The Illustration of the Hypothetical “Common Loaf Denomination”
David Rogers is currently in South Asia on a three-week mission to train indigenous pastors through the Adrian Rogers Pastor Training Institute. Before leaving, he informed the sbc IMPACT! team that he would try to submit posts on his designated dates if he had internet access, but to have contingency plans in the event that no such access was available.
This post is our “contingency plan.” It is a reprint of a post on David’s blog from September 12. It was written as a thoughtful response to the claims of some Southern Baptists that believers who have not been baptized according to Baptist doctrine and standards (i.e. by any mode other than immersion in a church with proper doctrine) exist in a state of “unrepentant sin.” The implication of that claim is that Southern Baptists must not engage in cooperative work with such groups because they do not qualify as “great commission Christians.”
For a complete reading of the exchange between David and Dr. Malcolm Yarnell, please visit David’s blog and review his pasts from the past few months.
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Please understand that what I am writing here is just an illustration to prove a point. I am emphatically NOT suggesting the founding of a new “Common Loaf Denomination.” I have already written about this on a previous post. At that time, I was using essentially the same illustration to make a slightly different, though related, point, on the difference between planting “baptistic” and “Baptist” churches. Here, I am pulling out the same illustration again, because I believe it forcefully and poignantly drives home a point I have been trying to make on the last couple of posts in my on-going dialogue with Malcolm Yarnell on the Great Commission. I am not writing this as a separate letter in that series, but rather as a sort of detached addendum to the actual letters.
The illustration is the following:
Many Baptists in the past, as well as some in the present, have made such a major issue of the timing and mode of water baptism that it has led them to effectively separate, both in church fellowship, as well as in partnership in obedience to the Great Commission, with other authentic born-again disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let me make perfectly clear that my own views regarding the timing and mode of baptism are totally “baptistic,” and in line with the Baptist Faith & Message.
As “baptistic” Christians, we believe in baptism by immersion, as I understand it, on the basis of three primary reasons:
- Linguistically, the greek term baptizein, translated “to baptize” in the majority of our translations of the Bible in English, means literally “to immerse.”
- Symbolically, we believe, on the basis of Romans 6:3-5 and Colossians 2:12, that baptism is a physical and visual representation of our identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection.
- Historically, in the examples we read in the New Testament (Matthew 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 8:36-38), baptism seems to have been administered by immersion.
In addition to believing in believers baptism by immersion, I also happen to believe in celebrating the Lord’s Supper with a “common loaf” of bread. The reasons for my belief in “common loaf” communion are essentially the same as my reasons for believing in baptism by immersion:
- Linguistically, the term “breaking bread,” generally accepted as referring to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, directly implies the use of a “common loaf.”
- Symbolically, on the basis of 1 Corinthians 10.16-17, the use of a “common loaf” represents physically and visually an important spiritual truth: the essential unity of the Body of Christ (“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread”).
- Historically, in the examples we read in the New Testament (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19, 24:30, 35; Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 11; 27:35; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24), it is apparent that the Lord’s Supper was celebrated with a “common loaf.”
*I will leave aside, at this time, the evidence that the Lord’s Supper was also apparently celebrated with a “common cup”, as part of a complete meal, with unleavened bread, and with fermented wine.
Much has been made of the point that those who practice baptism by any mode other than by immersion are effectively disobeying the command of Jesus regarding baptism. By the same token, however, I cannot avoid the conclusion that those who celebrate the Lord’s Supper with individual wafers, or crackers, or pieces of bread, are not truly being obedient to the command of Jesus to “do this in remembrance of me.” Yet, for some reason, as Baptists, we are much more tolerant with those who celebrate the Lord’s Supper in a defective manner than we are with those who are sincerely mistaken in their practice of baptism.
What is the solution to this dilemma? Should those of us who are convinced of the biblical truth concerning “common loaf” celebration of the Lord’s Supper separate from those who still insist on celebrating the Lord’s Supper with individual wafers or their equivalent? Should we form our own denomination that ensures that the missionaries we send out will only teach the churches they plant to practice “common loaf” communion? Or, should we take it to the extreme of refusing to even cooperate on the mission field with those in other groups who are mistaken in their interpretation of this “clear biblical truth”?
