Frequency of Taking Communion

Dr. Couch, what is the frequency of taking communion? ANSWER: The main passage dealing with this is found in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. While the early church took communion once a week there was no frequency commanded in the NT. Because it was abused probably proves that they were taking communion too often and it became commonplace. Communion was not efficacious for salvation. It was a memorial or a "remembrance," so Christ said (vv. 24-25; Matt. 26:26-28). A command was given for taking the Lord's supper but the frequency was not stated. Note: "As often as you eat this bread ..." (v. 26), and, "When you come together to eat ..." (v. 33). The Corinthian church made the communion a time just to eat or have a banquet. They abused the Lord's table. Paul said they came to eat "for the worse" and not for the better (v. 17). They were supposed to be eating and drinking in their own houses before they came to church and partook in the communion. The communion became simply a meal time for many. Paul said because of this, "you despise the church of God, and shame those who have nothing," that is, because some were poor and had no food to eat with everyone else (v. 22). Thus, Paul said, "I could not praise you" (v. 22). He adds that the church was defaming the communion table and were not showing respect to Christ's sacrifice when they came together. Many simply had an orgy (vv. 27-32), "becoming drunk" (v. 21). The church was taking the communion as a supper and in an "unworthy manner" becoming guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord (v. 27). This is not a problem today in our churches but thinking that the Lord's table somehow adds to salvation is a problem. Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch (11/10)