Who is permitted to oversee the Lord’s Supper?

what does the bible say?

The Gospels record Jesus’ instructions concerning the Lord’s Supper, and in 1 Corinthians 11:17–26 Paul corrects the church of Corinth for misusing the observance. However, none of these passages provide instructions on who should and shouldn’t oversee the Lord’s Supper. While the practice was likely led by the apostles and later entrusted to church leaders in the early church (Acts 2:42; Acts 6:1–6), the Bible never gives formal qualifications for an overseer. Instead, the focus is on reverence, unity, and self-examination among believers as they remember Christ’s sacrifice (Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:17–26). Faithfulness in observing Communion comes not from the authority of the person leading it but from hearts centered on Christ, proclaiming His death “until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

from the old testament

• Who is permitted to oversee the Lord’s Supper is not recorded in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

• In a large church such as the first church in Jerusalem (with more than 3,000 people; Acts 2:41, 47), many people were likely involved in overseeing the Lord’s Supper.
• Historically, church leaders were highly involved in the Lord’s Supper, since the apostles would have been the first church leaders to continue the practice. Soon, other leaders would have been required, perhaps including the seven leaders mentioned in Acts 6.
• The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus Christ on the night of His arrest as a practice to be observed by all Christians. In addition to the teachings of Jesus included in the four Gospels, Paul touched on how it should and should not be taken in 1 Corinthians 11:17–26. However, none of these passages mention who can oversee Communion.

implications for today

Through a close look at Scripture, certain guidelines emerge surrounding the Lord’s Supper. Although there are no specifications mentioned on who can oversee it, it is clear that the Lord’s Supper should be led by people who are Christians—non-Christians are not part of the practice of the Lord’s Supper. Also, local church leaders are involved in the decision making about the Lord’s Supper, so if our particular local church only allows elders or deacons to distribute the Lord’s Supper during services, we should be respectful of this decision. The Lord’s Supper is a key part of the church’s life. Believers are to participate in it responsibly, reflecting on one’s life and the Lord’s grace in His sacrifice for us. It should be done as an act of worship. When believers gather and partake in the Lord’s Supper in this way, they truly do so in a worthy manner “in remembrance of Me” as Jesus originally taught. As the apostle Paul said, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Recap

understand

• The Bible does not specify who may oversee the Lord’s Supper.
• Early church leaders likely led communion, but no formal qualifications were recorded.
• The focus is on taking Communion reverently, not on who oversees it.

reflect

• How do you prepare your heart to take the Lord’s Supper in a reverent and worthy manner, regardless of who is overseeing it?
• How can you guard against focusing more on the person leading Communion than on Christ Himself?
• How does remembering that the Lord’s Supper proclaims Christ’s death until He returns shape your attitude during Communion?

engage

• Why might Scripture emphasize the manner of taking the Lord’s Supper rather than defining who must oversee it?
• How can churches maintain reverence and unity in Communion while allowing flexibility in who oversees it?
• How should we respond graciously and biblically to Catholic or other Christian traditions that require a formally ordained position to oversee the Lord’s Supper, while Scripture places the emphasis on the manner of participation rather than the office of the overseer?