"Fencing the table" of Communion allows only eligible individuals to partake of the Communion elements. The spiritual leader(s) of the household must consider his/her basis for making this decision, and it most commonly comes down to one's view of baptism. Do you stress the requirement of the Holy Spirit's baptism or the ceremonial use of water in baptism? 

 

Pastor Mike emphasizes the essential work of the Holy Spirit in the baptism of Christians based on the Apostle Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:13, "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." Jesus also likens this unseen work of the Holy Spirit to the wind: "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). Our role is passive in regard to this baptism, in which it is the Spirit who performs this baptism for all who have believed in Jesus Christ. We are therefore called to share the communion table with "all who did receive him, who believed in his name," which is the determining factor for being a child of God (John 1:12-13).

 

Another widely held view is to serve the Communion elements only to those who have experienced the ceremony of water baptism, which is an unforgettable ceremony conducted by the local church according to its unique customs. At NSCCC, the bylaws of our church states: "An invitation to participate shall be extended to all baptized believers." Whether the baptism is a ceremony with water vs. the work of the Holy Spirit is not specified, so your interpretation will be the deciding factor as you consider how to fence the table. We ask that the spiritual leader in the home think about this ahead of time, and to be prepared to explain your decision to the members of your household during the allotted time on Sunday. For further assistance, please contact Pastor Mike or Elder Kay.