What does IPHC teach about the Eucharist?

We believe "Holy Communion," or the "Lord's Supper," which are the terms we usually use rather than Eucharist, commemorates our redemption by Christ's death. It points to Calvary and to the return of Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin and prepares us for His blessed return (Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30). We believe that only Christians should receive but we do not restrict serving it only to those who are members of IPHC. Therefore, we serve "open communion." We do not consider the "bread and cup" to be the literal body of Christ, as does the Roman Catholic Church. That is why we call it an "ordinance" of the church, which is the practice of most Protestant churches. An ordinance is a way of remembering, commemorating, the meaning of Christ's death for us.

Doug Beacham
Executive Director
World Missions Ministries