Many denominations take communion quite seriously, in this Lutherans are not exceptional. LCMS doctrine allows communion to LCMS members only (there are exceptions requiring meeting with the pastor beforehand), I don't know about other synods.
However I must take issue with the claim for the reason (that if someone takes communion "wrong" they are going to hell), that's not doctrinal in any Lutheran church as far as I know. The idea is to make sure the Church handles communion responsibly, by insuring the communicant fully understands the significance of it.
The practice also extends to the Presbyterian (PCA) church I attend; the pastor prepares the congregation the week before communion by reminding us to search our hearts, repent, make amends, pray and commune with God. The next Sunday he teaches about the doctrine of "fencing" the communion table, warning against taking communion when indulging in unrepentant sin. For example, if someone is cheating on a spouse and has every intention of continuing to do so, or leading some kind of double life with no effort to change, that sort of thing, they should clean up their act before accepting communion. But if a person is struggling with sin (as we all are to varying degrees) and making an effort, they are encouraged to partake and welcomed to the Table.
In this regard, the two denominations are close in doctrine and practice, the only difference being the decision as to whether any professing Christian or only members may commune is left up to individual PCA churches.
This is interesting:
From the PCA Book of Church Order,
Ch. 58-2. The ignorant and scandalous are not to be admitted to the Lord's Supper.
However I must take issue with the claim for the reason (that if someone takes communion "wrong" they are going to hell), that's not doctrinal in any Lutheran church as far as I know. The idea is to make sure the Church handles communion responsibly, by insuring the communicant fully understands the significance of it.
The practice also extends to the Presbyterian (PCA) church I attend; the pastor prepares the congregation the week before communion by reminding us to search our hearts, repent, make amends, pray and commune with God. The next Sunday he teaches about the doctrine of "fencing" the communion table, warning against taking communion when indulging in unrepentant sin. For example, if someone is cheating on a spouse and has every intention of continuing to do so, or leading some kind of double life with no effort to change, that sort of thing, they should clean up their act before accepting communion. But if a person is struggling with sin (as we all are to varying degrees) and making an effort, they are encouraged to partake and welcomed to the Table.
In this regard, the two denominations are close in doctrine and practice, the only difference being the decision as to whether any professing Christian or only members may commune is left up to individual PCA churches.
This is interesting:
From the PCA Book of Church Order,
Ch. 58-2. The ignorant and scandalous are not to be admitted to the Lord's Supper.
