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The Administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist Congregations: A Critical Examination

Abel David Shungwi

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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[2] Bird, M. F. (2016). Evangelical theology: A biblical and systematic introduction. Zondervan.

[3] Brown, C. D. (2014). Celebrating communion: Rediscovering the Lord’s Supper in Baptist life. Baptist History and Heritage Society.

[4] Dever, M. (2012). The church: The gospel made visible. B&H Academic.

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[6] Fee, G. D. (2014). The First Epistle to the Corinthians (New International Commentary on the New Testament). Eerdmans.

[7] Garrett, J. S. (2009). Systematic theology: Biblical, historical, and evangelical (Vol. 2). Eerdmans.

[8] Grenz, S. J. (2005). Theology for the community of God. Eerdmans.

[9] Hammett, J. S. (2020). Biblical foundations for Baptist churches (2nd ed.). Kregel Academic.

[10] Hankins, B. (2010). Baptists and the Lord’s Supper: Historical perspectives in denominational practice. Journal of Baptist Studies, 8(2), 45–67.

[11] Horton, M. (2011). The Christian faith: A systematic theology for pilgrims on the way. Zondervan.

[12] Peterson, E. H. (2010). Practice resurrection: A conversation on growing up in Christ. Eerdmans.

[13] Rayburn, R. B. (2011). The sacraments and the Word of God. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing.

[14] Schnabel, E. J. (2012). Early Christian worship: A biblical and historical introduction. Baker Academic.

[15] Schreiner, T. R. (2018). Faith alone: The doctrine of justification. Zondervan.

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[17] Torbet, R. G. (1979). A history of the Baptists. Judson Press.

[18] Webber, R. E. (2008). Ancient-future worship: Proclaiming and enacting God’s narrative. Baker Academic.

[19] Wellum, S. J. (2016). God the Son incarnate: The doctrine of Christ. Crossway.

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[21] Wills, G. (2017). Democratic religion: Freedom, authority, and church discipline in the Baptist South. Oxford University Press.

[22] Wright, N. T. (2015). Paul and the faithfulness of God. Fortress Press.

How to cite this paper

Abel David Shungwi "The Administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist Congregations: A Critical Examination" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 9 2026 Page 1742-1752
Abel David Shungwi "The Administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist Congregations: A Critical Examination" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 9, Mar. 2026
Abel David Shungwi (2026). The Administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist Congregations: A Critical Examination. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(9).
Abel David Shungwi "The Administration of the Lord's Supper in Baptist Congregations: A Critical Examination" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 9, Mar. 2026.
@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},
  }