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But Christians are never told to repeat "words of institution" before partaking of the Lord's Supper, and to think that repeating a certain set of words somehow invokes the presence of Christ in the observance of the sacrament is superstitious.


It is not our repeating the words of institution that invokes the presence of Christ but His word alone and the promise in His word. In your ideal communion service, what words or prayers (if any) would immediately precede the distribution and reception of the body and blood of Christ? Do you have any suggestions for changes to the baptismal formula in Matt. 28:18-20?

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Even if I were to concede that "stewards" refers only to ordained elders, and that "mysteries" includes baptism and the Lord's Supper (I'm unsure), I think you could not show that oversight of the administering of the sacrament by others, rather than active participation in administering them, is not being a "steward of the mysteries" (if that is what you believe).

It is a poor steward who delegates his duties to others.

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And I'm not sure how you are defining a "called minister" but I do believe that the Word of God ought to be continually preached and the lambs of Christ baptized regardless of the presence or absence of church officers. However, I don't see any biblical justification for refraining from observing the Lord's Supper in the same situation.

"This do" includes the active participation of a steward whom Christ has chosen to administer His Supper.