OUR CLOSED COMMUNION POLICY

Click here to go to the closed communion resources page

Every guest and visitor who worships with us at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church is an answer to our prayers.  You are always welcome to join us to hear the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  To give you a better understanding of the faith that we at Saint Paul's confess, we wish to take this opportunity to explain the biblical practice of closed communion.

In keeping with the clear teachings of Holy Scripture and the policy of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, Saint Paul's practices closed communion (sometimes also called close communion).  What we mean by closed communion is that we normally offer the Sacrament of the Altar only to those with whom we agree in all articles of Christian doctrine.  Therefore, except in cases of emergency and pastoral care, we invite only those who are communicant members of congregations that are part of, or in official fellowship with, the LCMS to join us at the Lord's Table.  Visitors from sister congregations who wish to commune are asked to announce themselves to the pastors or ushers prior to the service.  All others are respectfully asked to refrain from taking the Sacrament and encouraged to speak with our pastor about registering for an Adult Instruction Course that will prepare them for a future, informed reception of the Sacrament.

We are aware that many congregations -- including unfortunately some Lutheran ones -- allow essentially unrestricted access to the Sacrament of the Altar.  Open communion has sadly become the norm in the majority of American churches.  This unscriptural practice has come about because we live in an age and society in which significant differences in doctrine are minimized as unimportant.  While it is our desire that all Christians would commune with us, unity in doctrine must come before unity at the altar.  The Bible consistently teaches that God commands His children to remain faithful to His Word.  We here at Saint Paul's desire above all to be true to our Lord's instructions concerning His Supper.  In the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Christ gives us His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith.  By His precious body and blood, which are truly present in, with, and under the earthly elements of bread and wine, our Lord unites Christians with Himself and with one another.  When we bring doctrinal division and disagreement to the Lord's Table, we go against His gracious intent.  In fact, we disrupt the Sacrament to such a degree that those who do not properly discern what they are partaking of actually endanger themselves.  This scriptural warning is something we take very seriously (see 1 Corinthians 11:17-34). 

Be assured that we are not in any way questioning the personal faith or salvation of any brother or sister in Christ.  We realize that our practice of closed communion will offend and hurt some as it seems an inhospitable practice at first glance.  Please understand that we follow this policy in obedience to our Lord's clear commands regarding His Sacrament and to show love and concern for our fellow Christians whom we believe to be in serious error.  We ask that you respect our practice in this matter.

For additional information about closed communion, we invite you to visit our closed communion resources page.  This page contains links to several excellent essays and Bible studies that will help you learn much more about the scriptural basis for the practice of closed communion.  If you have any questions at all, we welcome and encourage you to discuss this with us.  You can also call the office at 410-592-8100 or send us an e-mail.  Thank you and God bless you.

Rev. Dr. Michael Wollman
The Board of Elders of Saint Paul's