How Old Should a Child Be to Take Communion at a Methodist Church?

Methodist parents can determine when a child is old enough to receive Communion.

Methodist churches invite everyone to take Communion regardless of age or membership status. The Communion invitation in the 1999 edition of “The United Methodist Hymnal” states, “Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him.” This invitation does not exclude children of any age, so parents often bring children with them when they take Communion.

All Are Welcomed

The minister reads the Communion invitation, which welcomes all to receive, at the beginning of the Lord’s Supper. The 1992 edition of “The United Methodist Book of Worship” expands on the invitation in the hymnal, explaining that anyone intending to live a Christian life, and their children, are welcome at the table. This includes children of any age and individuals from any denomination, or no denomination, who call themselves Christian. The United Methodist website states that the church takes this position because, in Mark 10:14-15, Jesus welcomed children, forbidding his disciples to keep the children away.

Children and Understanding

A young child doesn’t understand all of the symbolism or spiritual significance of Communion, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn't have access to the Communion table, states the United Methodist website. As children mature, their understanding will increase and the sacrament will take on more significance and meaning. If the child decides not to take the bread and juice when he reaches the Communion table, he returns to his seat with his parents. No attempt is made to encourage or discourage participation.

Parental Choice

The United Methodist Church allows parents to determine when a child is old enough to participate in Communion. While young children might be in the nursery during the service, children in kindergarten and older often attend church with their parents. Parents can explain Communion to their children prior to the service or on the way home. A parent might bring a child to the Communion table to avoid leaving the child alone when she goes forward for Communion or to avoid not taking Communion simply so she can remain with the child.

Confirmation Class

Sometimes during the middle school years, children raised in the church are invited to attend Confirmation Class to become members of the church. At Confirmation Class, kids learn about sacraments such as Communion and Baptism. Your child can ask the pastor or Class teacher questions about Communion to gain a better understanding of the sacrament than she had as a young child. If a child has not had Communion prior to the end of Confirmation Class, she will receive it after she completes the Class.

References

• The United Methodist Hymnal; United Methodist Publishing House.
• United Methodist Church: Can Children Take Communion?
• United Methodist Church: United Methodists and Communion: Some Questions and Answers
• Bible Gateway: Mark 10:14-15
• United Methodist Church: Confirmation -- Overview