Two/three ordinances: baptism, Lord's Supper, foot-washing in some; mode varies
The Church of God (Anderson) practices two primary ordinances (baptism and Lord's Supper) that are understood as symbolic practices through which believers express faith and remember Christ's work. Some congregations also practice foot-washing as an ordinance, seeing in it a symbolic expression of humility and mutual service. These practices are not understood as automatic mediators of grace but as meaningful expressions of faith and commitment.
Baptism is administered to those who have made a profession of faith in Christ and desire to identify publicly with the body of believers. The mode of baptism is not prescribed by the church; individual congregations and believers may practice immersion, sprinkling, or pouring. The Lord's Supper is celebrated as a memorial meal, a time of remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a renewal of covenant commitment to Christ. The church practices an open approach to communion, welcoming all who profess faith in Christ. Foot-washing, where practiced, is understood as an acted parable of Christ's humility and a call to believers to serve one another.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances (not sacraments in formal sense)
- Sacrament count:
- two (or three with foot-washing in some congregations)
- Baptism mode:
- varies by congregation; no single prescribed mode
- Baptism recipients:
- believers; no infant baptism
- Eucharist presence:
- memorial and communal; not transubstantiation
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of God (Anderson) Article VI — Baptism and the Lord's Supper
- Daniel S. Warner, Sermons on Ordinances
- Church of God (Anderson) Statement on Sacraments