Instead, we should save our lament for the families dependent on dual income, working two or more jobs, slammed with the cost of health care and education, who are consumed with kids’ activities, which are highly programmed because the world is not as safe as it was when we were growing up.
Sometimes in our institutional need for attendance, volunteers, pledges and relevance, we miss the needs and realities of our people.
The antidote, for me, rises from a Lutheran understanding of vocation, through which we can help people see their entire lives—and not just time spent at or for the church—as their ministry.
During the Reformation, Martin Luther argued that “a holy calling” was not just reserved for those in ordained ministry, it belonged to everyone. We call it the “priesthood of all believers,” but we often reduce the meaning of that to ministry done by lay people at, with and for the church.
Luther argued it extended far beyond church—into our homes, workplaces and neighborhoods.
Hear Luther on this:
“See to it first of all that you believe in Christ and are baptized. Afterward, see to your vocation. I am called to be a preacher. Now when I preach I perform a holy work that is pleasing to God. If you are a father and mother, believe in Jesus Christ and so you will be a holy father and a holy mother. Pay attention to the early years of your children, let them pray, and discipline. … Oversee the running of the household and the preparation of meals. These things are none other than holy works to which you have been called. That means that they are your holy life and are a part of God’s Word and your vocation.” -Martin Luther, 1534 Sermon
“Every person surely has a calling. While attending to it he serves God. A king serves God when he is at pains to look after and govern his people. So do the mother of a household when she tends her baby, the father of a household when he gains a livelihood by working, and a pupil when he applies himself diligently to his studies. … Therefore, it is great wisdom when a human being does what God commands and earnestly devotes himself to his vocation without taking into consideration what others are doing.” -Martin Luther Lecture on Genesis 17:9
Rather than wishing away the changes in culture, but far from simply accommodating them, let’s find a third way to talk about the life of faith, one in which parents can see all the shuttling around they do, the homework help, getting kids dressed and, yes, even watching their kid play hockey on Sunday morning as ministry in and of itself.
Let’s make their time at church something that renews and strengthens them for their ministry of family and parenting, rather than making them feel guilty for wanting to be at their kids’ games.
