By Pastor Paul Hauschild
Chatfield and Root Prairie
Lutheran Churches
As the school year begins, so do our programs at church ramp up! Pastors and leaders get excited about more youth, children and families in church. What curriculum will we use? What topics and themes do we highlight? How can we bring out God’s story in a new and relevant way? What games should we plan and what snacks do we prepare? Over the decades, church programs have changed to meet the needs of our contemporary society, but some things have stayed the same and will always guide our church programs (and our lives!).
Ten years ago, I led a group to Germany to visit the cities that were important during the protestant reformation of the 16th century. I’ll be hosting the same tour next April, called “Lutherland & Bavaria.” (There are a few spots still available; feel free to contact me.) Key themes came out of the reformation 500 years ago that are still foundational today in all of our church planning and Christian living: Faith Alone, Grace Alone, and Word Alone! These three things are foundational to us and never change! Take a look and see how they can be highlighted in your lives.
By Faith Alone: “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17). Faith is much more than simple belief. It is trust and love, a relationship with Jesus. And faith is a gift we can receive wherever we are in life. It starts out like a seed and grows!
By Grace Alone: “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from ourselves; it is God’s gift …” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is being reconciled with God and neighbor, not by what we have done, but by what God has done for all of us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Now that we know we are saved by grace through faith, what do we get to do to help our communities and world?
By Word Alone: “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The belief that the Bible contains what we need to be reconciled to God and live righteously is important. Scripture is above all other authorities, including the church and tradition. Luther called the Bible the “cradle” of Christ. Let’s gaze at this great gift!
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