Close Communion
Close (or “closed”) Communion is the practice of serving Holy Communion to those for whom Christ intended it – namely, to those who have been instructed in the Christian faith, who are able and willing to “examine themselves,” and who share a common faith and confession. 

St. Paul writes, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).  

While Christ intended this sacred meal to bring only blessing to those who partake, Paul’s words make it clear that this Sacrament (Sacrament is a sacred or holy Christian act or rite), if misused, can be spiritually harmful.  In love, therefore, he urges us to examine ourselves before approaching the Lord’s Table.  We examine ourselves by asking questions:

1. Are we sorry for our sins? (Psalms 38:18; II Corinthians 7:10)
2. Do we trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin? (II Corinthians 13:5)
3. Do we believe that we receive Jesus’ body and blood in the Sacrament? (Luke 22:19-20)
4. Do we desire, with the Holy Spirit’s help, to change our sinful lives? (Ephesians 4:22-24)

The Church speaks in love through this way to keep people from possible harm, seeking to lead them to receive the body and blood in a way that blesses them. 

The meal and the celebration of the Lord offering us His body and blood has several names:

• The Breaking of Bread – This description is from Acts 2:42 and is the oldest name for the Sacrament.
• Holy Communion – This is derived from 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. We believe that in this Sacrament we are united with Christ and all Christians through the sharing of Jesus’ body and blood.
• The Eucharist – This word comes from the Greek word meaning, “thanksgiving.” The Gospels record Jesus as giving thanks at the last supper. (Matthew 26:26-27; Mark 14:22-23; Luke 22:17-19)
• The Last Supper – Scripture in the Gospels records this meal as the last supper that Jesus shares with the disciples. (Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-20)
• The Lord’s Supper – Using these words, we acknowledge that the meal is not of human origin, but has been instituted and given as a gift by God.
• Sacrament of the Altar – This name describes the location where the meal is celebrated.

In conclusion, we practice close communion because Scripture teaches us to welcome to this Sacrament all those who are properly prepared; to hold in high esteem this sacred meal for sinners; to examine ourselves before partaking of Jesus’ body and blood; to recognize the Lord’s Supper as a proclamation of the Gospel; and to show Christ’s love and concern for all who desire to commune.