According to a new survey conducted by LifewayResearch, 96% of Southern Baptist (SB) churches have more inclusive communion practices than are allowed by their denomination’s faith statement. The latest edition (200o) of the Baptist Faith and Message Statement lists baptism and church membership as prerequisites for Communion / Lord’s Supper / Eucharist. According to the survey, 96% of SB allow non-members to participate and 65% allow those who have not been baptized to participate.
So What?
The Southern Baptist Convention is not a denomination that legislates what local congregations must do when it comes to ordinances/sacraments. Nonetheless, when a significant element of a denomination’s primary statement of faith is fully practiced in only 4% of local churches one must begin to question not only that statement of faith but the role of denomination more generally.
- Who is welcome to participate in Communion / Lord’s Supper / Eucharist in your congregation? Does the list of those who are eligible match the position of your denomination? If not, explain the variance. Do you know why such a variance exists?
- List all denominational positions, recommendations, faith statements, policies or practices you find intolerable. How many of these impact you personally? Have any led you to consider ending your affiliation with a congregation?