Two ordinances: baptism by immersion and Holy Communion; anointing for healing also
The RCCG recognizes two primary ordinances (or sacraments): Water Baptism and Holy Communion. These are understood as obedience to Christ's commands and as symbolic commemorations rather than as sacramental means of grace in the Catholic/Orthodox sense. Baptism by immersion is administered to those who have made a personal commitment to Christ, expressing the burial of the old self and the resurrection to new life. Baptism is not understood as regenerative (salvation is through faith, not baptism), but as a public testimony of faith and identification with Christ.
Holy Communion (or the Lord's Supper) is celebrated regularly in RCCG parishes and is understood as a memorial of Christ's death and a means of spiritual communion with Christ and the church. The RCCG does not teach transubstantiation or sacramental real presence. Additionally, the church practices anointing with oil for healing and prayer for the sick, understanding anointing as a means of invoking God's healing power and as a tangible expression of faith for divine healing. This practice connects to the church's emphasis on divine healing as part of Christ's atonement.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- ordinances (not sacraments)
- Sacrament count:
- two — baptism and communion (plus anointing)
- Baptism mode:
- immersion
- Baptism recipients:
- believers only (believers' baptism)
- Eucharist presence:
- memorial view; spiritual communion; no transubstantiation
Scripture References
Sources
- RCCG Constitution and Doctrine Manual
- RCCG Pastoral Guidelines
- Enoch Adeboye, teachings on ordinances