Eleanor,

"Corporate Worship" is not defined strictly by its elements, as the short blurb from the article Wes gave you. Thus there can be public/corporate worship without baptism or the Lord's Supper being administered. This does NOT mean that these two marks of the church can be totally ignored but that their frequency can vary depending upon circumstances, etc. In your particular situation, I would definitely say that your husband, even though an ordained elder should not administer the Lord's Supper at home just because you don't feel the frequency is often enough. Also in the article, the author made it clear that it is the gathering of God's people at a specific location that is primary and that which sets it apart as true Biblical public/corporate worship IN WHICH the sacraments are to be administered. They are not for private use.

There are exceptions, of course. For example, there may be those who are infirm and cannot attend the public gathering of the saints on the Lord's Day and partake of the Supper. In such situations, usually two elders will make a personal visit to those individuals and administer the Supper to them. But again, such circumstances are the exception and should not be taken as license for private worship.

Lastly, it is the centrality of the Word preached that sets public/corporate worship apart from all other types of gatherings of the saints. In the preaching, God speaks to His own. The Spirit may also call those who are destined to salvation at that time through the preached Word. The Spirit moves among the BODY OF CHRIST, edifying, upbuilding, chiding, convicting, assuring, teaching, etc., etc. through the preaching of the Word.

I hope that helps some? [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/grin.gif" alt="grin" title="grin[/img]

In His Grace,

[Linked Image]

simul iustus et peccator

[Linked Image]