During its meeting at Trinity Christian College, June 12-17, 2010, the Synod of the CRC approved the following guiding principle for the Faith Formation Committee in its work, but also a guide for all local congregations:
All baptized members who come with age- and ability-appropriate faith in Jesus Christ are welcome to the Lord’s Table and called to obey the scriptural commands about participation (e.g. to “examine themselves,” to “discern the body,” to “proclaim the Lord’s death,” to “wait for others”) in an age- and ability-appropriate way, under the supervision of the elders. The elders have responsibility to nurture in the congregation grateful and obedient participation through encouragement, instruction and accountability.
The following statements clarify the guiding principle above:
a. A formal public Profession of Faith prior to participation in the Lord’s Supper is not required by Scripture or the confessions.
b. A formal public Profession of Faith is a vital practice for faith formation and is one pastoral approach to consider prior to participation in the Lord’s Supper.
c. Professing faith regularly in and outside of corporate worship is a natural practice for lifelong faith formation which the church should encourage, enhance and express.
I’m interested in hearing how this strikes you. How will it help you in ministry in your congregation? What concerns do you have?
