Open Communion

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Disciples History Moment for April 13, 2025

When were you last examined by a group of elders as to whether or not you understood the Apostles Creed and were able to give testimony to your conversion and faith walk, in order to determine if you were worthy to receive the Lord’s Supper?

This was the requirement of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in April of 1809. Alexander Campbell was in Scotland at that time, and, after he gave answers to the above questions and was approved, he then received the small lead token from the elders that would permit him to receive communion. This lead token, stamped by each Presbytery, was required for a person to present at the communion service in order to receive the bread and the wine from the Lord’s Supper.

Campbell struggled with the requirement. He had come to believe it was unbiblical, and he was repelled by the idea of other men deciding whether or not he, or anyone else, was “worthy” to come to the Table. How can they “judge” my faith, he asked himself? Finally, on the night of the communion service, he waited to take the elements. When the plate came to him to drop in his token which showed he had passed the test of the elders and could receive communion, he did so, but then left without taking communion.

This act signified Campbell’s separation from the Presbyterian church system and acceptance of  the less rigid Congregational system which we, as Disciples, have today. We do not test a person’s faith, and no one can determine if someone is worthy to receive the gifts of God at the Lord’s Table.

We, as Disciples, “Welcome all . . . And exclude none.”    

Rev. Kevin K. Adams