A Reaction to Pastor Matthew Scharf’s Essay “Gospel Ministry—Gift, Giver, and Getter”

Abstract

In this response to Matthew Scharf’s “Gospel Ministry—Gift, Giver, and Getter,” Steven J. Pagels affirms an understanding of the ministry of the Word grounded in Christ’s incarnation and God’s giving of salvation through external means of grace. He commends Scharf’s interpretation of Augsburg Confession Article V as primarily concerning the means through which the Holy Spirit creates faith, while highlighting his charitable engagement with proponents of a pastoral-office interpretation. Pagels extends the discussion through questions about ministerial identity, diversity within Lutheran traditions, and the relationship between embodied ministry and congregational worship. He emphasizes Christians’ identity as recipients and sharers of God’s gifts and invites renewed appreciation for physical presence in Christian witness and worship.

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