by Sandy » Wed Mar 16, 2016 10:13 pm
Of course, the structure of the SBC, made up of independent, autonomous congregations, doesn't provide for the denomination having the authority to make recommendations about theological matters, such as how often communion should be served. Having been raised, licensed and ordained in SBC churches, that perspective is quite comfortable to me. In the Alliance church to which I now belong, communion is part of the worship on the first Sunday of each month, and that's a local church, not a denominational, decision. While there are some differences in the denominational structure of the CMA, compared to the SBC, it is mainly related to ownership of property, not ecclesiastical matters.
I'm becoming more attracted to the more creative style of communion. Or perhaps I should say to the manner in which it may have been served traditionally, and in the early church initially by Christ. I like taking from the whole loaf, and dipping the bread into the juice or wine. It seems a bit more authentic than a small plastic cup with a shelf on the side for the square of bread. Maybe its because I'm getting older, but it's annoying to me to hear the click and rattle of plastic cups being put into the holders after having a spiritual moment.