Our Sacraments
e encounter God through the sacraments of the church, which touch lives at important times and places. Sacraments bring God’s grace, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the example of the life of Jesus Christ together with one’s personal commitment of faith. Through the sacraments, we discover the presence of God everywhere and realize that all life is sacred.
These encounters point to God’s loving desire to bring all people to peace, wholeness, and right relationships with one another and the Divine, which is the meaning of salvation. The sacraments refresh, renew, and challenge us to continue on Christ’s mission, our mission, for the sake of all creation.
Community of Christ has eight sacraments, most of which are celebrated in worship experiences at appropriate times.
Baptism
Jesus began his work by asking to be baptized (Matthew 3:13–17). Baptism is a public act announcing you are choosing to follow Jesus Christ with all of your heart, might, mind, and strength. It is a decision that marks a significant point in recognizing God’s initiative in your life, turning toward God, and entering a covenant relationship to the community of disciples and God.
In baptism, we are immersed in water to symbolize death to sin and raised from the water to begin a new life. Paul, an early convert to Christianity, wrote how baptism symbolizes a complete following of Jesus and a dramatic change of life: “When you were buried with him in baptism you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God” (Colossians 2:12 NRSV).
People old enough to make their own decision may be baptized in Community of Christ. This is considered the age of 8 and older. Baptism represents a first step toward membership in Community of Christ.
Confirmation
As Jesus comes out of the water (Matthew 3:13–17), the Holy Spirit, represented as a dove, descends on him. As followers of Jesus, we are baptized of water and the Holy Spirit. Following baptism of water, new disciples take part in the sacrament of confirmation. It “confirms” membership in Community of Christ, and affirms the Holy Spirit’s continued blessing for each disciple.
In the sacrament of confirmation, elders place their hands on the head of the new disciple, and one elder offers a special prayer. The prayer of confirmation seeks God’s blessing to help new members grow in their covenant and generously share their giftedness in support of the church’s mission. The commitment made through baptism and confirmation is active “discipleship expressed through covenant with God and others in sacred community” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:2d). Confirmation helps weave people into the fabric of community—both congregation and worldwide church—so they can grow in discipleship.
Blessing of Children
Following the example of Jesus, parents can bring their little children to ministers of the church for a prayer of blessing.
During this sacrament, two ministers lay their hands on the child and offer a prayer asking God to bless the child and the family. Parents, siblings, or other family members often gather around the child and ministers during the prayer. The congregation shares in the commitment to support the spiritual and physical growth of the child.
This sacrament is usually celebrated in a regular worship service and is available to all regardless of membership.
The Lord’s Supper (Communion)
We practice open communion. All are welcome to partake of communion. We invite all who choose to participate to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.
Community of Christ welcomes all to the table regardless of religion, creed, membership, or expression.
Laying on of Hands for the Sick
Any person who is sick or faces spiritual or emotional challenges may ask for a special prayer of blessing.
During this sacrament, ministers of the church lay their hands on the head of the person and anoint the person with a drop of consecrated oil. The oil symbolizes the love of God. The ministers then offer a prayer asking for God’s blessing in the person’s unique situation.
The sacrament is usually performed in the privacy of a home, hospital room, or quiet area of the church. It is available to all regardless of membership.
Marriage
The sacrament of marriage celebrates a couple’s sacred covenant to lifelong commitment in the presence of God and with the church as witness.
In Community of Christ, marriage is much more than a legal arrangement. The relationship is to be rooted in the principles of Christ-like love, mutual respect, responsibility, justice, covenant, and faithfulness. The couple pledges to live in mutual love that seeks to make real the love and compassion of Christ.
Community of Christ ministers can perform this sacrament for anyone, regardless of membership, as long as local laws governing marriage are followed.
Ordination
All are called to live out Christ’s mission, but some people are called and ordained to provide ministry and share the good news of Jesus Christ in particular ways.
In an ordination, priesthood members lay hands on the person’s head and offer a prayer asking for God’s blessing through the ministry of the candidate. The ordained person covenants to follow the Living Christ through continued development of spiritual practices, invitation, mission, lifestyle, generosity, education, and other servant ministry principles.
In Community of Christ both men and women can be ordained.
Evangelist Blessing
The evangelist blessing is a special prayer of blessing. It provides words of thanksgiving, assurance, and counsel. When the time comes for the blessing, after several months of spiritual preparation guided by the evangelist who will provide the evangelist blessing, the Evangelist places his or her hands on the head of the person and offers a special prayer of blessing.
A printed copy of the prayer is given to the person after the sacrament. Individuals are encouraged to reread the prayer throughout their lives for guidance and assurance. The sacrament of evangelist blessing is available to all who are at least eight years old.