The Means of Grace in the Life of our Evangelical Lutheran Congregations

Abstract

This essay by Mark F. Bartling critiques contemporary trends in American Lutheranism, particularly the influence of the Church Growth Movement, Evangelicalism, and liturgical innovation. Bartling argues that these shifts often obscure the centrality of the Means of Grace—Baptism, preaching, absolution, and the Lord’s Supper—in congregational life. He calls for a return to confessional Lutheran theology, emphasizing Word and Sacrament as the true marks of the Church. Through historical references, doctrinal analysis, and visual theology (e.g., Cranach’s Wittenberg altar painting), Bartling illustrates how Lutheran identity is rooted in the visible Gospel. He warns against replacing the Theology of the Cross with a Theology of Glory and urges pastors to prioritize preaching and sacramental practice over programmatic ministry. The essay concludes with a call to reaffirm the Means of Grace as the source of spiritual vitality and church growth. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)