This course is designed to provide both a theological foundation for and a practical method for observing the two ordinances of the church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The approach in this course comes from a Baptist perspective and will be helpful to members of churches who wish to understand the ordinances better. New pastors and church planters may particularly benefit from the practical components of this course as they conduct baptisms and administer the Lord’s Supper for their first time.

The Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership exists to equip and encourage pastors to lead healthy, disciple-making churches for the glory of God around the world. The Center represents an intentional bridge between the seminary and the local church, offering assistance, resources, and training to SEBTS students, as well as to pastors and churches, to further equip them to serve well in the crucible of real life ministry.

For questions or more information, please email [email protected] or visit their website at http://pastorscenter.sebts.edu/

Drs. John Ewart, Stephen Eccher, and Keith Whitfield come together to discuss the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and how it is carried out in various ways. Topics that will be discussed include: 1) the biblical and theological foundations of the Lord’s Supper, 2) a historical understanding of the Lord’s Supper, and 3) some practical advice for those new to ministry in regards to the Lord’s Supper. This panel is rich with theological training and pastoral advice.

• How is the Lord’s Supper connected to Passover?
• What are some key passages that deal with the Supper?
• What is transubstantiation, consubstantiation?

Drs. John Ewart, Stephen Eccher, and Keith Whitfield come together to further discuss the Lord’s Supper – this time, the practical aspects of the ordinance. Discussion includes 1) frequency of the Lord’s Supper, 2) the administering of the Lord’s Supper, and 3) who should take the Lord’s Supper? This practical conversation addresses many of the key questions pastors face on the administration of this ordinance.

• How often is appropriate to take the Lord’s Supper?
• Who can officiate over the Supper? Who can partake of the Supper?
• What is closed/close/open communion?

Drs. John Ewart, Randy Mann, Keith Harper, and Chuck Quarles discuss the biblical and theological foundations of baptism. In this video, many topics will be discussed: 1) who is a proper candidate for baptism?, 2) the biblical and theological foundations for baptism, 3) a historical look at baptism, and 3) does baptism dispense God’s grace?

• Who should be baptized?
• What does the Greek word, baptizo, mean?
• Does baptism dispense God’s grace? Why or why not?
• How does Paul’s language in 1 Corinthians 10 contribute to this discussion?

Drs. John Ewart, Randy Mann, Keith Harper, and Chuck Quarles discuss the vital conversations that need to be had before baptism. Much pastoral wisdom can be gleaned in this rich discussion.

• What are some good practices for a pastor in regard to pre-baptism counsel?
• What do you do when a former Methodist wants to join your church, yet they hold strongly to their former baptism?
• What are some good ways to shepherd children through salvation/baptism?

Drs. John Ewart, Randy Mann, Keith Harper, and Chuck Quarles tackle the practical issues and questions regarding baptism. After watching the discussion video, a demonstration video will provide a step-by-step guide for conducting a baptism.

• Who is eligible to baptize?
• Should baptism always be in the sanctuary, in the presence of a covenanted body?