Deep-in-the-bones Belonging

I read in The Banner recently a short article encouraging us to consider participation in the Lord's Supper by all baptized members. The article can be found here.

In the article they suggest a simple approach for every congregation to discuss and consider the issue:

1. Host a congregational discussion
2. Address the topic in a Church Ed class
3. Distribute a devotional booklet
4. Re-examine the role of Profession of Faith
5. Practice charity and patience

In expanding on each suggestion the author makes points that support the expanded practice, so it doesn't really suggest an unbiased consideration of the question (not that this was the goal, as was stated early in the article).

I think there are two major problems with this suggested approach, both have to do with authority.


#1 In the CRC, who has the authority to make these decisions?

Reformed church polity for the CRCNA "is presbyterian: that is, system of leadership by elders (presbyters) who represent Christ in his church." Therefore, it is the elders who make these kind of decisions, not the congregation as this proposed method of examination appears to indicate. This proposed approach, puts the discussion in the hands of the congregation, including "3-year-olds to the adults". While the author may still assert and agree that the elders make the decisions, this is not indicated in the article at all. The phrase, "Perception is reality" comes to mind, even if this was not his intent, that is how it is perceived.


#2 Where is the Biblical authority?

Again, we must ask about this article, "where is the authority?" Is it in the congregation and their interpretation, or is it in the Bible, our revelation of God and His will? While the author suggests looking at some passages, and he does not suggest a major step of examining scripture as a whole on what it says about the Lord's Supper. He just suggests we examine "the meaning of baptism, the Passover, and how Jesus transformed the Passover into a communion meal" He doesn't suggest looking at the meaning of communion, or 1 Corinthian 11 quoted in the formulary for the Lord's Supper.

In either case this article suggests (intentional or not) that the congregation guide the decision on this matter, an approach that simply puts 'man' in charge, rather than God. If we hold congregational discussions to guide our decisions, we are making 'man' the authority and we can continue to make any decision, based on any 'interpretation' we want, based on the most persuasive argument at the time. This is basic secular humanism and denies the Reformed church polity that states that Jesus Christ is the only head and ruler of the church.

I suggest a key step before any of these other steps are considered. Step 0: Examine the scriptures regarding the topic. Pull together the elders and/or those gifted in Biblical study to first examine God's revelation to us about the practice of communion, with an eye specifically related to children participating.

If I get time, I may make a stab at this in a later post. What scriptures do you see pertaining to this topic? I'd be interested to hear from you.