What has been written on page 23 of the September Issue of The Lutheran Witness contains an improper question and a wrong answer to the improper question.
As to the answer given, Luther and Chemnitz are quoted as stating that he practice of a pastor communing himself within the Divine Service of a congregation is permissible. One would hope that would have answered the question.
The biblical, confessional, and preferred practice would be for the one who is the called and ordained servant of the Word to administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to all communicants of the congregation, himself included. The man holds the Office of Ministry instituted by Christ, and it is in, with, and under that office that the man who is the pastor receives the body and blood of the Lord.
Rev. Joseph M. Brennan
Arvada, Colo.
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