One class that I truly enjoy teaching is First Communion. I get together with parents and their elementary children for three sessions to learn about the history, theology and blessings that come with this sacrament.
Generally, parents and children are together. However, for the first session, I take the parents alone and administer a three page, no looking, no talking test. For about ten minutes, there is silence in the room as they scribble down answers and mutter, "I should have paid more attention at confirmation classes."
The test is just a fun way (at least from my perspective) to teach a lot of information in a short period of time. If the parents are going to be the primary faith advisors for their children, then we need to make sure that we are all on the same page.
The fun part comes when the questions arise. With so many people coming from a variety of backgrounds, our understanding of baptism and communion is not always in unison. Here are some of the questions. . .
Can I receive communion in a Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian church?
What is the appropriate age to receive communion?
How often should we celebrate communion?
My friend is an unbeliever. If I secretly baptize my friend's child in the bathroom, is that child baptized?
Go ahead. . .take a stab. Which question do you want to tackle?
Peace,
Pastor Scott
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