Can My Child Take the Lord’s Supper?
by Chris Lawson
“Worthy receivers of this sacrament, outwardly partaking of its visible elements, also
inwardly by faith—really and indeed, yet not physically but spiritually—receive and feed upon
Christ crucified and all the benefits of his death.”
Westminster Confession of Faith
Modern English Student Version (1993)
Reynolda Church is a diverse family made up of attendees who come from a variety of denominational backgrounds. For this reason, we have many who ask questions about our view of both the Lord’s Supper and Baptism (for more information about baptism, see our article “The Nature of Baptism and Student Membership”).
One of the most frequent questions we receive is, “Can my child take the Lord’s Supper?” The Bible is clear that taking of the Lord’s Supper (or what some call Communion) should be a regular part of the worship life in the Christian church. In 1 Corinthians 11:23b-26 Paul says,
That the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
All the worship venues at Reynolda celebrate the Lord’s Supper at least once per month and do so in a variety of methods. It is natural that your child will be intrigued and will most likely ask some version of “Can I have some?” Some churches believe that the Lord’s Supper is only for adults. Yet, there are definitely children who have repented of their sin and received Jesus as Savior.
Churches in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (our denomination) use the teachings found in the Westminster Confession of Faith as a guiding source when it comes to important doctrines found in the Scriptures. When commenting on the Lord’s Supper it contends that “worthy receivers of this sacrament” have an inward faith.In the passage from 1 Corinthians Paul doesn’t suggest that communion is only for adults. The deciding factors are clearly profession of faith and the maturity necessary to understand the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.
This surely is one of the things Paul intended when he said “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28). Through the work of Jesus, we have been made righteous, thus those who have placed their faith in Jesus can approach the table of His grace boldly knowing there is “now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
That said, Reynolda’s leadership believes that it is ultimately up to the parents to discern whether or not their child is ready to celebrate at the Lord’s table. What questions should parents ask as they are deciding about this important faith step for their students? Here are some suggestions:
1)Has your child made a profession of faith in Jesus?
2)Are they showing the fruit of new birth through their love for Jesus?
3)Do they understand and can they explain the significance of communion?
If the answer to all of these questions is “yes,” here are a few other comments and guiding principles that will help you know when the time is right.
Take Your Time
Communion isn’t magic and it doesn’t make your child “more” saved. So, after a BIG TIME celebration of the profession of faith, begin to discuss both the Lord’s Supper and Baptism. By taking your time to ensure your child has the proper understanding and is spiritually ready, you will allow the anticipation and meaningful memories to become foundational for lifelong faith. We know of families who make 12 the age for their believing children to take Lord’s Supper. This also allows it to become a rite of passage and marker for them on the road to adulthood. Others offer it as early as age 5. Whatever you decide, make the moment matter in your child’s spiritual journey
When the Time Arrives
When your wisdom and discernment confirms that the time is right and your child is ready to participate in Lord’s Supper, we suggest you answer these questions together as a family:
●What is the Lord’s Supper? We recommend starting with Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper in Luke 22. What was Jesus teaching? How do we continue to remember Jesus’ body and shed blood? Be sure to explain that what we are doing is symbolic. The Lord’s Supper is an example of God’s grace to us, but we are not literally drinking Jesus’ blood and eating His body.
●Why Do We Take Lord’s Supper? Remind your child that the Lord’s Supper was Jesus’ idea to help us both remember and celebrate His work on the cross. Look at 1 Corinthians 11:26 together, which says:“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”
●How Do We Take the Lord’s Supper? The logistics can be tricky for a first-timer. Before you go to church that Sunday, explain the methods your venue uses. Will you go forward to take communion, pass plates, or use another method? The goal is the demystify the experience and help your child know how to take the bread and juice.
The decision is important, private, and between you, your child, and the Holy Spirit. Be prayerful, be patient, and celebrate Jesus’ work in your family! As always, if you have further questions, please contact your campus Children’s Ministry staff or the church office.