“You’re not okay, and that’s okay.”
These words, spoken by the Rev. Dr. Mark Tranvik during a recent Pivot Podcast episode, capture the heart of Martin Luther’s message – and its enduring relevance for the church today. As we commemorate Reformation Day, Mark, a professor of Reformation history and theology at Luther Seminary, joined the Rev. Drs. Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton to explore how Luther’s insights can breathe new life into 21st-century ministry.
The conversation began with a powerful reminder: Luther’s core question, “How do I find a gracious God?” may seem outdated in our secular age. Yet, as Mark pointed out, the underlying human search for identity and meaning remains as pressing as ever. “I think people are searching today for a core, for an identity,” he explained. “And they’re often looking in the wrong places.”
In a culture obsessed with image, status, and achievement, Luther’s radical emphasis on grace offers a desperately needed alternative. But how can church leaders translate this 500-year-old wisdom for today’s context? Here are five ideas.
1. Embrace the ‘New Creation’ Paradigm
Mark challenged listeners to move beyond a “progress” mentality in spiritual growth. “What has to happen as we speak the truth of the gospel is that we’re moving from this notion or this paradigm where we can progress a little bit, a little bit, a little bit, and then God gives us grace, and then things will be alright,” he said. Instead, we need to proclaim that “Jesus Christ has ushered in a completely new reality.”
This shift has profound implications for how we approach discipleship and spiritual formation. Rather than focusing on incremental self-improvement, church leaders can invite people into a radically new identity in Christ. Mark emphasized the power of biblical language like “You have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ,” and “It’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
The “new creation” paradigm also offers a powerful antidote to the exhaustion and burnout prevalent in our achievement-driven culture. Instead of constantly striving to earn God’s favor or prove our worth, we can rest in the finished work of Christ. This frees us to engage in spiritual practices and service not as a means of self-justification, but as a joyful response to God’s grace.
2. Reclaim the Language of Vocation
One of the most exciting aspects of Luther’s theology for today’s context is his robust understanding of vocation. “We’re called to reinvest in understanding of vocation or calling,” Mark explained. This isn’t just about finding the right career – it’s about helping people see that “God wants you to be here” and that we are “called 365/24/7 in [our] daily life to live out the life that Christ has given [us].”
For church leaders, this means moving beyond a clergy-centric model of ministry. It involves equipping all believers to see their everyday lives – as parents, workers, citizens, and friends – as arenas for participating in God’s mission. Mark described this as a “re-enchantment of the world,” helping people recognize God’s presence and purpose in all aspects of creation.
A reclaimed understanding of vocation can be particularly powerful in addressing the widespread sense of meaninglessness and disconnection in modern society. By helping people see their daily work and relationships as infused with divine purpose, church leaders can combat the secular-sacred divide that often leaves believers feeling that their “real” ministry only happens within church walls.
3. Leverage the Freedom of ‘Adiaphora’
One of the most liberating concepts from Lutheran theology is “adiaphora”—things that are neither commanded nor forbidden by Scripture. Mark explained that while the core of the gospel (Christ crucified and risen) is non-negotiable, many of our church structures and practices fall into this category of “things indifferent.”
This understanding can free church leaders to innovate and adapt their ministries for today’s context. Whether it’s worship styles, outreach strategies, or organizational structures, the concept of adiaphora encourages us to focus on what’s truly essential while remaining flexible in how we express it.
The principle of adiaphora can be particularly helpful in navigating generational or cultural differences within congregations. It provides a theological framework for distinguishing between timeless truths and cultural expressions, allowing for diversity in worship styles, dress codes, or community practices without compromising core beliefs.
Additionally, embracing adiaphora can foster a spirit of experimentation and creativity in ministry. It gives permission to try new approaches, learn from failures, and adapt to changing circumstances without fear of compromising the faith. This can be especially valuable in reaching younger generations or engaging with diverse cultural contexts, as it allows the church to remain relevant while staying true to its essential message.
4. Empower Lay Leadership
As many churches face clergy shortages and changing cultural expectations, Mark’s insights on lay leadership are particularly relevant. He acknowledged the shift from a clergy-led, lay-supported model to an increasingly lay-led, clergy-supported reality in many congregations.
While affirming the importance of trained clergy, Mark emphasized the need for robust catechesis and equipping of lay leaders. “How can we equip our laity to actually proclaim Word and sacrament in their daily interactions with people?” he asked. This involves helping people understand core theological concepts like the distinction between law and gospel, as well as practical skills in biblical interpretation and pastoral care.
A shift towards empowering lay leadership aligns well with Luther’s concept of the “priesthood of all believers.” It recognizes that all Christians have direct access to God and are called to minister to one another. By investing in lay leadership development, churches can tap into a wealth of gifts and experiences within their congregations, leading to more diverse and contextually relevant ministries.
5. Recover the Passion of the Gospel
Throughout the conversation, Mark returned to the transformative power of Luther’s core message. In a culture marked by exhaustion and burnout, the good news of God’s grace in Christ offers genuine liberation. “Luther’s word was a word of freedom,” Mark reminded listeners.
This freedom, however, isn’t an end in itself. It propels us outward in love and service to our neighbors, especially those who are marginalized or suffering. Mark challenged church leaders to recover the “boldness” and “passion” that characterized Luther’s approach, while also exercising pastoral wisdom in how quickly we implement changes.
A Word of Hope for Weary Leaders
Ultimately, Mark encouraged church leaders grappling with today’s ministry challenges. The Reformation wasn’t just about theological ideas—it was about rediscovering the liberating core of the gospel.
“It’s freedom,” Mark said, “it’s a passion then for the sake of the world, for the sake of creation, for the sake of the neighbor… It’s not a sort of, well, nothing matters and I’m free, but actually drives you deeper into God’s world and service in God’s world.”
In a time when many churches feel stuck or discouraged, this Reformation wisdom offers a compelling vision for renewal. It calls us back to the essentials of our faith while freeing us to reimagine how we live out that faith in our current context. As we navigate the complexities of 21st-century ministry, may we, like Luther, find the courage to proclaim afresh the liberating message of God’s grace in Christ.
