Previous to 1970 most Lutheran congregations did not communion children until after they were confirmed around age 14. Then many started moving first communion to about age 10, which was the ELCA accepted practice in 1989. After years of study and conversation, in 1997 the ELCA issued a new First Communion guideline as part of a larger document on the centrality of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion in the life of faith. This document lifts up a biblically based Lutheran understanding of the Sacraments intended to help us avoid a “legalistic” and “mechanical” approach to how parents, pastors, and congregations raise up our children in the Christian faith. Regarding Holy Communion the statement recognizes that:
At Faith Lutheran we have a large variety of practice in children communing. Parents play the major role in discerning the readiness of their children. Parents can also play a guiding role in preparing their children to come to the table.
The following questions can help you determine the readiness of you and your child to receive their first Holy Communion:
Some children seem ready at a very early age to participate, while others may not be interested until they are older. Some also decide to only receive the bread, which is quite appropriate too. The Pastor is willing to help parents in the discernment process.