My pastor believes there is ultimately only one thing he can do for the souls entrusted to his care. He can be faithful to preach the Word and offer the Sacraments.
Nothing — not one thing — will do more for me or any other member of my church family. Nothing but the Wisdom of the Word, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the Body and Blood of the Savior Jesus Christ will carry us on this earthly journey to our heavenly home.
But, when my pastor started offering the Lord’s Supper not just twice a month, but every Sunday, the complaining began. Stubbornness set in. Attendance dropped. Those who guard the finances began to worry. My pastor didn’t suggest the change because he’s enamored by the power of authority, but because he’s under authority. He opened God’s Book. In adult class and a series of sermons, he spoke God’s Word of instruction. He explained the illness of sin and the Source of forgivness, healing, and strength. Then, with faith in the Great Physician, my pastor stopped the practice of withholding medicine — saving it only for this Sunday or that — and started offering it every Sunday. There, at the Lord’s Table, I am reminded that I’m forgiven and do not have to carry the burden of my sin baggage. I am strengthened for the week’s battle against satan, the world, and my own sinful self. I am filled for a week of worshiping God by serving others.
So, here is my pastor faithfully preparing the Lord’s Table every Sunday for us. For a sick, burdened, and weary flock. With arms open, he speaks The Word: Come! Here is Christ… “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” But, some in the flock have chosen to voice their dislike of weekly communion by refusing to attend church as regularly as they were. In fact, there are whispers: Maybe if pastor sees the attendance dropping and money not coming in to meet our budget, he will stop this practice.
Do these people hear what they’re saying? “Stop, pastor! Stop offering us so much Christ! Stop, or else… .”
Could it be? Are some people really saying: We want more blessings! We want more members to join! We want more money for our storehouses! We want success! We want a place in the community! We want more stuff! But, we don’t want more Christ.
“Give us music, Pastor.” “Give us joy, Pastor.” “Give us opportunity to praise God, Pastor.”
But, Christ. The Word in human flesh here for us. Forgiveness for us. Abundant life for us…
Just not so much.
Ezerwoman's Blog 
Wow. You have no idea how encouraging it is to read this post, and to see the Spirit’s work in action. God bless you for this bold confession of faith.
People often wish for less Holy Communion because they have an idea that visitors will be turned off. As a brand-new Lutheran-in-training seven years ago, the exact opposite was the case for me.
As a newbie, my biggest problem and struggle with Lutheranism was not the liturgy, the hymnody, the vestments, or even closed Communion. My biggest struggle with Lutheranism was just how few Lutherans seemed to believe what their church taught about things like the Lord’s Supper. I’d go into church where Communion was being offered, and the church would be half-full. I was offended. “I thought these people believed that the body and blood of Christ was being offered here for the forgiveness of sins! If even they don’t seem to believe it, well, should I?”
I would have been utterly appalled at comments about wanting the Supper less frequently. After all these years, I still find this attitude baffling and upsetting.
Kelly, I agree wholeheartedly with your observations. I was frustrated because we normally attend the early service which has communion 1,3 and 5th Sundays – my entire reason was so I could get that extra Sunday’s communion. My husband recently began attending church with me and works late on overtime weekends (2am).
This morning he said we’ll have to attend the later church service so he can get some sleep. I didn’t say anything but inside I thought, I’m missing communion this week, NONONONONO!!!!!! I comforted myself with the realization he is prompting me that we won’t miss church even if he only gets a few hours sleep that day. This, from a man who had to be bribed to attend church not that long ago.
I do wish the lifelong Lutherans appreciated what is there and demanded weekly communion. It never ceases to amaze me they don’t care to receive this gift as often as they can. I really wondered if I was just an anomoly. I need all the Lord has to give.
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” This saying of Jesus could be applied to the lack of hunger for the Lord’s Supper. Perhaps in part it is that people don’t really recognize the gift for what it is, but at the same time, many people who do not understand why it needs to be there every week apparently don’t recognize their desperate need of God’s grace and mercy in Jesus. Luther says that we should go not only because of the command of Christ, but also because of our “own pressing need.” If we aren’t hungry, then we don’t see the need to eat.
Wow…I am shocked that there is grumbling about this. Sure, church goes a bit longer but really? All the more needed. While I am not a proponent of blindly following earthly shepherds, I think when one is leading us to more Jesus, I will be right behind him!