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Christ´s Lutheran Church |
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A congregation of the Metropolitan NY Synod |
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Returning to ministry with you this past month, I found things running so smoothly it seemed like I was never gone. Many thanks to the many of you who continued the ministry of this congregation in my absence. The fact that you were able to do so, and do so seamlessly highlights a specifically Lutheran idea: the ministry of the baptized. Luther, although he was a scholar, a former monk and ordained priest, frequently taught about and highlighted the "ministry of the baptized." Rather than seeing ministry as something that was reserved for a few who were "set aside" or given a "higher calling," Luther taught that it was up to ALL OF THE BAPTIZED to do God's work. Pastors were/are important, to be sure, but all of the people in the pews are also important in their own way. This idea has certainly not outlived its time! Indeed, it may be joy and an occasion to grow in one's faith when sharing in the ministry of the congregation. I'm glad some of you had the opportunity to do that while I was away and I look forward to continuing to share our ministry together in the months to come. |
It seems like I was never gone.
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This site was last modified on June 26, 2009 |
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