You are here:
Baptists/Communion
Advertisement
Question
What is the difference between the way the Baptist gives the communion and the way the Methodist give Communion?
Hi Douglas.
The exact mechanics of Communion very slightly congregation by congregation. For instance some do it every Sunday, some on the first Sunday of the Month etc. some once a year, but despite these sorts of differences there are few substantial difference between Methodist and Baptist Communions.
The main differences would be that Methodists practice "open communion" which means that anyone who comes forward for communion is allowed to partake (whether "saved" of not and regardless of denominational affiliation if any -- no one has the right to refuse communion to another and taking it is a blessing for anyone who does partake). Baptists only allow those who are "saved" according to their beliefs/understandings to partake. This plays out in two basic ways:
1. In most Baptist churches one is asked if one has "been saved" before being served, often details will be requested of strangers (where were you saved? when? how?) to confirm that one is saved. However this is usually handled in the talk leading up to communion with words like, "So if you have received Christ...." Most Methodists emphasize that "whosoever will" may take. Both views can be supported scripturally.
2. Only baptized Believers are allowed to partake among Baptist. This causes another observable difference in that while Methodist perform "infant baptisms" Baptists only do so after a person is old enough to make an intentional request for salvation. Hence little kids partake in Methodist churches while its rare to see someone under 8-12 partaking in a Baptist rite. 12 is a common age to "receive Jesus" and begin taking Communion even though children of devout Baptists (like Methodists) grow up under the teachings, Bible stories etc. There is no "First Communion" service (in Catholic terms) among Baptists or Methodists.
Hope this helps,
~ John of AllFaith
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
John of AllFaith
Expertise
Baptists hold certain unique understandings as well as the "fundamentals of the faith" held by most other denominations. Harmonious with the essential Baptist doctrine known as the Priesthood of all Believers, some Baptists are very conservative (such as Jerry Falwell and Fred Phelps) while others are quite liberal (such as Jesse Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr). For help understanding Baptist and other biblical issues, drop me a line. I can also shed light on questions that are often considered "sensitive." Ask me anything and I'll do my best to share what I know.
Experience
I have a lot of experience in this area. I've studied the Holy Scriptures for over 40 years. I hold a Missionary Baptist ordination as well as one from Calvary Chapel. I was a missionary in Central America for a while, an avid street minister and have preached in many churches, on the radio and so on. I also have an MA Religious Studies from JFK University as well as other pieces of paper. The only ordination that really matters comes from God of course.
While I am no longer a Baptist I can answer any question anyone is likely to have from a Baptist perspective.
My personal beliefs are now more accurately described as Messianic or Noahide Nazarene. If you are interested in this perspective just ask.
Organizations
My current beliefs are best described as Noahide Nazarene. These beliefs can be considered at my web site: http://allfaith.com/Religions/Noahide
Education/Credentials
Education/Credentials
Three Christian ordinations (Baptist, Calvary Chapel and from an independent Christian Church), an MA in Religious Studies, an ordination in Ministry and Spiritual Counseling from the Interfaith Seminaries, 41 plus years of sincere seeking and 13 years answering questions and posting studies online.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.