Question: Ministry before the Breaking of Bread?

Question

Should there be ministry either before or after the Breaking of Bread and should it be restricted to the theme of the meeting?

Answer

No rule should be laid down. The unsuitability of making any such rules must be apparent to all who recognize the presence and rights of the Spirit of God and His leading in the sundry activities on such a gathering of His people. When the Supper was instituted the Lord Jesus gave very lengthy verbal “ministry” – see John 12 to 17. Paul, at Troas, likewise ministered at length. A careful perusal of 1 Cor. 14, which seems to have the breaking of bread in view, will show that Paul makes provision for the ministry of the Word. Human rules, tacit or stated, tend only to quench the Spirit and fetter the saints.