Musings from the Pastor’s Desk for September 13, 2026

Luther’s Marks of the Church

Week 5: Ministry — Called to Serve

This is the fifth week of Luther’s Marks of the Church. Martin Luther identified seven visible signs, or “marks,” that help us recognize where the church of Jesus Christ is present. These marks are not merely doctrines we believe. They are gifts through which Christ continues to meet us, shape us, and sustain us. We experience all seven marks in our weekly liturgy.

Last week, the fourth mark was Forgiveness. Luther famously described Christians as both saint and sinner. We are people claimed by God’s grace who still make mistakes, hurt one another, and fail to do what we know we should have done.

This week, the fifth mark is Ministry. We are called to serve. When we hear the word ministry, we often immediately think of pastors. Pastors certainly have a calling within the church: preaching, teaching, administering the sacraments, offering pastoral care, and helping the community hear and live the Gospel.

But ministry is much broader than what the pastor does. Ministry belongs to the whole people of God. Luther spoke powerfully about the priesthood of all believers. Through Baptism, every Christian has a vocation, a calling to love God and serve the neighbor.

Ministry takes many forms. Visiting people who are lonely or in a care facility. Preparing meals for a grieving family. Teaching a child. Singing in and directing a choir. Repairing something at church. Generously giving money, time, or talents. Editing a weekly newsletter. Speaking up when another person is being treated unjustly. Praying for a struggling neighbor.

These may seem like small acts, yet this is often how Christ’s ministry unfolds. All these examples begin with a verb. Ministry is taking action for others, doing God’s work with our hands. We are Christ’s ears when we listen. We are Christ’s voice when we speak words of compassion, justice, or hope.

One wonderful Lutheran understanding of vocation is that God works through ordinary people doing ordinary things in love. You do not have to stand behind a pulpit to minister. Your home, workplace, and neighborhood can be places of ministry. A hospital room or nursing home can become a place where kindness, prayer, and encouragement reveal Christ’s presence.

God calls each of us. The question is not whether we have a ministry. Rather, the question is: Where is God inviting us to serve today?

Reflection: Where in your everyday life might God already be using you to extend grace, kindness, or hope to someone else?

Come join us in worship as we celebrate God’s Work. Our Hands Sunday. We will dedicate our Blessing Box, which feeds our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we will bless our hands for all the work we have done and will continue to do.

We worship at 10:30 AM and are also live on Facebook. Whether you come seeking healing, praying for someone you love, or simply longing for God’s peace, you are welcome.

Peace+

Pastor Eric