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Four Steps to Including Children at the Lord's Supper
(Recommended by Synod 1995 of the Christian Reformed Church)

Step 1: The child expresses interest in participating in the Lord's Supper to his/her parent(s) or perhaps to a church school teacher or another faith mentor within the church.

Step 2: The parent(s) discusses with the child the meaning of the sacrament and assesses the child's motivation for participating. Convinced that this inquiry arises from a genuine stirring of the Spirit in the child's heart, the parent(s) contacts an elder and/or pastor.

Step 3: The elder and/or pastor meets with the child and parent(s) to hear the testimony of the child with respect to his/her faith and desire to participate in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The child should then participate in a short process of preparation for profession of faith; this process could be guided by a pastor, elder, church school teacher, or faith mentor. The learning should focus on the nature and meaning of the sacrament and on a basic explication of the Apostles' Creed, Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer; and will be carried out at the cognitive level appropriate to the child.

When satisfied with the faith commitment of the child, the elder and/or pastor will recommend to the council that this child be admitted to the table of the Lord. If the elder or pastor is unable to make such a recommendation, he/she will provide clear counsel and advice to the child and parent(s) on how to address the area(s) of concern. It may also be helpful to assign an adult faith mentor to nurture a child toward full adult responsibilities in the church after he/she is recommended for profession of faith.

Step 4: The child makes a public profession of faith in a simple and appropriate manner during a regular worship service. Since baptism is commemorated during a worship service, the appropriation of the baptismal promises should also be celebrated during a public worship service. Furthermore, a regular worship setting offers an opportunity for the people of God to celebrate a child's first communion and to make public promises of support.