To keep others from His love (part two).

According to many churches there are three basic requirements that a believer must meet to take communion. These are enforced to different degrees within separate congregations. I grabbed the form that labeled these qualifications from one church that tried to deny my participation in the Lord's Supper. It is transcribed below. I am currently working on a letter to send to that church and will post it as installment four of this series when I send it:

Visitor Participation in the Lord's Supper

The elders _____ have the responsibility to supervise participation at the Lord's Table. If you are visiting us today and wish to partake, we must, as much as possible, be assured of your biblical church membership, of your proper profession of faith, and your godly walk. To that end, are you able to answer yes to the following questions:

1. Have you been baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (as an infant or an adult)?
2. Have you publicly professed your faith in Christ alone for your salvation in agreement with the articles of the Christian faith as outlined in the Apostles' Creed?
3. Are you a member in good standing of a Protestant congregation that bears the marks of a true church, that is, a local church wherein governing elders insure that:
a. the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached;
b. the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ are maintained;
c. and church discipline is exercised.

If you are able to affirm these things sincerely, then we welcome you to the table and ask that you print your name below, along with the name of your church and its location.

If you profess faith in Jesus but are disconnected from his church because you have not been baptized and/or received as a member of a true church, or if you are unsure, please abstain and speak with Pastor Brown or an elder after the service to discuss your relationship to Christ's church.