Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 5/21/2004

Question
Can non-Baptist Christians, such as Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics and other Protestant denominations, receive Communion in the Baptist church? If so, is it only for baptized/confirmed Christians?
Conversely, are Baptists allowed to receive Communion in these non-Baptist churches?

Answer
Hi Derek,

In our church we have two requirements before one takes communion.

Acts 2:41-42
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

1.  They need to have been born-again.  THat there was a time in their lives where they asked Jesus to save them from their sons.

2.  They need to have been baptized by immersion after their salvation.  If that has been done then they are welcome to take communion.

We do not endorse any communion in a church if the belief surrounding that communion is not is agreement with the Bible... in other words any church claiming that the communion is anything more than a symbol and a memorial service would not be endorced or encouraged by Bible believing Baptists.

I hope that I have helped you.

In Christ
Pastor Don