I hope, by now, the absurdity of what I am suggesting is obvious. Even though I am totally convinced of the accuracy of my biblical interpretation regarding “common loaf communion,” it would be “nit-picking” for me to separate with other authentic disciples of the Lord Jesus, who are sincerely doing their best to submit to his commands in their own life, over something as secondary as this. Much more important than our differences on this point is our essential unity as joint members of the Body of Christ, who have been given a joint task to fulfill, and should work hand in hand, as brothers and sisters in Christ, to obey together the commands of Christ, to the degree each one of us is able to understand them.
To all -
David is out of the country, so we will have have this discussion without him. :)
Brother David,
First, let me assure you that I am honored and glad that you are a Baptist. You certainly represent the views of Baptist well. I do not say this to be patronizing, I truly mean this. You certainly have well thought out arguments and it is difficult sometimes to get my hands around some of them.
Having said that, after reading your “common loaf” argument I think I have seen two areas that makes me uncomfortable with it. First, are we instructed that we should observe the Lord’s Table as a result of our salvation? I agree that we should and I also agree that it should be on a consistent basis, but I do not see the instruction that we should. Second, when they broke bread the Bible says it was from house to house. Are you arguing that one loaf was used to go between the houses?
As I understand your argument, it seems that you are saying if we allow for differences within our own denomination for churches to use wafers and oyster crackers instead of a loaf of bread, then we should also allow for other denominational practices of Baptism in partnering together in church plants. If this is your argument, and I believe I have not missed your point, then I see a huge flaw. This flaw is in the instructional area. Jesus instructed us to make disciples, through salvation and followed by Baptism by immersion. I do not see the Bible giving instructions to us to observe the Lord’s Table as a result of salvation. Certainly it was a directive of Paul’s, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I just do not see the directive as one that calls for us to observe as a result of salvation.
Blessings,
Tim
Tim,
But isn’t the practice of the Lord’s Supper an integral part of the Great Commission (making disciples)? And what about “teaching them everything…?”
I don’t quite understand your reasoning about what we are or are not instructed to do “as a result of salvation.” Are not all of the commands and examples of Scripture given to the church to be obeyed “as a result of our salvation?”
Does baptism stand separate (higher or more important), in your view, from all other Christian practices? That is the message that I discern in your response.
Just curious, my brother, and looking forward to some good conversation today. :)
i have to agree with tim rogers. listen, the common loaf arguement verges on the absurd, as david r. says. one, the crackers we use all come from the same dough more than likely…so, whether it was pinched off before or during the Lord’s Supper really means nothing. also, different sb churches observe the Lord’s Supper at different times…some do it quarterly…some twice a year..some once a year. i dont know of any that do it more often than once a quarter, but maybe there are. and, whenver a church does take it is fine. we’re not told to have a common loaf, nor are we told to take it at certain times.
but, baptism is a whole different thing. it’s very clear in the bible. and really, i wouldnt want to get out there and start churches with baby baptizers, nor with sprinklers. if they love the Lord, and believe the Book, then more power to them. i pray that the Lord would use them. but, i, as a baptist christian, would not want to start an infant baptising church. it’s wrong. plain and simple. wrong.
david
Tim,
Greetings! You asked, First, are we instructed that we should observe the Lord’s Table as a result of our salvation? I think the answer to that question is a decided “yes”. Unbelievers are barred partaking of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:27ff.) yet believers are commanded to do so in Luke 22:19. Jesus said “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Southern Baptists see baptism as the initiatory rite and Lord’s Supper as the continuing rite, the only two observances characteristic to our denomination and that we are also convinced the only two that are clearly taught in Scripture.
I hope I am not missing the heart of your comment, and I may be oversimplifying your point. I pray I am not. And I really do not see David’s hypothetical illustration as an argument on the methodology in observing the Supper; the use of the common loaf.
Rather the illustration is about the unity of God’s people and what makes us Christians. I am a Christian because Jesus made me that way; I am Baptist by conviction. The common loaf or the “one bread” as Paul states (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) exemplifies the unity of all believers, regardless of belief about baptism (and other secondary or tertiary beliefs).
