I know Biblically what Christ said, but having always been a SB, I wasn't able to definitively answer the inquiry of my Catholic friend as to why It is offered sporatically and who,(Calvin or the leaders of the SB denomination)chose to let each individual SB church determine the frequency].  Thank you for your response and may you be blessed for acting in His service.

Answer
Hi Lori! I was actually licensed and ordained thru the North American Baptist Convention, but I have attended several SBC churches in the last 20 years and I can tell you that in my experiences, the determination for the frequency of Communion is often left up to the Pastor, Elders or governing body of the local Church. It is based on the members desires and needs. This is usually accomplished in conjunction with a clause in the local church's by-laws, voted on during church meetings or as a standard operating procedure based on tradition within the individual Church.
Part of the reason this decision is left up to individual churches was that during the early days of the church, the autonomy of the local church was paramount in the Church fathers thinking. Central control over such an important practice met with alot of opposition and the determination was made to let individual Churches decide what was best for them. This topic has been raised at several national conventions and to date the decision has been left up to the individual Church.
I have been to different SBC Churches where the Lord's Supper is celebrated either weekly, bi-weekly or monthly with special services on Easter and Christmas. The Lord's Supper was often a center piece of the service. In all the situations that I observed, the local church made the correct decision that met the members desires for frequency. The beautiful thing about decentralized control is that if the frequency does not meet the members desires and needs, it can be changed!
I hope that helps! Keep the Faith!

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Dr. (Rev.) Miles Bateman, USAF (retired)

Expertise

I am retired from the United States Air Force (20 yrs.), I have a Ph.D in Biblical Studies (Theology) and I recently retired as a Baptist Minister (20 yrs.). I am President/C.E.O. of Miles Bateman Ministries and I host a television/internet program called Christian Commentary ( Charter Cable and Youtube). I also serve as a Chaplain with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. I prefer questions from teenagers, people in trouble, atheists and agnostics. I deal with alot of veterans and I have a special insight into helping them. I have a heart for reaching the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Experience

Over 20 years in Ministry. I have served as a Pastor, Elder, Youth Minister, Chaplain and Missionary. I also have 20 years experience in the military dealing with all walks of society.

Organizations
Veterans of Foriegn Wars (Life Member), Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplain, Licensed/Ordained Baptist Minister.

Publications
Illinois State Senate Invocation, Illinois House of Representatives Invocation, Libertarian National Newspaper, Illinois Libertarian State Newspaper, Trenton Sun, Belleville News Democrat, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Clinton County News

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D in Biblical Studies/ Theology, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Associate degrees in Management and Health Sciences and I was a credentialed USAF Instructor prior to retirement.

Awards and Honors
Aerial Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), Air Force Achievement Medal(3 oak leaf clusters), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (bronze star), Humanitarian Service Medal, and 5 Air Force Good Conduct Medals

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