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The Administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist Congregations: A Critical Examination
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Christian Theology & Church Practices
Abstract
This study examines the administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist congregations, focusing on theological and practical implications. The sacrament is vital in Baptist worship, symbolising Christ's body and blood. Baptist congregations vary in observing the Lord's Supper, with differences in frequency and mode of administration. This paper explores these variations, considering bread and wine usage, ordained ministers' roles, and congregation participation. Theological underpinnings are examined, highlighting Reformed theology and Baptist distinctives. Through qualitative analysis of literature and group discussions with Baptist ministers, church members, key themes emerge: ecclesiology, sacramentology, and pastoral care. Findings by the study show Baptist congregations prioritise the Lord's Supper for spiritual nourishment and community building, balancing tradition and contemporary practice. This research highlights the need for Baptist congregations to re-examine Eucharistic practices, balancing theology with context. It contributes to discussions on Baptist worship and sacramental theology, offering understanding for ministers, theologians, and congregation members.
Keywords
Administration, Baptist, Congregations, Critical Examination, Lord's Supper
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1715337,
author = {Abel David Shungwi},
title = {The Administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist Congregations: A Critical Examination},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {9},
pages = {1742-1752},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1715337.pdf},
abstract = {This study examines the administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist congregations, focusing on theological and practical implications. The sacrament is vital in Baptist worship, symbolising Christ's body and blood. Baptist congregations vary in observing the Lord's Supper, with differences in frequency and mode of administration. This paper explores these variations, considering bread and wine usage, ordained ministers' roles, and congregation participation. Theological underpinnings are examined, highlighting Reformed theology and Baptist distinctives. Through qualitative analysis of literature and group discussions with Baptist ministers, church members, key themes emerge: ecclesiology, sacramentology, and pastoral care. Findings by the study show Baptist congregations prioritise the Lord's Supper for spiritual nourishment and community building, balancing tradition and contemporary practice. This research highlights the need for Baptist congregations to re-examine Eucharistic practices, balancing theology with context. It contributes to discussions on Baptist worship and sacramental theology, offering understanding for ministers, theologians, and congregation members.},
keywords = {Administration, Baptist, Congregations, Critical Examination, Lord's Supper},
month = {March},
}