David (volfan007),
The argument is absurd but not for the same reasons you mentioned. David Roger’s point is not, and I will not presume to speak for him, so I hope some of the other Impact guys will help out, to plant churches with those with varying beliefs about baptism, divergent from traditional (albeit correct) views about baptism. I believe his point is to work in friendly cooperation with those evangelical churches and not antagonistically. That is all.
Brother Geoff,
I have been busy today doing pastoral duties and have just returned to the i-net. I do not want to give off an understanding that I do not believe the Lord’s Table should be observed. I believe it should. I believe it is a practice that the Lord left us. However, do I believe it is essential to sanctification? No! Baptism is another subject. Baptism is something that I believe you will find commanded for us to do. Baptism by immersion is something that the Bible teaches, not as a part of salvation, but as a result of salvation.
Brother Tony,
If we take that command to mean what we are arguing then, I believe, you would have to say that a church that does not observe the Lord’s Table is not a New Testament Church. Is that correct?
Blessings,
Tim
Tim,
So are you saying that you believe baptism (as opposed to the Lord’s Supper) is “essential to sanctification?”
Like Tony stated above, I have always understood that the two ordinances that we observe as Southern Baptists are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the “initiatory” rite. The Lord’s Supper is the continuing / discipleship / proclamation rite. I sincerely believe that the Lord’s Supper is something that we were commanded to do.
Brother Tim,
I did not think that you were brushing aside the Lord’s Table, not at all. Above, I referenced Luke 22:19; “Do this in remembrance of Me.” The verb ‘do’ in that sentence is found in the original language in the imperative mood, meaning it is a command.
Then it becomes binding upon the believer to partake of the Lord’s Supper. The questions then become: individually or corporately; how often; and what elements. These are peripheral.
So, in your question I think you snuck (is that a word?) in an assumption about the church and what comprises it. If I take elements and observe communion with the nursing home residents, is that under the auspices of the church? If the Lord’s Supper is observed at the Convention, does it cease to be the Lord’s Supper? (Incidentally the CBF does this at their annual meetings.) Or should it only be observed at the church in a particular geographical locality?
Your question begs another; where in the NT do we see a strict set of what comprises a NT church? I don’t believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only criteria to consider a church a NT church, though to use the phrase “New Testament Church” carries a lot of presuppositions. I don’t think that is necessarily dangerous but we should exhibit caution in it’s use.
I have partaken of the Lord’s Supper by eating wafers and drinking grape juice out of a tiny plastic cup (that is then thrown away) for most of my life (in an SBC church).
When I was introduced to communion with the common loaf and dipping it into a common goblet with juice in it, the difference in the two styles was remarkable.
The one holding the loaf looks into my eyes and tells me “this is the Body of Christ given for you” and I break off a piece of bread. The one holding the goblet looks into my eyes and says,”this is the blood of Christ shed for you” and I dip the bread into the juice and then partake.
The remarkable part was the COMMUNION/connection experienced with my brothers and sisters in the partaking of Christs’ Body and Blood. I NEVER experienced communion this way with the separate crackers and juice cups. It was special to remember Christ and what He did, but the communion as the Body was not felt.
Well, anyway, that’s my experience.
Marie,
What is your church home now? Do you hold to a belief in the “literal” body and blood in the communion, or to a symbolic (Baptist) belief?
I, too, most often use the common loaf and common cup. But I am a bit reluctant to use those exact words because of the misunderstandings of trans- and consubstantiation.
Geoff
I do not hold to the “literal” belief of it really being Christ’s Body and Blood. The reason I used those words was because I was thinking of Christ’s very words in John 6:54,55. We literally partake of Him when we suffer for His Name’s sake. I’m not a scholar – but I do believe it is all connected somehow! And I have experienced the Connection while being served the Bread and Juice. It is too hard to describe. I just don’t know how to.
I am no longer SBC. My husband and I were “retired” from ministry in an SBC church last year and God called him to be a Lifegroup Pastor at a non-denom.
I won’t comment here, if I don’t belong. Please let me know.
Many blessings on you and this blog-site!
Hi Marie,
You are certainly welcome to comment here. Our views may diverge somewhat but that does not preclude you joining in any discussion here.
I think I understand where you are coming from in that there is a very real presence with us during the Supper through the Holy Spirit that helps us to remember the bitterness of Christ’s death as well as the sweetness of forgiveness through Him. The Spirit fosters unity among God’s people and partaking of a common cup and common loaf helps to emphasize the solidarity of believers.
