The Online Communion Dilemma

In 2013, a group of United Methodist leaders demanded that our bishops call a moratorium on online Communion. They requested in-depth study of online Communion.

In 2015, Dr. Cynthia Wilson was part of one of those studies, led by Bishop Ken Carter. The bishop called about fifteen individuals together at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. The group was mostly made up of academicians. At the end of the two-day large- and small- group discussions, participants were charged with the task of reaching out to and then writing a paper based on those conversations, individual research, and personal thoughts about how the church should respond to the idea of online Communion. In the end, Bishop Carter gathered each person’s paper and created a document that expressed the various opinions and observations. While he did not offer a definitive decision about whether the practice was theologically, biblically, or ecclesiologically acceptable, he did share invaluable wisdom on the topic. The Council of Bishops also revisited the matter in 2015 in preparation for the 2016 General Conference.

Some people are tied to traditional ways of doing church. That would include the two primary rituals of the church. Are there drums or no drums? Pipe organ or Hammond? Traditional hymns, praise choruses, contemporary gospel, or Taizé? Choir or praise team? Passing the offering plate or walking to it? One-hour service, or two, or three? Which rite is right? We might argue that while this debate rages, the church is on life support. And in this current Coronavirus crisis, the debate has risen again with a new urgency.

The Worship Team at Discipleship Ministries has been contemplating the issue of online Communion in response to numerous requests for guidance from pastors and leaders in churches that are unable to meet together for what might become an extended period of time. There doesn’t seem to be much clarity on the matter. We are in an unprecedented time, and the normal rules might not apply.

As you can see, The United Methodist church has been debating online Communion for years. Many have said it shouldn’t happen because the embodiment of the sacrament and physical presence of the community of faith are essential elements. Others disagree and want the sacrament to be as open and accessible as possible. Remembering that Wesley preached that Communion is a saving sacrament and not simply a sustaining one, they argue that it should be offered in as many places and forms as possible.

We can’t presume to give an answer for all time. But it seems that right now, since the body is prevented from meeting together, we need some sort of resolution. We at Discipleship Ministries are suggesting that we begin with the Love Feast.

The Love Feast has historical precedence in the early church and was recaptured by the Wesleys from the Moravians and used frequently in the movement. The Love Feast often substituted for the sacrament where there were no clergy present as a way of experiencing the grace of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of community by sharing together. The Love Feast could easily be done virtually, as folks in their homes can find the elements (usually water and some bread, or crackers or wafers of some sort) and share them with those in the household at the same time as those in the wider online community. (See suggested Worship Order below.)

Some, however, will want to push further and actually offer the sacrament to their communities. This is particularly important as we begin to suspect we might still be prevented from gathering on Easter. The only response in such a difficult situation is, “Let’s be thoughtful about what we are doing.” If it is simply a way of fulfilling some obligation, then is it worth the struggle? If there is a real desire to connect the community through the living presence of Christ in this ancient ritual, then what might be the boundaries we establish?

One consideration: Should this be a live event only? Dr. Weber writes, “The church I attend here in Nashville live-streams its services regularly. Last week, however, it live-streamed only the early service and then recorded it for later use. I tuned in at 11, my usual time for worship. Had it been a Communion Sunday, what would I have done in that moment?” Is there a substantial difference between a live, spoken Great Thanksgiving and a recorded one? Is the consecration only “valid” the first time it is said and heard, or every time the recording is played?

This may seem like splitting hairs to you, because it certainly does to us! But we believe that in having the conversation as widely as possible before engaging in the sacrament, you enhance the experience of it when it does happen. A part of the sacrament has always been the response, whether that is movement to receive or prayers spoken after, or the act of serving one another; there is some sort of response built into the ritual. How can we create space for response online? And does it need to be immediate, or can it come later? Do Facebook comments, texting, and emails to the church count as part of the response?

Some might have clicked on this article hoping for something simple, a yes or no with options suggested. So, how about this: plan for the Love Feast for now. Then when the church can gather again, congregants might be hungrier for the grace of the sacrament. We are fasting from physical presence in this quarantine; maybe we could fast from that ritual as well. Perhaps we can surrender our observance for whatever purpose God might make of it in our lives and in the life of the community.

Yet, Easter without the sacrament seems unthinkable. If we were serving a local church and were faced with an Easter without gathering together, we might be inclined to stretch the point. In which case, we would suggest spending whatever time is available discussing some of the issues raised above with the congregation through whatever means fit your congregation. And then together decide how to celebrate.

Christ is the Host of the table, not us, not you, not the church. Christ can be present in ways we haven’t even imagined yet.

We admit that there are considerations that we haven’t raised in this brief article, and there may be further conversations that need to take place. Feel free to contact us at Discipleship Ministries directly if you want to engage, or check out the conversations on the Facebook groups, UMC Worship Planning, UMC Music, Preaching in the UMC; or have conversations in your circle of colleagues. Our hearts are with you as you seek to serve God’s people in an unusual situation. So, take thou authority.

Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Worship Resources Executive and Director of Liturgical Resources for Discipleship Ministries. Dr. Derek Weber, Director of Preaching Ministries, and Dr. Diana Sanchez-Bushong, Director of Music Ministries.