Can children take communion?

In The United Methodist Church, children are welcome to take communion.  It is up to the parents to decide when their child should begin receiving communion.

The official document on baptism, By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism, says about communion, “Because the table at which we gather belongs to the Lord, it should be open to all who respond to Christ’s love, regardless of age or church membership.”

The United Methodist Book of Worship explains, “All who intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are invited to receive the bread and cup.”
(From The United Methodist Book of Worship. Copyright © 1992 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.)

The General Board of Discipleship offers "How Should Parents and the Church Welcome Children to the Lord's Supper?" to help parents and congregations develop appropriate ways to welcome children to the Lord's table.

Learn more about Communion