Towards an African Theology of the Lord’s Supper that is more than a Miracle Meal

The Lord’s Supper is viewed as a miracle meal by African Pentecostals. However, it is suggested that a miracle notion only partly conveys the meaning embedded in the Lord’s Supper. The study adds that the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic ritual that involves spiritual and mystical participation in God’s economy by grace through faith in Jesus Christ in the Spirit. Admission to the Lord’s Supper should be based on faith in Jesus Christ and a preparation process that includes instruction, baptism, confirmation, and regular penitential prayer such as the ‘speaking’. The essay argues that infants can partake in the Lord’s Supper based on the faith of their parents or guardians, while children of responsible age can participate if they go through the confirmation rite. The discussion covers church governance principles and suggests that limiting the covenantal rights of offending members is just insofar as the church remains an ethical institution.