Thanks for commenting and joining in here. God bless you, Marie.
Brother Geoff,
I believe that the Lord’s Table is essential to corporate fellowship. However, I also know churches that have not observed the Lord’s Table in over 5 years. It is done in order to “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” That is the corporate body doing that.
Baptism proclaims in the individual life of the believer the death burial and resurrection. It is a public proclamation of a private change.
Please do not think that I see one ordinance over the other. I believe that you cannot have a NT church if you do not observe both. But Brother David Rogers’ argument seems to be that if we observe the Lord’s Table with wafers and we cooperate, why cannot we cooperate with those that do not baptize as we do? That is the argument that I reject.
Blessings,
Tim
Brother Tony,
I “snuck” in an argument for a reason. :>)
If we say the Lord’s Table is essential for a NT Church, which I believe, then we must say that Baptism by immersion is essential. With Brother David’s “common loaf” argument, I would agree with denominational differences. However, when cooperating with other denominations in church planting I cannot acquiesce to the common loaf theory.
Blessings,
Tim
Sister Marie,
I am not an official here on this blog. I am a visitor and one that disagrees with others here. However, I can assure you from my visits that you will be welcome here. Those on this blog will treat you with respect and they will go out of their way to do so.
Blessings,
Tim
hello Marie, as an official contributor of the blog, let me say you are MOST welcome to comment here. this is for dialoging ways to encourage all Christians toward love and good deeds. The question was posed for clarification only, I’m sure. selahV
Tim Rogers,
These churches that practice The Lord’s Supper every 5 years, are they Alive churches or Dead churches??? The Spirit filled Baptict churches I have attended practice Communion at least Once a month and most practice Communion every Week.
In His Name
Tim,
Do you have any Brothers or Sisters in Christ that are not Baptist? Would you allow Them to have Communion in your church?
2 Question:
In His Name
Marie,
I think you know you are most definitely welcome here! I think you have already told me a bit of your story before in another thread. I only asked about your church and practice out of curiosity. :)
Wayne,
Every week? I’ve never experienced that. I once served in a church where we practiced communion monthly, and it often seemed like a bit of a “tag” on the end of the worship service.
I prefer less frequent observances where they are more of the focus of the worship experience.
Marie,
Geoff lives in rural Kentucky and does not get out much, so he is always asking questions about the big world outside of Cadiz. But mostly he just likes to fish.
Just kidding, buddy.
I know you all will find this interesting: when I was in college I chaperoned a youth retreat with my home church. The new youth pastor there led in communion with the teenagers using Teddy Grahams and Coke. It was a little strange hearing the verse about the body of Christ and then partaking of this little bear with arms, legs, head,etc. I know that creativity is important in worship, but this was a little too creative for me.
I am curious, though, about some of the ways you all take communion in your churches. What do you do to keep this expression fresh and meaningful in the lives of your folks?
Thank you all for being so nice! We ARE one!!!
I just wasn’t sure, that, since I am not SB anymore, you would be interested in my opinions… :)
Yes, Geoff, you had asked me about LifeGroups on one of SelahV’s devotions. I love her devotions!
Blessings!
Brother Wayne,
You have asked me two question, one of which I am not even going to respond to because of the absurdity. Your apparent sarcastic tone in the first question makes me question your reason for the second. However, giving the benefit of the doubt, I will answer the second question.
We practice “close” communion. I inform the congregation before we begin the Lord’s Table that anyone that has been baptized by immersion is welcome to participate. I do not have the Deacons ask for verification before giving out the elements, but we do express the importance of being a baptized believer in partaking of the Lord’s Table.
Brother Roger,
I have those that prepare the table to have a loaf of bread. I will wash my hands in a basin and then say, “As Christ’ body was broken so this loaf represents the broken body of our Lord.” Then as I break the loaf I will place it in the plate of wafers and allow people to choose to break from the loaf or take a wafer.
Blessings,
Tim
Thank you Marie. your affirmation blesses my heart as did your prayer for me. do you have a blog? selahV
Roger,
I think the most unique communion that I have ever led was this past Christmas. I tried to make the visual connection between the newborn Christ who became our sacrifice and redeemer. I placed loaves of bread in a manger along with a bowl of juice. After a devotion and prayer, I invited people to come to the manger and partake. It was the most beautiful, most moving communion that I have ever experienced.
