Dilemma: Should I Observe the Lord’s Supper at a Christian Conference?

I squirmed in my seat. I was in Albania for a conference for the accreditation of theological schools around the world. The conference’s moderator announced the week’s culminating service–a communion service together. He rejoiced at many believers from across the planet and from diverse denominations gathering around a single table in a final show of unity. I did not see this coming. Was it wrong that I felt so uncomfortable?

A couple months later, the scene repeated itself at a stateside conference. Once again, many countries were represented though the doctrinal beliefs were much more aligned than they had been in Albania. Still, I was not sure if this is what Christ intended when He instituted the ordinance.

Should I partake of the Lord’s Supper at a Christian conference? What does the Bible–not tradition or my own person experience–say?

Biblical Passages about the Lord’s Supper

Founding of the Lord’s Supper

Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper before the church age began (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). He instructed the twelve apostles to gather, break the bread, and drink the cup until He returns. After His resurrection, Jesus commanded these same men to go and make disciples after the Holy Spirit came upon them. When the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, this launched the church age.

Pattern of Observance in the Early Church

As the apostles established the first church at Jerusalem, the Lord’s Supper took a prominent role. Acts 2:42–46 describes four central activities: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread [the Lord’s Supper], and in prayers.” It describes these new believers in Christ as “daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house.” Since church buildings were a later development, the early church observed communion wherever the church met, including houses.

By Acts 20 as the gospel spread to Europe and beyond, observing the Lord’s Supper had become a weekly occurrence. Acts 20:7 states, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread.” As at Jerusalem, this observance was at the gathering of the local church.

Teaching on the Lord’s Supper in the Epistles

The only specific mention of the Lord’s Supper in the epistles is in 1 Corinthians 10–11. Here, we find instructions about how to observe communion respectfully and worthily. The context once again is the local church. Though the passage does not clearly indicate who should officiate the observance of communion, Paul expects that all should be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 11:33–34). However, the emphasis is on each individual believer before God seriously considering both the meaning and manner of observing the Lord’s Supper. Whether or not to partake is left to the individual believer rather than the leadership of the church.

Taken together, the Scriptures provide instructions for the Lord’s Supper. In every case, the context is the local church. No passage forbids its observance elsewhere, but there is no parallel for today’s Christian conference setting.

Meaning and Significance of the Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Jesus’ death on the cross for us. Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24 ). Those who observe this ordinance gather in unity around one table, confessing faith in one Savior and looking forward to His return. In the context of the local church, this is an especially meaningful reminder of the centrality of Christ and the commonality we have serving Him together. It reflects the close relationships we have as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Can this meaning and significance be maintained in conferences and meetings beyond the local church? Personally, I am not sure. I am also uncertain whether I can condone or should condemn this practice. However, from the Scriptural data, the Lord’s Supper appears to be intended for the local church.

Questions to Consider Before Partaking in a Conference Setting

Since the Bible does not directly address this question, perhaps the following questions can help us to evaluate whether or not to participate in the Lord’s Supper at a Christian conference.

1. Why are we doing this here and now? Is it truly to remember Christ, or is it to make a statement about how multicultural the gathering is? Are we just trying to have a moment or experience a feeling together? Is Christ truly at the center of this observance of HIS supper?
2. With whom am I declaring my unity? Do I even know if we believe the same doctrines? Do we agree on the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper? Are we all believing the same biblical gospel? (Galatians 1:6–10)
3. How is the Lord’s Supper being conducted? The warnings in 1 Corinthians 11 are quite serious (1 Corinthians 11:29). Is this ordinance being given the proper respect as a memorial of Christ’s death? Has the conference made the Lord’s Supper into some kind of event rather than a remembrance?
4. Who is leading the observance? The Bible does not directly command that the Lord’s Supper must be administered by an ordained pastor, though this is a strong tradition in many churches based on more general passages about church oversight (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Acts 20:28). Still, why was this person at the conference chosen to officiate the Lord’s Supper? Is this some kind of power play?
5. Would participating violate my conscience? If I truly believe the Lord’s Supper is only for the local church, can I set that conviction aside for this gathering without violating my own conscience before God? (Romans 14:23)
6. Who am I trying to please? Am I being caught up in the worship music, the energy of the room, or the magnetism of a compelling speaker? Am I taking the elements because declining would feel awkward, isolating, or like I’m the only one raising my hand to abstain?

Conclusion: Glorify God in All

Finally, wherever we land on this question, we should all agree that Christ must be central in every observance of the Lord’s Supper. We are to remember Him, His sacrifice, and His return. All must be to His glory.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).