Two ordinances; baptismal mode and subjects debated; Lord's Supper as memorial
The EFCA practices two ordinances: baptism and the Lord's Supper. These are understood as symbolic acts of obedience and testimony rather than as sacraments that convey saving grace. The language of 'ordinance' reflects the evangelical emphasis on these rites as acts commanded by Christ that publicly declare an inner spiritual reality.
Baptism is one of the areas where the EFCA deliberately allows doctrinal freedom. The denomination does not mandate either believer's baptism or infant baptism, or a particular mode (immersion, sprinkling, or pouring). Individual EFCA churches make their own decisions on baptismal practice. This flexibility is unusual among conservative evangelical denominations and reflects the EFCA's commitment to maintaining fellowship across this secondary doctrinal divide. The 2008 Statement of Faith affirms baptism as a 'public testimony of identification with Christ' without specifying mode or subjects.
The Lord's Supper is observed as a memorial and proclamation of Christ's death. The EFCA holds a symbolic or memorialist view: the bread and cup represent Christ's body and blood but do not become them. Transubstantiation and consubstantiation are rejected. Frequency of the Lord's Supper varies among EFCA congregations, as local churches determine their own worship practices.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances
- Sacrament count:
- two (Baptism and Lord's Supper)
- Baptism mode:
- immersion (preferred); any mode accepted in most churches
- Baptism recipients:
- believers only
- Eucharist presence:
- symbolic memorial
Scripture References
Sources
- EFCA Statement of Faith (2008), Article 8: The Church; EFCA position paper on baptism