Devotion - Wednesday, October 31

Ignoring that it is All Hallow's Eve and the first day of the Habitat for Humanity Build on Bowman, I want to complete my sharing of the discussions I had on Reformation Sunday with folks down east.  We were talking about a new campus ministry at Coastal Carolina University, and how there is something unique we can offer the students.

The third reform Luther brought to the Church was to remind the Church that it exists to serve, not to be served.  The Church of Luther's childhood demanded much.  Your attendance was required, your devotion was demanded.  If you had any hope of confidence in your salvation, you had to remain on the good side of the priest and the parish.

The reforms which Luther began insisted that the role of the Church was to serve, not to be served.  As he envisioned the Church, Luther saw the Church as  a place where assurances could be found, a place where fears could be quieted.  The Church would address the concerns of the people.

I do not want to be too critical of the contemporary Church, but there are often indications that the highest value is on one's ties to the Church.  We have once more made dedication to Church the indicator of devotion to God.  I am a huge fan of Church and I encouage active participation; but the purpose of the Church is to serve, not to be the recipient of folk's service.

This is a reform which matches well the spiritual quest of young adults.  Having set aside blind allegiance to institutions, they are ready for a gathering place where the concerns of the neighborhoods are addresses.  There are many ways to understand the phrase, but "Spiritual but not Religious" expresses this.

We have much to offer the world and the worlds of those who are seeking to find God.  This is but one more more way in which the Church of which we are a part is poised to respond to the expressions of promise, sought by this generation.