Here is a post post I wrote about it on my blog, with a picture and everything. :)
Tim,
In my area, some interpret “closed communion” as meaning only members of that actual local church. That was the practice of a church where I served previously.
I must admit that I do not communicate the necessity of being baptized by immersion before partaking of communion in my church. I only stress the necessity of a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Now I’m curious about the practices of the churches of our other readers…
Tim Rogers,
The First Lord’s Supper, of which we celebrate, was given to non-baptized apostles.
Why would you deny a Born Again Christian such as Dr. James Kennedy To fellowship at the Lord’s Supper in your church?
In His Name
We practice open communion here at Woodland Creek. All those who are followers of Jesus Christ may partake. For those who are not, we invite them to observe. We most often place tables at the front and back of the sanctuary and offer people a time of self-examination and prayer. When they are ready, they go to a table, are prayed for by a deacon or pastor, and given the bread and juice. I think people especially appreciate being prayed for, though it takes a little longer for the service this way.
Tim Rogers,
My question about the church that only observes the Lord’s Supper every five years was not asked to be smart or anything. I just wonder how a church can Honor Jesus Christ in this manner.
In His Name
The church that we attend, Celebrates the Lord’s Supper each Sunday. The table is guarded by telling everyone by Scripture what the Lord’s Supper is and who should partake and why. People are asked to examine themselves before partaking Communion. All Baptized Believers are invited to partake of the elements. A church we attended before moving here Celebrated Communion each Month in the evening service and follow the same procedure as stated above. Notice was always given the previous Sunday, for a week’s time for self-examination.
In His Name
SelahV, I do not have a blog, but do enjoy interaction with many on their blogs. :)
Geoff, wow, what an awesome inspiration in partaking of the elements – to really focus your congregants on the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ! I love it!
Our own congregation practices having family communion on Christmas Eve. Each family comes forward for a time of prayer with the Pastor. He then serves them the elements and blesses them as a family. This past Christmas was mine and my husband’s first experience with this and it was truly special. Since we were the last ones there, we were privileged to then serve our Pastor and his wife and pray for them. A tremendous blessing!
Brother Tim,
I have to say, I read this comment: I am a visitor and one that disagrees with others here and I laughed out loud. That is too funny! I think I know what you mean; it just didn’t come out quite right. I hope that that isn’t the only reason you visit though, simply to disagree. I hope you find our posts edifying and encouraging.
I may have communicated badly. When I said friendly cooperation, I did not mean that we would plant churches together. What I mean is that when planting a church in a new area that we would work alongside our denominational cousins and not against them.
Everyone,
At Hunting Creek, we practice a closed communion, yet I always explain what I mean by that. I emphasize that only believers can partake and humbly request those that have not made a faith commitment to Christ to please abstain. I encourage visitors to partake regardless of denomination, church membership, or mode of baptism, only that they know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I also make a big, big deal out of any new believers since the previous Lord’s Supper and that it is their first observance.
All,
It is interesting that we all seem to use the terms Open Communion and Closed Communion to mean different things. In my experience Open Communion means open to any follower of Christ and Closed Communion means open only to members of that church or denomination.
I do not know of any evangelical churches that offer communion to those who are not Christ-followers, but in my thinking this would be a grievious error, giving those who partake a false sense of fellowship with a Savior they do not know and have not acknowledged as Lord.
One other note – I hope that those of you who are pastors are taking an opportunity to participate in communion with your families. Periodically I sit with my family and let someone else lead so that I can take communion with my wife and my two boys and explain things to my 5-year-old who has not yet been baptized. This is a tremendous blessing and not only blesses me and my family but reminds our congregation that I am a dad and husband and that they also are priests of the New Covenant!
In reading this post and comments, I was struck by one thought … no one has made the connection to Passover. Perhaps the issue of communion and Lord’s Supper (purpose, position, presence) could be truly answered if we did so.
Passover was celebrated by individual families (or in the case of Jesus the night before He was crucified the spiritual family of Christ). Guests were welcome but it was family driven and led by the father of the home. It was individual, it was autonomous, it was unique.
Just my $0.02.
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