Close Communion

Our practice of close communion is the historic practice of the church. It is prompted by love, both for God’s Word and God’s people. It does not deny that members of other denominations are Christians.

Rather, it bows the knee to the Bible’s deep concern for doctrinal truth 
(“I urge you, fellow Christians, to take note of those who cause disagreements and cause people to fall from faith by going against the teaching you learned. Turn completely away from them.” — Romans 16:17) 

and the Bible’s witness that doctrinal unity is central to the common reception of this Sacrament
(“They continued to hold firmly to the teaching of the apostles and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers.” — Acts 2:42; “Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for all of us partake of the one loaf.” — 1 Corinthians 10:17; “For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming the Lord's death, until He comes.” — 1 Corinthians 11:26)

For this reason, guests who desire to commune are asked to speak with the pastor before the service.

See also the Brief Statement of 1932. A detailed explanation is at the Bride of Christ page.