Luther, The Original Millenial
NOVEMBER 2017
For many of us, the recent 500th anniversary of the Reformation afforded the opportunity to reflect on a movement that counts a billion members in present day. The shared belief in “grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone” has bound us together and informed our worship practice for centuries.
As I listened to educated theologians discuss Luther’s unwavering commitment to Scripture, I heard, too, his strong belief in a holistic church that served the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. His involvement with the creation of the “Common Chest” promoted education for all children, physician assistance to the sick who could not afford care, and provisions for orphans, among many other needs. This work was integrated into a holistic approach to church and community.
Five hundred years later, the often maligned millennial generation considers their world in a similar way. They don’t see a separation of values, service, employment, and community, but rather envision an existence where these elements converge. They shop at socially conscious stores. They look for service opportunities at their place of employment. They invest their resources through companies that assist the less fortunate.
Perhaps they learned from Luther’s example – and maybe it is we who could learn from them. Church, service, ministry, care, community – these are practiced by each us, as well as Millennials, every minute of every day. Sunday is when we all celebrate. Thank you, Martin, for having the courage to speak truth to power. And thank you to people and organizations like Saint John’s Program for Real Change, featured in this edition of our eNewsletter, as the present day embodiment of living out your calling.
With gratitude,
Paul C. Miles
President and CEO
Wheat Ridge Ministries